Ofqual is commissioning an important research project looking into the impact of the pandemic on students’ learning. We want to explore different experiences of learning during the pandemic through a series of focus groups, with an emphasis on students who will be taking GCSEs, A levels, and certain vocational qualifications in the summer of 2021, as well as their teachers and parents or carers.
As a parent or carer, we would like to invite you to take part in a focus group in mid-May with up to 5 other parents or carers, to discuss how the pandemic has impacted your child’s learning and your views on the plans for assessment in 2021. The focus group will be run virtually on a Zoom Videoconference session, lasting up to one hour.
Although the project is being commissioned by Ofqual, it will be run completely independently of Ofqual by Professor Roger Murphy and Associate Professor Tina Isaacs. They will be responsible for running the online focus groups. Both researchers have been DBS checked for this project.
If you would like to take part or simply find out more please email us at learning.loss@ofqual.gov.uk. We can also arrange a short one-to-one telephone interview with a small number of parents or carers if you are unable to attend a focus group.
Participation is entirely voluntary and participants can withdraw from the research at any time during the project, including after the focus group has taken place.
