8 February 2021

Subject: Cambridge International May/June 2021 examinations, exemptions, and implications

Dear Parents,

This letter aims to explain how Cambridge International has planned to administer the May June 2021 exam
series during COVID-19 pandemic, and the possible exemptions suggested for students that have been
impacted by COVID-19 (please click on COVID-19 to view the related supplement issued by Cambridge). It also addresses
the steps taken by Beaconhouse to ensure students are well informed and prepared for the May/June exam
series.

What is happening with the Cambridge International O Level, IGCSE, and A-Level exams?

Cambridge International has assured us that they will be conducting the full exam series for O Level,
IGCSE, and A Level in May/June 2021, as exams remain the fairest way of assessing student achievement.
They have strongly recommended that all schools give their students the opportunity to sit the exams on the
full syllabus, wherever it is possible.

What is Cambridge International doing to cater to the impact of COVID-19?

Cambridge International has offered COVID-19 Exemptions in select subjects for coursework, speaking
tests, and science practicals (please click on exemptions to view the list). They have clearly stated in all their
communication that an exemption should be the ‘last resort’.

How is Beaconhouse managing the exemptions offered by Cambridge International?

We strongly recommend that the students appear in all syllabus components as it may lead to
consequences in terms of unfavourable students’ results (explained in the undertaking). Beaconhouse is
committed to complete the syllabus for the CAIE exams. We firmly believe that the syllabus requirements
need to be met without compromising the knowledge, skills, and competencies that are assessed in each
syllabus component. We value our commitment to the students and their parents and we will ensure that
students’ achievements and success are not compromised. The option for exemptions will be offered to
students/parents, however, Students will be required to study the entire syllabus even if they request an
exemption from any paper.
We have a comprehensive plan in place to ensure that the students are provided with the most appropriate
academic support and guidance by our dedicated staff and management to overcome the potential learning
losses created due to lockdowns and unexpected school closures. We expect that the students will also
take responsibility for their exam preparation as their result will be a reflection of their hard work and
commitment.

Beaconhouse is facilitating its students through:

● a variety of online resources, ● rigorous revision and reinforcement,

● lesson simulations / recorded lessons, ● personalized feedback sessions,
● exclusive exam prep sessions, ● mock examinations
● examination support material,

Furthermore, in the eventuality of the exams not taking place the above-stated plan will enable us to
collect sufficient learning evidence required to support our students.

What are the parents and students required to do?

It is extremely important that our students and parents fully understand that there are potential risks
associated with opting for exemptions. These risks are explained in the COVID-19 Exemptions:
Undertaking Form attached with the letter. We would request you to discuss them with your child in
detail before making a decision regarding exemptions.

If a parent would want their child to get an exemption in any particular component, they can do so by
filling out the COVID-19 Exemptions: Application Form. The link to this form will be sent via
SMS/email on Friday, February 12, 2021, and will be accessible through the students’ Beaconite email
IDs. The signed and scanned copy of the undertaking form will have to be submitted along with the
application form.

The last date to submit the application form is Friday, February 19, 2021.

If you have any further questions, please contact the school office.

We hope that the decision you take proves to be in the best interest of your child. We wish you the very
best at this challenging time.

School Administration
Beaconhouse
 COVID-19 Exemptions: Undertaking Form

I Mr. /Ms. _____________________________________,parent /legal guardian of my child

____________________________________, student of class _____________, Student ID.

__________________ in my personal capacity as well as on behalf of the student do hereby undertake

and confirm that my child will be opting for COVID-19 exemptions in the Cambridge International

May/June 2021 exam series:

I fully understand and acknowledge that:

❖ As per Cambridge International, this option may be exercised as the last resort.

❖ This option is not suggested by the school. The school is ensuring that all syllabus
requirements are fully met before the exams.

❖ The subject grade may not represent the candidate’s true performance because of possible
errors in the calculation of marks for the exempted component.

❖ Candidates who do not do well in the remaining assessment after opting for an exemption may
have a negative effect on their overall subject grade.

❖ In case the exams do not take place due to COVID 19, Cambridge International does not plan
to offer an alternative process to exams (as of now).

❖ Cambridge International/British Council is not providing any fee refunds for any exemptions
opted (as of now).

❖ In case a student decides to defer exams to the Oct/Nov 21 exam series, it may result in loss of
the academic year, negative implications on scholarships and university offers, and the school
will not be responsible for any consequences resulting from this decision.

The completed and signed form must be scanned and attached to the COVID-19 Exemptions:

Application Form. A signed hard copy of the form must also be submitted to the school office. The last

date to submit the form is Friday, February 19, 2021.

Parent Name: _______________________ Parent Signature: _________________________

Date: _______________________