S5. Ep1. The A Level Results Fiasco

Switchboard

Varsity’s Switchboard is back, spotlighting the issues directly affecting Cambridge students and bringing their voices to the forefront.

In this episode, hosts Isabel and Maddy discuss the controversy surrounding A Level results day 2020. Talking to prospective undergraduates who felt cheated out of their places, Switchboard asks: what happened? Who’s to blame? How did it affect students? And how will it impact the upcoming academic year in Cambridge?

We speak to Varsity's Ewan Hawkins about how the results algorithm was first developed and why it was destined to go wrong. (1:25).

Gather thoughts from offer holders Sharleen, Laurie and Tom, who each relay their unique experiences as offer holders at St. John's, Sidney Sussex and Selwyn, respectively. (8:50).

Before turning to the future, as Ewan discusses the new issues which have emerged as a result of the U-turn (23:55).

Finally, Olly Schönle, Selwyn College JCR President, talks us through how colleges are responding to the A Level results fiasco, specifically how they are preparing for a larger cohort whilst ensuring compliance with COVID-19 regulations. He also touches on the complaints of unfair discrepancies between colleges (25:00).

(Hosted by: Isabel Roberts and Maddy Fisher).

(Special thanks to: Matilda Head, Cameron White, Matthew Cavallini and Matthew Jeffries).

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