Cambridge students took to the streets to protest against the unexpected reduction of marks in the AS and A levels results.
The students expressed concerns about their academic future as they gathered outside the Karachi Press Club to voice their dissatisfaction with their results. They expressed worries about the grading process, citing the cancellation of A-level papers in Pakistan on May 9 and 12 due to the unrest in the city on political grounds.
"Instead of rescheduling the exams, average marking was employed, leading to unfavourable outcomes for the students," they said.
Only a handful of students received A and B grades, while a majority, including us, were left with C, and D grades.
Mashaal Tariq, the mother of an A-level student, criticised the grading system adopted by the British Council this time.
She noted that students who previously achieved A-grade scores experienced significant drop in their grades. Tariq highlighted the costly options for rechecking, ranging from Rs9,000 to Rs23,000 for checking of all papers and rechecking and re-marking.
Even with after paying this fee, there is no guarantee of improved marks, she added. She proposed an overhaul of the grading system to ensure fair results.
Ali Zafar, one of the protesting students, expressed his concern about the uncertain future faced by Cambridge system students. He mentioned that students who can afford it are considering rechecking their papers, some are contemplating retaking exams, and others are even considering changing subjects under the current situation.
Zafar called for flexibility from the British Council on the situation.
The parents stressed that the financial burden of Rs76,000 for three papers is unmanageable in the current challenging circumstances. The students call for a revision of grading standards or a re-examination of the papers to improve the overall results.
Parents, facing inflationary pressures, echoed this sentiment, advocating for a review of grading classifications or a reduction in the standards required. During the protest, students held banners inscribed with slogan "Cambridge Should Review Our Grades".
Published in The Express Tribune, August 16th, 2023.
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