#154

And in England

however…

#155

Fair dinkum. I’d missed that update.

#156
#157

The algorithm

  • Designed and tested over many years should this situation ever arise
  • Shit, we need an algorithm

0 voters

#158

I also think calling it an algorithm is probably generous.

11 Likes
#159

a side point and not the most important thing, but the ‘pay for a remark’ thing has always been pretty unfair to people who don’t have the money

i probably should have got a couple of my a-levels remarked, but no way in hell did I have 70 quid to throw at it.

1 Like
#160

I think (but don’t quote me on this) schools usually pay the fee for re-marks, as the numbers are so low in a normal year.

#161

Utterly heartbreaking

#162

You read some doom-laden stuff about algorithms sometimes don’t you, some people seem to think that it’s a logical progression of Deep Blue beating that guy at chess -> Amazon guessing what book you want to buy -> every facet of our lives being forecast by machines. I remember that Yuval Noah Harai getting into it. Really though they’re as reliable and competent as human beings aren’t they, and when the lads in charge are inept, bigoted cowards who’ve never had an independent thought in their lives, well…

#163

It was early 2000s for me, so it seems totally possible that it’s changed since then. back then it was up to you yourself to pay. good if it has changed

1 Like
#164

i’m surprised the algo and exam results link hasn’t been made more explicitly in the guardian and so forth

it’s a great example of how an algorithm reproduces inequalities that already exist

#165
17 Likes
#166

Really angry about all this
Would have pushed me into full nihilism if I was 17-18

#167

Yeah, we should be careful to not go “the algorithm! the robots!” because the instructions were given by humans (and it’s clear what they value).

3 Likes
#168

As grim as it all is, I’m quite reassured to see kids still going at the Government about this. It would be fun to see them force a Ministerial sacking/resignation after adults and the opposition had completely fucking failed at every opportunity.

3 Likes
#169

Update on this: 7/19 of her students (she teaches Biology and Chemistry) got downgraded, including both of them who had places to study medicine. One of those was still accepted, the other was bumped down to a foundation course (so it’s now a 6 year course instead of 5), but both accepted. One student who got into Cambridge (which is an enormous deal for her school) – predicted A*A*A, but given A*AA – was rejected, however, which stinks. (Although apparently he didn’t want to go: love it). Everyone who went through clearing managed to find a place quickly, though, which is good. I think only a couple decided to defer, too. I think because most of her students are the first in their family to go to University, they’re just grateful for any place, which is really lovely, tbh.

13 Likes
#170

Algorithm is just a word that someone uses in the hope you don’t ask too many questions.

4 Likes
#171

Sounds like some of the Tory backbench are starting to stick their heads up - probably the best chance of getting movement out of the government is pressure from that lot.

1 Like
#172

I can’t remember who tweeted it but a journalist mentioned something was brewing last week. Some backbench Tories still believe their party has principles (ha!) and feel this pisses on their ideology of self-made men/women. It’ll be interesting to see what the split is between Government ass-lickers and the folk who genuinely give a shit.

#173

Yeah. The more you think about this the more it makes zero sense on any level.