We can confirm that Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Paper 21 (9702) taken in our administrative zones 2 and 3* on 20 May was shared prematurely against our strict regulations. We investigate such thefts promptly and thoroughly so we can understand the extent of the leak and determine next steps.
We know how disappointing this news is for our schools, students and their families. While the number of leaks remains very small, these thefts are disruptive and upsetting for students and schools working hard on their exams.
Our priority is to make sure we are fair to students who did not cheat, which is the vast majority. That means making sure those who cheated receive no advantage so that all students applying to university compete on an equal basis. Therefore, for Paper 21, senior assessment experts at Cambridge have concluded that we will use our well-established approach of 'assessed marks' for all candidates in administrative zones 2 and 3.
Assessed marks are a well-researched method, also used by other UK-based boards. We apply this method routinely in cases where candidates are absent from a paper for an acceptable reason, such as unexpected injury or illness on the day of the exam. Universities accept and trust results that use assessed marks. Our method cancels out the effect of an easy or difficult paper and reflects any difference in difficulty. Candidates can still get 100 per cent of the marks.
As a security measure, we are taking the precautionary step of replacing Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Paper 11 (9702), due to be sat in administrative zones 2 and 3 on Wednesday 3 June. The new paper will be available to centres as a digital file, which you will download and print on the exam day. We will share detailed information with you about how to do this by Wednesday 27 May.
The exam date and time will not change. The Key Time and time of access to the replacement paper must stay the same. This ensures all centres receive access to the paper at the same time and ensures the paper cannot be shared before the Key Time.
Centres must continue to hold the existing Paper 11 documents completely secure until they receive further instruction from Cambridge.
Our students work incredibly hard to prepare for, and take exams, and we value the trust placed in us to deliver fair results at the end of the exam process. Early access to exam materials, and the sharing of exam papers is theft. We will never tolerate any action that undermines examinations and the futures of the students who depend on them.
Our priority is to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by this incident and we continue to take all possible measures to protect the integrity of our exams. It is important that candidates continue to prepare for, and take, upcoming exams. We ask people only to trust official statements from Cambridge. Where there is a genuine issue, we will update schools and provide recommended next steps.
The Cambridge International AS & A Level results release date of 11 August remains unchanged.
We thank all our students and schools for their patience and ask them to await the updates.
*Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, and some countries in Latin America & the Caribbean
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