[SIMS] GCSE Results for Local Newspaper

[bastonc]

Hi all,

 

Each year our local newspapers ask us to send them our GCSE Results in certain formats. This year is our first time using SIMS and I wandered if there is an easy way to export the results in the following format (I have used reports in Facility in the past);

 

J Smith 4 (3); K Thompson 10 (8); B Brooks 10 (7)

 

The number following each name should represent the number of GCSE or equivalent passes and the number in brackets is the passes at grade C or above earned by the candidate.

[CAM]

Why are you being asked to send individual names? Newspapers do not need this information, they should only collect the averaged results like %A*-C, etc. Providing individual details is not only questionable from a DPA standpoint (even with names in the format you posted it still won't take much to work out who it is) but saying "Student X only scored 3 C grades out of 10 subjects" is likely to give papers something to spin into a school lets down students scandal.

[LosOjos]

@CAM is spot on - stop doing this right now! You could be in serious hot water if you continue. The paper has every right to ask for the schools results at a school level (i.e. % overall 5 A*-C) but you definitely should not be providing them pupil level detail!

[creese]

Absolutely agree. This is not a legitimate use of SIMS data.

[bastonc]

That is rather worrying then. The majority of schools in my area have been doing this for years. My school has been doing for at least the five years I have been here.

[creese]

Data Protection Guidance for Education Establishments - ICO

 

http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/sector_guides/~/media/documents/library/Data_Protection/Practical_application/DISCLOSURE_OF_EXAMINATION_RESULTS_TO_THE_MEDIA_FINAL_WEB_VERSION.ashx

[BKGarry]

our local "cluster" of schools have an agreement with one and other that no data is released to the local papers until the official RAISEonline report is out.

 

I do mirror what everyone else is saying, you must not send student specific information to the papers, it is the biggest one ever.

[bastonc]

Interesting from what I had read the Schools in my area haven't been doing anything wrong it just doesn't seem to be the done thing.

 

It will make my job easier on exam day though.

[LosOjos]

Interesting from what I had read the Schools in my area haven't been doing anything wrong it just doesn't seem to be the done thing.

 

It will make my job easier on exam day though.

 

That's a dangerous stance to take though when it comes to data. Yeah, there's no law specifically stopping you giving exam results to the papers, but did you ask for permission from the student/parents first? If not and just one person finds out and isn't happy, expect a sizeable fine from the ICO!

 

Where personal data is concerned, always gain permission before sharing (unless you have a legal/urgent medical obligation to share the data)

[creese]

I think it all hinges on why they want names. Why on earth would they? How much information would you be prepared to give to some unseen journalist or office person on a newspaper. Me? Very little indeed.

[bastonc]

Thank you all for your input into this matter. I will set up a meeting with my LEA and Senior Team to prevent the Schools in my area from becoming a story on the 10 o'clock news.

 

 

edit*

 

I have just spoke to one of the schools veteran members of staff who seem to recall that about 7 years back the school didn't send this information to the local papers and the school had many calls from parents wanting to know why the school hadn't.

 

I am all for not publishing the pupil specific results and will be pushing for the school to cease.

Edited July 8, 2013 by bastonc

[creese]

Thank you all for your input into this matter. I will set up a meeting with my LEA and Senior Team to prevent the Schools in my area from becoming a story on the 10 o'clock news.

 

Great idea. Well done.