ASCL welcomes decisive actions of Ofqual

ASCL very much welcomes the clear set of Ofqual recommendations to awarding bodies following its inquiry into examination errors last summer.

ASCL deputy general secretary (policy), Malcolm Trobe said
“Examinations are stressful events for many students and they should not be faced with papers that contain errors. Rigorous quality assurance processes must be in place for all assessments and  awarding organisations need to learn from the best practice identified in the report. It is, however, good to note that there were no errors in the November examination series and that the awarding organisations have been supportive of the inquiry’s aims.  The real test of the robustness of the changes the awarding bodies have put in place will of course come in the full summer 2012 examination series.  There are also lessons here for the government as any rapid change to the examination system will put the awarding organisations under significant pressure and test their quality assurance processes to the limit. All changes in the examination system should be carefully planned and phased in to ensure that teachers are given sufficient preparation time and the awarding bodies the necessary development time for new syllabuses and examination paper preparation.”

ASCL support Ofqual actions to secure the integrity of the January and summer 2012 examinations.

ASCL deputy general secretary (policy), Malcolm Trobe said

“It is essential that we have an examination system everyone trusts. Ofqual have clearly prioritised their actions to protect the integrity of the 2012 examination series and the decision to withdraw the January examination paper compromised will have everyone's support.”
“Teachers need appropriate advice and guidance on syllabus changes and assessment methodology but there needs to be a clear dividing line between such advice and information that indicates to teachers, or students, specifically what will appear in examination papers. Awarding organisations have a responsibility to ensure that this line is not crossed. We welcome the intention to review the role of awarding body seminars and it seems logical to combine this with Ofqual’s already announced plan to review the use of textbooks and training materials.”

21 December 2011