CALL FOR EVIDENCE: Exam Boards
The last few years have seen an increase in concerns over GCSE and A-level exams marking process, aside from the fundamental issue with comparing pupils’ examination results after using different means of measuring their ability.
The marking crisis of 2014 saw one exam board heavily criticised by Ofqual Chief Regulator for the delay in marking A-level papers, who stated that the consequences of not delivering the marks on time would have been catastrophic.
The number of exam papers regraded on appeal has increased significantly, with the rate of appeals also having gone up by 50% in one year.
Estimating grades due to papers getting lost in the post, marking papers wrong or releasing exam papers which include mistakes are issues schools were faced with in recent years during GCSE and A-level examinations.
SCHOOLS NorthEast is launching a call for evidence from schools, as we investigate Head Teachers’ concerns around exam boards, which stem from this Summer’s standard of marking. We ask schools to come forward with stories – negative and positive, about their experience of GCSE and A-Level exam papers, marking process and grades, as well as proposed solutions.
Please email SCHOOLS NorthEast Director Mike Parker to submit evidence.