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08/12/2011
Report Finds Exam Remark Rise
A report published on Wednesday has revealed an increase in the amount of remarked exam papers, with almost 30,000 grades being changed across GCE and GCSE results.
More than 200,000 test papers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were sent for re-marking as pupils appeal their grades.
The report, published by qualifications regulator Ofqual shows that pupils preparing to apply to university made the most inquiries and were rewarded with the majority of remarks. The number of pupils at GCE appealing their grades has doubled since 2007, reaching almost 20,000.
A spokesperson for Ofqual said: "We have made it clear that this is an issue of significant interest to us. Exams must be run in a way that is fair and open to all candidates. We have introduced new regulations to tighten up the requirements awarding organisations must meet to make sure their commercial activities do not impact on the standards and integrity of qualifications. Failure to meet these standards will result in regulatory action.
The body announced it had recently launched a programme of work to look in detail at possible conflicts of interest in the provision of qualifications, in particular study aids such as text books and training sessions.
The news comes as Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, ordered an official inquiry into the exam system after an investigation found that examiners had been giving teachers advice on how to improve their GCSE and A-level results and exam questions at expensive seminars.
The undercover investigation by The Daily Telegraph found that teachers were paying up to £230 a day to attend seminars with chief examiners where they were advised on exam questions and the exact wording that pupils should use to obtain higher marks.
(DW)
More than 200,000 test papers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were sent for re-marking as pupils appeal their grades.
The report, published by qualifications regulator Ofqual shows that pupils preparing to apply to university made the most inquiries and were rewarded with the majority of remarks. The number of pupils at GCE appealing their grades has doubled since 2007, reaching almost 20,000.
A spokesperson for Ofqual said: "We have made it clear that this is an issue of significant interest to us. Exams must be run in a way that is fair and open to all candidates. We have introduced new regulations to tighten up the requirements awarding organisations must meet to make sure their commercial activities do not impact on the standards and integrity of qualifications. Failure to meet these standards will result in regulatory action.
The body announced it had recently launched a programme of work to look in detail at possible conflicts of interest in the provision of qualifications, in particular study aids such as text books and training sessions.
The news comes as Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, ordered an official inquiry into the exam system after an investigation found that examiners had been giving teachers advice on how to improve their GCSE and A-level results and exam questions at expensive seminars.
The undercover investigation by The Daily Telegraph found that teachers were paying up to £230 a day to attend seminars with chief examiners where they were advised on exam questions and the exact wording that pupils should use to obtain higher marks.
(DW)
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05 August 2009
Scottish Pupils Receive Exam Results
For almost 160,000 anxious pupils across Scotland the wait is finally over, as the Scottish Qualifications Authority today delivers their exam results. For the majority of pupils it will be good news, as pass rates from Access 3 to Advance Higher level remain stable with small improvements in attainment in most cases.
Scottish Pupils Receive Exam Results
For almost 160,000 anxious pupils across Scotland the wait is finally over, as the Scottish Qualifications Authority today delivers their exam results. For the majority of pupils it will be good news, as pass rates from Access 3 to Advance Higher level remain stable with small improvements in attainment in most cases.
12 September 2012
Welsh GCSE English Papers To Be Regraded
In ongoing controversy over GCSE English results, education secretary Michael Gove has attacked his Welsh counterpart as "irresponsible and mistaken" for ordering disputed GCSEs to be regraded. Mr Gove has been giving evidence to the education select committee's investigation into head teachers' claims of unfair GCSE grades.
Welsh GCSE English Papers To Be Regraded
In ongoing controversy over GCSE English results, education secretary Michael Gove has attacked his Welsh counterpart as "irresponsible and mistaken" for ordering disputed GCSEs to be regraded. Mr Gove has been giving evidence to the education select committee's investigation into head teachers' claims of unfair GCSE grades.
03 July 2012
Stop Exam Boards Fighting To Offer The Easiest Exam, Says Education Committee
After a long inquiry the UK Parliaments Education Committee has concluded that competition between exam boards creates significant pressure to drive down standards in exams and that the time is right for fundamental reform.
Stop Exam Boards Fighting To Offer The Easiest Exam, Says Education Committee
After a long inquiry the UK Parliaments Education Committee has concluded that competition between exam boards creates significant pressure to drive down standards in exams and that the time is right for fundamental reform.
25 August 2011
'Record-breaking Results' For GCSE Students
Around 750,000 students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their GCSE results today in another year of record-breaking results. The number of top grades awarded to students has risen every year since the exams were first introduced in 1988 and it was revealed that just under 70% of results were awarded a grade between A* and C.
'Record-breaking Results' For GCSE Students
Around 750,000 students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their GCSE results today in another year of record-breaking results. The number of top grades awarded to students has risen every year since the exams were first introduced in 1988 and it was revealed that just under 70% of results were awarded a grade between A* and C.
09 May 2005
GCSE exam papers to be replaced
Around half a million GCSE exam papers are being replaced after papers were stolen from one delivery van and more were reported as ‘lost’ from another van. The papers from the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) examination board are for exams in French, science and history.
GCSE exam papers to be replaced
Around half a million GCSE exam papers are being replaced after papers were stolen from one delivery van and more were reported as ‘lost’ from another van. The papers from the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) examination board are for exams in French, science and history.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
