Menu
21/12/2011
Ofqual Orders Paper Re-Write
The exam regulator Ofqual has ordered the re-writing of an exam paper after it emerged some exam boards were offering pre-exam advice to teachers.
The watchdog threatened further action after investigating the reports into exam boards saying it found a "clear breach" of rules at a WJEC exam board seminar about a GCSE ICT paper.
Ofqual said that as a result of the work carried out so far, it had identified that inappropriate information about a GCSE ICT paper from WJEC due to be sat in January had been shared.
A spokesman said that to protect the integrity and security of the qualification the regulators will make sure the paper is withdrawn, amended and sat at a later date.
"This will not impact on when candidates will be able to finish their full GCSE course," the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Glenys Stacey, Ofqual Chief Executive, said: "We welcome the work that the Daily Telegraph has done to bring these concerns to light. The information provided is a valuable contribution to our wider programme of work, already underway, into possible conflicts of interests among exam boards.
"This update outlines our initial plans and findings and the actions taken to protect future exams. Where we have found evidence that a question paper has been compromised we have taken action. We are continuing our work to study the material provided by the Daily Telegraph. There is no evidence at this stage that other exams in January are similarly affected."
(DW)
The watchdog threatened further action after investigating the reports into exam boards saying it found a "clear breach" of rules at a WJEC exam board seminar about a GCSE ICT paper.
Ofqual said that as a result of the work carried out so far, it had identified that inappropriate information about a GCSE ICT paper from WJEC due to be sat in January had been shared.
A spokesman said that to protect the integrity and security of the qualification the regulators will make sure the paper is withdrawn, amended and sat at a later date.
"This will not impact on when candidates will be able to finish their full GCSE course," the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Glenys Stacey, Ofqual Chief Executive, said: "We welcome the work that the Daily Telegraph has done to bring these concerns to light. The information provided is a valuable contribution to our wider programme of work, already underway, into possible conflicts of interests among exam boards.
"This update outlines our initial plans and findings and the actions taken to protect future exams. Where we have found evidence that a question paper has been compromised we have taken action. We are continuing our work to study the material provided by the Daily Telegraph. There is no evidence at this stage that other exams in January are similarly affected."
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
25 May 2012
AQA Criticised For Jewish Prejudice Exam Question
An exam board has been criticised for a religious studies exam paper asking candidates to explain, "Why some people are prejudiced against Jews". Education Secretary Michael Gove said to suggest anti-Semitism could ever be explained was "insensitive and, frankly, bizarre.
AQA Criticised For Jewish Prejudice Exam Question
An exam board has been criticised for a religious studies exam paper asking candidates to explain, "Why some people are prejudiced against Jews". Education Secretary Michael Gove said to suggest anti-Semitism could ever be explained was "insensitive and, frankly, bizarre.
28 November 2008
Government To Buy RBS
The Government is to take up 57.9% ownership of the Royal Bank of Scotland. The government will pay about £15bn for the majority stake in RBS after shareholders failed to buy a large proportion of the new shares the bank had offered. It will also buy £5bn of preference shares in the bank.
Government To Buy RBS
The Government is to take up 57.9% ownership of the Royal Bank of Scotland. The government will pay about £15bn for the majority stake in RBS after shareholders failed to buy a large proportion of the new shares the bank had offered. It will also buy £5bn of preference shares in the bank.
18 January 2006
BMA proposes greater role for community-based medicine
A future picture of care outside hospitals where, alongside normal GP surgeries, patients have access to a new-style community-based resource equipped with diagnostic facilities, outreach specialist services and social services staff, is at the centre of the British Medical Association’s (BMA’s) submission to the Government’s White Paper consultati
BMA proposes greater role for community-based medicine
A future picture of care outside hospitals where, alongside normal GP surgeries, patients have access to a new-style community-based resource equipped with diagnostic facilities, outreach specialist services and social services staff, is at the centre of the British Medical Association’s (BMA’s) submission to the Government’s White Paper consultati
-
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.
