Ofqual Chief Executive outlines challenges to universities at A level event
Thursday, 02 December 2010 17:09
Ofqual Chief Executive Isabel Nisbet was among the key speakers at a Westminster Education Forum event this morning (Thursday, December 2).
The keynote seminar was titled 'The future of the qualifications and assessment system – A level reform and university entrance'.
Isabel's presentation, ‘The view from the exam regulator’, covered a number of topics, including:
- The role of Ofqual
- How Ofqual’s work relates to university entrance
- Recent changes to A levels, including the introduction of the A* grade
- The Education White Paper’s content on qualifications
To close her presentation, Isabel outlined Ofqual's challenges to Higher Education providers.
Speaking after the event, she said: "Our role ensures A levels are awarded fairly and consistently, and are fit for purpose as a basis for selection for university entrance.
"But we feel there are also challenges for the Higher Education sector to help meet the needs of learners at these increasingly competitive times.
"The HE sector needs to work harder at ensuring all learners get clear and timely information about what is required from them. The system should have fairness at its heart and it should not be the case that students with the best advisors have a competitive advantage.
"It would also be beneficial if there were common ground in the requirements of different universities for the same subjects.
"Ofqual is also interested in moving towards one common qualifications framework covering all education and training. We look forward to working with the Higher Education sector to help address these challenges."
Isabel Nisbet’s presentation can be found below.
The Westminster Education Forum event took place at the Telford Theatre in London.
Presentation:
Notes:
- For more information contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342 or 07798 924552 (out of hours).
