October 2015
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This conference focused on challenges facing England's examination system including improving the quality of marking, implementing qualifications reform, regulating awarding bodies, and utilising technology.
In light of the proposals in the Ofqual Corporate Plan and the announcement of a comprehensive research programme into the comparability of new exam papers, delegates discussed issues around the validity and reliability of existing marking practices, as well as the changes required following the introduction of the new GCSE and A-level qualifications. They also considered the future of England's exams appeals system following Ofqual's plans to overhaul the results inquiries system, as well as what more can be done to reduce instances of exams malpractice and plagiarism.
Further sessions discussed advances in the use of technology in the examinations system including greater use of on-screen marking and the potential benefits of e-assessment, as well as barriers to its wider introduction.
The future for England's exam market was also discussed, including: new providers joining the market, the impact of competition between awarding bodies on the quality, cost of exams and the impact on the qualifications market of the Government's decision to exclude iGCSEs from league tables.