Blogs

A shot in the arm for A levels

Examinations & Qualifications
Two consultations over A level reform come to an end this week. Isabel Nisbet from the A Level Content Advisory Board, set up by universities to advise government on the changes, offers her reflections.

In April, I started a new job as executive director of the A Level Content Advisory Board (ALCAB), which had been set up in response to an invitation from the government to the Russell Group of universities.

My previous experience of A levels had been as the first CEO of Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications and exams in England, followed by three years working for Cambridge International Examinations in South East Asia and living in Singapore. 

As I flew back to the uncertain British summer, I wondered what I had let myself in for.

Policy decisions on assessment for A level had already been made: a move from modules to terminal exams, the controversial “decoupling” of the AS qualification, and a stiff regulatory test to be applied before “non-exam assessment”, such as coursework, could be included.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here