Schools receive guidance for e-assessments

QCA tests and systems ready for online examination

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is working to help 4,000 secondary schools cope with the switch to e-assessments.

More than 40,000 pupils had their IT skills tested online for the first time this summer, in a QCA pilot project to assess their technical abilities.

Statutory online tests will be extended to more than half a million year-nine students (aged 13 and 14) annually by 2008.

Martin Ripley, head of e-strategy at the QCA, says e-assessment deadlines are approaching fast, and ensuring readiness will be the top priority for the authority over the next 12 months.

‘From my point of view, QCA is ready,’ said Ripley. ‘Our tests are ready, our systems are ready, but schools are not.

‘2007 is a year when we need to ensure that every school is involved, that absolutely everything works, and that the Department for Education and Skills can get the results it is looking for.’

Schools must be prepared to use the test as soon as possible, says Ripley. The 400-plus schools involved in the summer pilot have already prepared for the test, and nearly all of those involved have had positive experiences, he says.

‘Even those that have had technical problems know what they have to do, and they can step up to the mark when required,’ he said.

‘But we know that at the other end are 80 to 100 schools, which we know by name, that have technology which is going to require significantly more investment and manpower to get them up and ready.’

Ripley says the standard of technology in the remaining 3,000-plus secondary schools has yet to be evaluated.

‘Our main strategy there initially is communication, to get schools signed up and ready for the test,’ he said.