Teachers To Be Barred From Setting Exam Papers?

Teachers in the UK could soon find themselves barred from setting their own exam papers after an Ofqual inquiry was launched in the summer following revelations that teachers at some leading independent schools in England leaked exam questions to students. According to the Daily Telegraph, educators employed by exam boards would only be permitted to come up with individual questions, which would then be selected at random for future tests. Another idea being considered is allowing teachers to set exams but prevent them from teaching the courses to their own students. Or teachers could be allowed to prepare multiple exam papers but without knowing which one would be the official version – so no teachers would know what the questions are going to be. “It is important that teachers continue to set exam questions to ensure they are relevant and valid. Any new safeguards should be proportionate and ensure probity whilst ensuring hardworking teachers are not put off becoming examiners,” chair of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference Chris King observed. On the day before (November 28th), headmaster of Eton School Simon Henderson admitted that eight teachers employed by the school also worked as examiners, which means they also set the exam questions. He went on to say that although it's true a number of teachers are involved in setting these exams, Eton has brought in new safeguards to prevent instances of cheating in the future. For example, teachers aren't allowed to tell pupils they're examiners and both students and staff members are now actively encouraged to report any concerns they may have. To find out more about teaching assistance courses in the UK, get in touch with us today. Featured image: Pexels