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	A level exams in 2003

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A level exams in 2003

Students and their parents will want reassurance about the standards of A level, about how they are marked and awarded grades . That information is available on the Exams Process section of this site.

Most importantly, they will want re-assurance that the problems with the 2002 results will not happen again in 2003.

The Tomlinson enquiry into A level standards, which reported in December 2002, made several suggestions to improve the system.

QCA has:

set up an examinations taskforce to oversee the delivery of the January and June 2003 examinations
asked Mike Tomlinson to report publicly on the conduct of these exams
provided further clarification of the relative standards of, and the relationship between, AS and A2
produced descriptions of performance at different grade boundries, to be used by examiners
for some large-entry subjects, produced examples of work at different grade boundries so that examiners (and in due course teachers) can compare them with students' exam papers and coursework
strengthened the code of practice that governs how awarding bodies should translate marks into grades
appointed independent observers to report on awarding meetings.

In addition, QCA and the awarding bodies are taking steps to ensure that there are enough markers to get the results out on time. Extra funds have been allocated for this.

A levels remain qualifications in which students, parents, employers and higher education can have confidence. While there is discussion on longer-term questions about examinations and curriculum, and whether some form of Baccalaureate might be developed, any such development is longer-term. QCA’s first priority is to make sure that the existing system works for all involved.

Other publications

> Tomlinson’s final report (300kb)
> Tomlinson’s interim report

QCA web links

> Statement on A level standards
> Review of A level awarding in 2002