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2008 AOC Exam Officers' Conference Review

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The main theme for this year's AoC Examinations conference was the new Diploma which is being introduced for 14-19 year olds from September 2008. The conference was attended by over 100 examinations staff from across the FE sector along with representatives from a number of awarding bodies.

The first keynote session was presented by Sandra Stalker (QCA, Strategic Manager 14-19 Curriculum Qualification and Skills), this focused on the general introduction to the structure of the Diploma qualification along with details of the QCA's implementation process. The second session was on the Diploma Aggregation Process and was presented by Richard Fitzpatrick (QCA, Head of Readiness & Implementation & Strategic Systems Group). This focused on the Diploma processes supported by their new central software system which had previously been known as the Minerva system. Whilst this was more operationally focused, there were clear doubts in the minds of the audience regarding the efficiency of some the processes detailed. Following a summary session presented by John Perks, Technology Manager AOC there was then an opportunity for college staff to discuss the topics.

As Capita was the main sponsor for the conference, we had the opportunity for a brief platform session on the first day. We chose to use this session to bring to the fore the failings of the EDI systems which currently exist between centres and awarding bodies and the clear sector need for a new single, all embracing and regulated EDI system. This was not a newly recognised issue, as NAA had started its Exams Modernisation project in 2004 but as that had been quietly dropped some time ago, no progress is currently being planned. Along with the conference presentation (led by Adrian Kilburn, Product Manager) Capita had produced a detailed paper on the issues facing college exams staff which is available below to download. It was our explicit intention to bring this critical topic back to the surface, gather support from the sector and then pass the reactivated issue to AoC in order for them to pursue progress with QCA and other government agencies. As might have been expected, this presentation was very well received by the audience and resulted in many supportive comments - 'At last, someone understands!' was heard several times. Over 70 of the conference attendees indicated their immediate support and that total has now grown to well over 100 - including several college principals.

Download the paper 'Are the current exams data transfer processes really fit for purpose in the 21st Century?'

Download Capita's conference presentation
Follow this link to add your name in support of the campaign
Closing date for submission is 18th April 2008

Day two of the conference saw further sessions on the Diploma theme both from Awarding bodies and other agencies such as the Learner Registration Service who will be allocating Unique Learner Numbers (ULN) to all post-14 students.

Within the conference programme, there was opportunity for exams staff to meet with their MIS supplier in a formal 'user group' setting to discus both general and specific issues. As there were no items of concern raised, we used the opportunity to demonstrate the UNIT-e ULN software and other recent enhancements to the exams suite.

In summary, it was a successful conference both in terms of the AoC intended theme of Diploma readiness and in terms of our intention to revitalise the call for a thorough review of the EDI systems in place.

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