News

Research evidence shows International test scores show no decline

An Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment Independent Report on GCSE’s and KS4 reform, has been published with research which addresses the following areas:

• How England competes in international test scores
• The claim that there has been grade inflation
• The proposals to raise the level of challenge in examinations
• Familiarity with examination materials
• The desire to increase students’ motivation
• The plan for students only to be tested at the end of the course, rather than within a modular system
• The proposal that the use of controlled assessment should be restricted
• The proposal that examinations should not be tiered

Key findings from the Report indicate:

1. England’s scores on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) are generally close to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries’ average. There has been no decline.

2. Evidence for Grade Inflation is mixed and there is not a general trend.

Read the full report here.

Ed Milliband: 'We need more designing and creating'

Ed Milliband, Leader of the Labour Party, gave a speech at Google's Big Tent, 22 May 2013, where he reports on the decline in art and design lessons and why this is a step in the wrong direction. He says:
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Clarification regarding non-GCSE qualifications in wider accountability measures for 14-16 year olds in 2014 performance tables

Last month the DfE published details of how the wider accountability measures (‘Best 8’ and ‘value added’) will be calculated in the 2014 performance tables. The key points of this are as follows:
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Art & design A-level research

University of the Arts London have been working with research specialists CFE to investigate A-levels. The research findings published in 'Fit for purpose: A-level Art & Design' aimed to compare and contrast the structure, content, delivery and assessment of the A-levels in Art and Design currently offered by AQA, OCR, Edexcel and WJEC; To identify the key strengths and weaknesses of, as well as any issues with, the existing qualifications; and, to present an assessment of what an ‘ideal curriculum’ for A-level Art and Design might look like. The report findings can be read here.
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International Online Drawing Course for Teenagers

AccessArt in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University has launched an online drawing course for teenagers aged 13+. Aimed at widening their drawing experience this online course will also provide the opportunity for teenagers to share their work over the web, and receive feedback from peers and tutors, connecting them to a moderated, wider community. Students will complete two drawing assignments in their own time and space, upload their work for comment and then receive an AccessArt/Anglia Ruskin University certificate, and have the opportunity to exhibit their drawings in Cambridge School of Art.
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