Ofqual compares A Levels with world

Research by regulator Ofqual to compare international qualification standards is attracting attention from across the world.

Ofqual’s report, International Comparisons in Senior Secondary Assessments, will compare A Levels with a variety of qualifications taken in countries to prepare them for university level education.

The study will consider the purpose of the qualification, investigate material such as examination papers and mark schemes, and review specifications to make judgments and determine best practice.

Dennis Opposs, Ofqual’s director of standards, said: “It is important that England’s qualifications can compete with the best in the world.

“We are making significant progress on the study that is already underway, and our findings will identify best practice that will inform any future development of A Levels.”
Ofqual’s subject experts are currently reviewing material from Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, New South Wales (Australia), South Korea, Hong Kong, New York State (USA), Alberta (USA) and the ACT (formerly the American College Test).

Ofqual’s international work will continue with further studies across a wide rang of age groups, including a project to look at the assessments taken by 11 year-olds in literacy, mathematics and science.

There has also been further discussion with education experts in South Korea in mind for a proposed visit to the country, and also with authorities in France and Shanghai, to gain access to more material.

Mr Opposs added: “We are also preparing to expand this work to cover other qualifications and age groups, with a specialist team now set up to lead this work. It is pleasing to see the interest in this study growing in out partner countries, and we are especially looking forward to welcoming the delegation from South Korea to discuss their involvement.”

The findings of the research will be presented in a final report by Ofqual to be published later this year.

Mark Astley