Hilary Sargeant, NAHT Secondary Consultant, writes about her work.Finally, the Government has listened to our concerns about the ever rising costs of examination fees and an enquiry into the efficiency of the system has been announced. It has been noted that the second largest item on most secondary school budgets, after staffing costs, is that of the examination fees. Individual examination costs rise. The....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=8Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:30:19 GMT20080425023019Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:30:19 GMT20080425023019Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:30:19 GMT20080425023019QCA have just announced that the Cambridge pre-U examination, introduced as an alternative to the current A level, has been approved and will now enter the list of available qualifications for schools. It was important that the alternative qualification met the criteria set down by the qualifications and curriculum authority and the new....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=9Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:31:31 GMT20080425023131Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:31:31 GMT20080425023131Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:31:31 GMT20080425023131The IEA has now been awarded its Royal Charter and has held its first Conference under the new header. This was at the Novotel in Euston on Wednesday and Thursday, April 23rd and 24th and they gathered together a range of interesting and important speakers on assessment. The highlight was the keynote speech by Dylan Wiliam (famous for his work with Paul....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=10Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:48:15 GMT20080428104815Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:48:15 GMT20080428104815Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:45:02 GMT20080626124502The trials and tribulations of the new contractor, E.T.S. Europe, have been the subject of many a conversation. NAA still say that marking and processing is on track and that the SAT results will be received on time. At NAHT we have heard of so many stories of uncollected scripts, discontented markers and the problems of the helpline. As last year, we will be sending out a questionnaire to find out about the specific difficulties this year (and will be able to compare this....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=23Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:24:53 GMT20080627082453Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:24:53 GMT20080627082453Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:24:53 GMT20080627082453I was pleased to note that Ofqual have asked the University of Durham for more information about their findings that some A levels are harder than others. I don't think the results came as any surprise to us. We know that certain subjects have a significant reputation for being more difficult to study (Physics of course is one of them) and there tends to be a barrage of bad press for "easy " ones such as Media Studies. Ofqual need to establish themselves and this....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=24Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:37:17 GMT20080701103717Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:37:17 GMT20080701103717Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:37:17 GMT20080701103717It is now official. The SAT results will be delayed. This comes amid dire warnings about the accuracy and reliability of the marking. NAA have taken it all very seriously but dealing with ETS Europe appears to have been extremely difficult (to put it mildly). When we have raised our concerns with them, they have been very interested and have steered many of their resources to try to deal with it. They know what the problems have been. They have done what they can to....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=27Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:07:41 GMT20080705080741Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:07:41 GMT20080705080741Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:07:41 GMT20080705080741I have been hearing of schools who have been badly hit by the DCSF sudden change to the criteria for eligibility for a second specialism. Overnight they seem to have "raised the bar" and now it is 65% 5A-C including English and Maths whereas it was set at 60% I have even heard of one school who received a plaque for the second specialism and a letter withdrawing it during the same week ! This is a crazy world. If you have any examples,....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=28Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:01:51 GMT20080708020151Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:01:51 GMT20080708020151Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:01:51 GMT20080708020151By now you may, or may not, have had your SAT papers returned to you. Members are phoning headquarters with a range of concerns and we are seeking to keep track of the current situation. You must, of course, also report any issues you have in accordance with the proper procedures. If you do have problems with the quality of marking or any other aspect of the KS3 process, please let us know at headquarters by emailing hilarys@naht.org.uk Many thankshttp://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=29Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:34:05 GMT20080711083405Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:34:05 GMT20080711083405Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:47:12 GMT20100409104712I know this may seem premature in the light of the ongoing furore about the SATs marking, but when you think of the longer term impications, it is even more alarming. SAT results form the basis of so much of the statistical evidence that schools are being urged to use. SAT results build further and further on the basis of SAT results - KS2 to KS3 - and then KS3 to GCSE etc. OfSTED and so many others use the statistical patterns as a basis for judgements. If the baseline....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=33Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:48:57 GMT20080718124857Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:48:57 GMT20080718124857Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:48:57 GMT20080718124857There are a number of schools experiencing serious difficulties with funding for their Sixth Form for the forthcoming year. Expanding schools in some cases are not receiving sufficient resourcing for the anticipated numbers and this, in the light of a general tightening of budgets, means they are facing significant problems. The situation has not been helped by the schools who have overestimated the numbers of students as this has had an impact on the way in which the funding is to be....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=35Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:18:49 GMT20080725091849Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:18:49 GMT20080725091849Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:18:49 GMT20080725091849In the last weeks before the Diplomas become a reality for students in years 10 and 12, the controversy refuses to go away. There are still criticisms from a number of angles, relating to publicity, take up, credibility, and readiness of the staff to teach the new courses. NAHT has a number of members directly involved in the new style courses and it is clear that a huge amount of effort and imagination has gone into making the courses attractive and valuable to pupils. Delays and....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=38Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:34:32 GMT20080729083432Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:34:32 GMT20080729083432Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:34:50 GMT20080729083450Thank you to colleagues for all the information and issues relating to the SATs this year. Now that the results of the GCSEs and A levels are into schools, we would like to invite you to comment and raise concerns and issues which we can take forward with OfQual and others. We will be sending a questionnaire electronically to all the Secondary members for whom we have accurate email addresses. In this we will be asking for further detail, if possible. Please note that, although we....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=42Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:46:02 GMT20080829114602Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:46:02 GMT20080829114602Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:46:02 GMT20080829114602Just in case you missed the flyer which was sent out to all members, this blog item is to remind you of the excellent Secondary Conference we are holding on October 9th and 10th 2008. Specialist secondary speakers will include : Ken Spours and Ann Hodgson (Institute of Education and exceptionally well versed in the Diplomas), Professor Alma Harris and Mike Tomlinson. This event will be held at the same venue as the other NAHT conferences, an experiment which has great potential. In....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=44Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:11:57 GMT20080902041157Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:11:57 GMT20080902041157Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:11:57 GMT20080902041157The Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors has already begun to make quite a name for itself during the first few years of existence. They have been awarded a Royal Charter and have promoted educational assessment CPD, in conjunction with a number of universities. Their annual Conference has become one of the most useful events of the calendar, attracting speakers like Dylan Wiliam and other key figures. They are just about to introduce a new category of membership, at the point....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=45Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:33:07 GMT20080909033307Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:33:07 GMT20080909033307Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:33:07 GMT20080909033307This blog item is really a big thank you. We sent out by email to our secondary members a questionnaire on this year's examination series, as we did last year. There has been a tremendous response so far -much faster and more detailed than in the past. May I ask that others also send in your concerns. We are able to raise these general issues with the appropriate bodies (Examination Boards, QCA, NAA and OfQual) at meetings over the coming weeks. This, of course, does not replace....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=47Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:21:17 GMT20080916042117Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:21:17 GMT20080916042117Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:21:17 GMT20080916042117After everyone commenting to DCSF and DIUS and anyone else involved in the 14-19 developments, the penny has finally dropped that Information, Advice and Guidance are of the greatest importance. What will be put in place to support this is yet to become fully clear. DCSF have commissioned NFER, in association with NICEC/CRAC to carry out research into the training needs of careers co-ordinators with a view to developing a new national professional qualification which will meet their....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=50Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:04:18 GMT20081001080418Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:04:18 GMT20081001080418Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:04:18 GMT20081001080418The Forced Marriages Act 2007 has now come into effect and it requires public authorities to "have regard to the guidance" over such issues. It also makes it very clear that forced marriages are regarded as a form of chid abuse and a breach of human rights. Colleagues who have worked in areas where this has been an issue are very much aware that the response from schools can be extremely delicate and even dangerous and it is wise to take good advice before embarking on certain courses of....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=52Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:27:47 GMT20081006092747Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:27:47 GMT20081006092747Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:27:47 GMT20081006092747There is currently a consultation on the proposed new monitoring and enforcement powers for Ofqual. NAHT will be submitting a response on behalf of members and this will appear later on the website.http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=55Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:42:43 GMT20081022124243Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:42:43 GMT20081022124243Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:42:43 GMT20081022124243Since September, schools have been delivering the new A level courses to their students and now that they have had nearly a term, it is likely that issues are beginning to emerge. NAHT meet regularly with QCA and are in a position to feed back any comments, positive or negative, that members may have about the new specifications and the practicalities of their delivery If you would like to comment, please either comment on this website below, or feel free to email me on....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=66Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:55:02 GMT20081119115502Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:55:02 GMT20081119115502Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:55:02 GMT20081119115502QCA have announced that they are consulting on the proposed cross-referencing between the QCF and the European Qualification Framework. This consultation runs until February 3rd 2009 and will be used to inform developments taking place in March 2009. NAHT will be taking part in this consultation and it will be posted on the website in due course. Any comments should be sent to me at hilarys@naht.org.ukhttp://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=80Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:46:21 GMT20090105114621Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:46:21 GMT20090105114621Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:46:21 GMT20090105114621The latest suggestion for helping with staffing difficulties in schools which are known to be difficult is to allow the Governors to pay an extra &163;10,000 for a three year commitment. Is this the answer ? Undoubtedly, cash is a powerful incentive but there are so many other factors which influence a good teacher in deciding where to teach. Probably a greater incentive is job security. It is absolutely clear now that working in a more difficult school can be....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=84Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:05:08 GMT20090114120508Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:05:08 GMT20090114120508Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:05:08 GMT20090114120508As the whole 14-19 agenda grew and grew, so did the QCA website dedicated to this particular phase. The final result was of course, one of the most unfathomable websites you could have ever imagined. Instead of their previous approach which was to require people to search for everything, they now have a much more streamlined site, well presented and clearer to navigate. Of course, they would appreciate feedback, but at first glance, this is a much welcomed stephttp://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=100Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:23:35 GMT20090306032335Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:23:35 GMT20090306032335Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:23:35 GMT20090306032335The latest developments in the newly upgraded QCA website include a function which will allow teachers and lecturers involved in delivering the first lines of learning in the Diploma to communicate quickly and easily online. QCA Direct encourages feedback and comment and it is hoped will develop to establish online surveys. There is so much excellent work being undertaken in this first year of the new qualification that it is vital to capture issues and examples of good practice and this....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=110Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:16:51 GMT20090331011651Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:16:51 GMT20090331011651Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:16:51 GMT20090331011651Members may have read an article published in the &8216;Times&8217; on June 10th that purports to summarise research carried out on behalf of QCA and AQA. Findings were presented at the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors&8217; annual conference held in early May. The article can be placed in the broad media genre of &8216;teacher bashing&8217; and within the sub-section entitled &8216;standards&8217;. It presents one aspect of the research but fails to place....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=135Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:11:08 GMT20090610021108Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:11:08 GMT20090610021108Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:11:08 GMT20090610021108The Public Accounts Committee&8217;s report into the progress of BSF to date and its future prospects was released today. There have been rumblings for quite some time about the problems associated with the initiative and the report serves to bring these together. The full report can be found at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmpubacc/274/274.pdf It makes depressing reading both in identifying the prospects for BSF and also in identifying the manifold....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=136Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:18:29 GMT20090611121829Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:18:29 GMT20090611121829Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:18:29 GMT20090611121829We have received an enquiry from a colleague in NZ who is visiting the UK later in the year and wishes to visit schools here. I include his email below. If anybody is interested in hosting him could you please let me know at sionh@naht.org.uk From: Denis Pyatt mailto:j.d.pyatt@xtra.co.nz Sent: 11 June 2009 06:57 To: Info-Distribution Subject: sabbatical visits Dear sir or madam I am the Principal of a large secondary school in Christchurch New Zealand.I have....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=137Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:32:21 GMT20090611043221Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:32:21 GMT20090611043221Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:32:21 GMT20090611043221QCA is currently carrying out a consultation into draft criteria for AS/A level mathematics and related subjects. It remains live until July 10th. Theproposals are designed to remove some of the complexities currently a feature of the subject area and to introduce greater consistency with reforms introduced in other subjects. The consultation is found at: http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_21230.aspxhttp://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=138Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:46:12 GMT20090615094612Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:46:12 GMT20090615094612Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:54:40 GMT20090615095440There is a package of support available to schools and colleges designed to help with implementing 14-19 curricululm reforms. This includes free face to face consultations. Details are available on the LSIS website: http://gqsp.excellencegateway.org.uk/http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=139Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:53:19 GMT20090615095319Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:53:19 GMT20090615095319Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:54:15 GMT20090615095415Members will be aware that there is an ongoing pilot for Functional Skills with a national roll-out in September 2010. Centres are sought to join the pilot in September 2009, this invitation being targeted at schools and colleges involved in Diploma delivery from this September, Advanced Diploma delivery from 2010 and the Foundation Learning Tier pilot. Schools interested in participating should email functionalskills@qca.org.uk. There is also a live consultation until....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=141Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:02:46 GMT20090615030246Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:02:46 GMT20090615030246Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:03:47 GMT20090615030347The DCSF released details of the amount of funding being made available for September 2009. The release is copied below. Members will note that certain organisations have been asked to monitor the situation to ensure that the September guarantee is a reality. The Association urges that members should include themselves in this process. EXTRA FUNDING WILL ALLOW RECORD NUMBERS OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE UP EDUCATION AND TRAINING THIS AUTUMN 15 June 2009....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=143Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:35:27 GMT20090616103527Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:35:27 GMT20090616103527Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:35:27 GMT20090616103527Members will no doubt have read about the Conservatives&8217; proposals for ending testing at the end of Key Stage 2. The General Secretary has commended the &8216;innovative thinking&8217; underpinning this policy. Michael Gove referred to secondary schools &8217;running their own tests&8217; It is our belief that secondary schools make extensive use of tests such as CATS and MIDYIS, rather than their own tests. It would be helpful to receive feedback from secondary members about their....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=144Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:49:14 GMT20090616114914Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:49:14 GMT20090616114914Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:49:14 GMT20090616114914Feedback suggests that up to 70% of secondary schools ordered tests this academic year, many no doubt motivated by the relatively late decision to abolish testing. QCA intend making optional test papers available in 2009/10 but have been informed that it would be 'anti-competitive' to provide them free of cost. Therefore, schools will be charged should they choose to use the tests next year.http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=148Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:31:28 GMT20090623013128Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:31:28 GMT20090623013128Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:31:28 GMT20090623013128I'm attending the Examination Officers Association conference next week and will be part of a panel discussing e-assessment. The Association has no specific policy on this area and I would be interested to receive feedback from members with experience in this field or with strong views on the matter. It seems to me that it is of limited benefit, possibly for assessing aspects of knowledge and understanding but less so when it comes to assessing deeper understanding and skills of application and....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=149Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:03:23 GMT20090626120323Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:03:23 GMT20090626120323Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:03:23 GMT20090626120323I came accross the following abstract of research carried out into the above. It appears in the latest online journal of the Economic and Social Research Council. "More than 90 per cent of teachers have experienced some form of violence at school, whether verbal or physical abuse, non-verbal intimidation or threats, according to a new survey of 275 secondary school teachers from schools in the south of England. Just over half of these teachers admitted their....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=153Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:01:24 GMT20090707010124Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:01:24 GMT20090707010124Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:01:24 GMT20090707010124Postponed publication of Framework for Excellence 2009 The LSC together with departmental colleagues at BIS and DCSF have worked closely with FE colleges and training providers over the past year to develop the Framework for Excellence and place it at the heart of performance assessment of post-16 education and training. Significant progress has been made and we are confident that in future the Framework will: support the new local authority commissioning arrangements; ....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=156Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:58:11 GMT20090715115811Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:58:11 GMT20090715115811Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:04:21 GMT20090716030421I'm sure that secondary colleagues are aware that the Association has a Secondary Committee that meets five times a year. I am the servicing officer for this committee and, in collaboration with the Chair, Mike Stewart, am responsible for drawing up the agenda. As a means of improving the lines of communication between the committee and the wider secondary membership, I would like to invite you to contact me by e-mail if there are any issues that you feel the committee ought to be discussing....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=181Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:13:59 GMT20090914031359Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:13:59 GMT20090914031359Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:14:48 GMT20090914031448A pilot for 'Framework for Excellence' was launched in 113 school sixth-forms in 22 LAs this month. Details of pilot can be found at: http://ffe.lsc.gov.uk/schoolsixthformpilot/ This was discussed at the recent Secondary Committee meeting and the committee wishes to monitor this. It would therefore welcome the views of any members involved in the pilot and from others with an interest in the matter. Responses to sionh@naht.org.ukhttp://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=183Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:24:00 GMT20090914032400Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:24:00 GMT20090914032400Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:24:00 GMT20090914032400A member had informed us that two of his A level candidates who achieved the grades stipulated in their university offer had their offer of a place removed following results day. Our colleague took up their cases and was successful on their behalf. The Association would be interested in hearing of any other similar incidents (contact sionh@naht.org.uk)http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=184Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:27:49 GMT20090914032749Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:27:49 GMT20090914032749Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:27:49 GMT20090914032749Concern was raised at the recent Secondary Committee meeting about a perceived paucity of C grades awarded in the above examination last summer. Please contact Headquarters if you share these concerns. (sionh@naht.org.uk)http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=185Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:30:45 GMT20090914033045Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:30:45 GMT20090914033045Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:30:45 GMT20090914033045QCDA appears to have woken up to the fact that guidance hitherto issued regarding the above has been poorly focussed and too scattered. A consultant (!) has been appointed to produce guidance and I have been invited to take part in this process. They are seeking examples of good practice, planning, etc to be included in the material they are producing. It is difficult to envisage many examples of actual good practice at this stage given the newness of the courses. However, examples of good....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=197Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:33:30 GMT20091014093330Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:33:30 GMT20091014093330Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:33:30 GMT20091014093330Members have raised concerns about a clash on June 8th 2010 when GCSE French and Religious Studies are timetabled at the same time. Initial representations to JCQ to resolve this led to an erroneous response. When JCQ realised that an error had been made it was too late to change the arrangements. This could therefore lead to considerable inconvenience and logistical problems for many centres. Members are advised to ensure that arrangements made are consistent with the procedures contained in....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=203Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:49:38 GMT20091030044938Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:49:38 GMT20091030044938Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:34:40 GMT20091117023440ONGOING SUPPORT FOR THE NEW SECONDARY CURRICULUM Members will be aware that since the introduction of the new secondary curriculum in September 2008, the DCSF organised a coalition of organisations to support schools and LAs in successfully implementing the changes. The work of this group formally ceased at the end of April 2010. The purpose of this guidance is to ensure that members are aware of the legacy arrangements for continuing support. It could well be the....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=303Tue, 11 May 2010 16:22:35 GMT20100511042235Tue, 11 May 2010 16:22:35 GMT20100511042235Tue, 11 May 2010 16:22:35 GMT20100511042235NAHT advice has been for schools to ensure that students and parents/carers are aware of the criteria for awarding A. This was re-emphasised at a recent Ofqual consultation event. In summary, to be awarded an A a candidate must obtain an A across all units (including AS) and average 90% in the A2 units (NB not 90% in all units) This can give rise to a situation where a candidate with a higher UMS total can be awarded an A grade than an A candidate with a lower UMS total. Members are advised....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=316Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:03:41 GMT20100603040341Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:03:41 GMT20100603040341Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:42:50 GMT20100607104250Branch secretaries were recently sent details of two vacancies for members to be elected National Council as Secondary representatives. This will involve being a member of the secondary committee. Council meets five times annually and secondary committee meetings currently take place about a fortnight before these meetings. Meetings are held in Central London. However, we are exploring the possibility of enabling members to participate by means of a telephone link. If interested members....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=317Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:04:35 GMT20100603040435Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:04:35 GMT20100603040435Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:44:09 GMT20100607104409The awarding bodies have made a significant change with effect from next summer. In short, the starting date for AS examinations has been brought forward. The knock-on effect of this is that the results process for all examinations will move forward by a week. The professional associations are in agreement that this was done without adequate consultation. NAHT has particular concerns about the impact this will have on work-life balance for senior leaders in schools. Members are invited....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=318Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:05:24 GMT20100603040524Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:05:24 GMT20100603040524Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:45:03 GMT20100607104503Ofqual&8217;s new responsibilities include ensuring that expenditure on examinations represent value for money. &8216;ERAG&8217; is a stakeholder group set up to advise Ofqual on this aspect of its work. Ofqual&8217;s initial work includes research into the &8216;examinations market&8217;. Should members have points they wish to draw to Ofqual&8217;s attention on any aspect of this, they are invited to contact Si&244;n Humphreys who represents NAHT on this body. (sionh@naht.org.ukhttp://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=319Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:06:22 GMT20100603040622Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:06:22 GMT20100603040622Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:41:54 GMT20100607104154There have been two significant announcements thus far this week. One relates to the IGCSE. Nick Gibb announced that all specifications will now be available for the maintained sector. This means that all IGCSE specifications will be recognised for performance table purposes. The second announcement was not entirely unexpected. There will be no funding to support the implememtation of the last wave of diplomas (science, humanities, languages)http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=320Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:16:20 GMT20100608051620Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:16:20 GMT20100608051620Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:31:14 GMT20100615033114It is pleasing to report that in the wake of a consultation exercise organised by Ofqual, the decision to move forward the 2011 summer series timetable has been reversed. The awarding bodies will no doubt be issuing amended draft timetables in due course.http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=322Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:02:59 GMT20100610110259Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:02:59 GMT20100610110259Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:14:50 GMT20100610111450Single Level Tests and Secondary Transition Secondary members may be aware that some primary schools have been part of a KS2 SATS pilot project involving Single Level Testing. In 2010 the Mathematics level attained by pupils will count as the &8216;test&8217; level. The main difference between a Single Level Test and a conventional SAT is that the SLT consists of questions that are all pitched at a particular level. Therefore, a child attaining a Level 5 will have taken a....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=329Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:20:58 GMT20100628102058Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:20:58 GMT20100628102058Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:20:58 GMT20100628102058It was announce dlast week that UCAS is launching a two-year review of the currents points based system. The rationale for this is the perceptio that the system no longer reflects the growing diverity of points-bearing qualifications. In 2009, for example, 50% of applicants had non A level qualifications contribtting to their points total. UCAS has stressed that the Review will not impact on the HE entry process in 2010 and 2011. A full account of the terms of the review may be found at the....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=333Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:35:25 GMT20100705023525Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:35:25 GMT20100705023525Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:35:25 GMT20100705023525The Conservatives made no secret of the high regard it holds for Teach First whilst in opposition. This is now reflected in the announcement of a &163;4m grant to the organisation to expand its recruitment for 2011 to over 1000. It will be placing some 560 trainees in schools in September 2010. It is expected that this will enable Teach First to expand geographically whilst maintaining its core purpose of serving areas of deprivation. The organisation has a growth strategy but the award of the....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=334Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:09:03 GMT20100705030903Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:09:03 GMT20100705030903Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:33:57 GMT20100705033357NAHT receives requests from the local and national media for reaction to public examination results every August. A national press release is prepared and is released on A level and GCSE results release days. It is anticipated that there may be even more media attention than usual this year caused by such factors as the first award of the A at A level and the results released for the first phase of diploma lines of learning. The excess of demand for over supply of Higher education....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=335Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:35:18 GMT20100705063518Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:35:18 GMT20100705063518Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:35:18 GMT20100705063518The following statement has been released concerning future support for the Diploma. 14-19 Workforce Support update The centrally funded 14-19 support programme is coming to an end in its current form from the end of August 2010. Remaining provision is now limited and bookings for some elements of face-to-face support are now closed. The closure of the programme also means that the services that have been provided by the regional field forces, such as the consortium....http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/resources/blogs/secondaryblog/?blogpost=340Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:30:56 GMT20100709013056Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:30:56 GMT20100709013056Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:31:21 GMT20100709013121