Have your say on the future of exams: join our Student Advisory Group

Published: Thursday 14 Oct 2021

We’re looking for ten students to join our Student Advisory Group and help shape the future of exams.

Now in its third year, the group provides our Board of Trustees with a young person’s perspective on exams and assessment. The group’s feedback has informed our engagement with stakeholders on issues like the use of technology in assessment, where they told us that they like taking their exams through the same method as their classroom learning.

The group have also pushed for greater representation in the curriculum, and a continuation of the work we’re already doing on equality, diversity and inclusion.

We’re looking for the ten new students to replace some of our outgoing members. The students selected will attend a series of meetings, where they’ll provide AQA with a student perspective on key topics to help inform important decisions, and transform our relationship with students - as well as developing valuable skills that will help them in their future careers.

Over the last 18 months we’ve been hosting meetings on Zoom, but we’re now moving back to meeting face to face so the new students will be able to meet our trustees, and each other, in person.

We’re keen to hear from students who’ve completed AQA specification GCSEs since 2020, as well as from those taking AQA AS and A-levels and any of our non-general qualifications (which include functional skills, ELC, FCSE, Tech levels, Tech Awards and Applied Generals).

You can apply to be part of the Student Advisory Group and the application window closes at 5pm on Monday 8 November.

The successful candidates will join the group for one year, with the option to extend for a further year.

Victoria Wong, the group’s current chair, said:

“It has been a pleasure to be part of the student advisory group for what is now my third year.  It’s a rare but invaluable opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, so I would highly recommend you come join, whichever walk of life you‘re from!”

Elizabeth Kitcatt, from AQA’s Board of Trustees, said:

“The student advisory group has given the trustees something invaluable – the young person’s perspective on exams and the future of assessment.

“The pandemic has also highlighted even more areas where we need to focus, so having that student perspective has become even more important. We’re all looking forward to continuing to work with current members of the group, and excited to welcome our new members.”

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