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To what extent do you agree or disagree with our proposed approach to regulating the use of calculators in new AS and A level qualifications?
Strongly disagree
Recognition that the needs of AS/A level qualifications may differ from those of GCSE is welcomed but there should also be explicit recognition that different requirements may be appropriate in different subjects and indeed within subjects. Where mathematics is used as a tool in other subjects then it is appropriate to have available the aids to calculation that would normally be available to those working in that subject. Within mathematics there are places where the ability to carry out techniques is being assessed and it would be appropriate to restrict the technical aids available. However, there are also places within mathematics where the emphasis is on assessing higher-order skills and it is appropriate to make available the technical aids that would ordinarily be to hand to those in the world outside the examination hall or classroom – these may include computer algebra systems or other facilities which may be more likely to be found on a computer than a calculator. (Consideration as to equality of access may be needed in relation to this.)
The new regulations proposed lack clarity and precision on how they would work. The consultation refers to the requirement for awarding bodies to ‘put in place arrangements’ to ensure that assessments remain fit for purpose. This would run counter to the proposed rejection of such rules for GCSE mathematics. There is also a requirement for awarding bodies to ‘keep … arrangements under review’. This would entail them in making necessary adjustments over time including those resulting from technological developments. Ultimately, the awarding bodies would be policing their own rules.
We are concerned as to the limitations of arrangements for scrutiny of arrangements that may be introduced by awarding bodies. There should be both public consultation and public scrutiny to ensure that changes to Assessment Strategies relating to the use of calculators reflect the views of stakeholders.
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To what extent do you agree or disagree with our proposed changes to our approach to regulating the use of calculators in exams for new GCSEs?
Strongly disagree
The current arrangements for the use of calculators in mathematics at GCSE serve the subject well. Mathematics at GCSE is unique, even when compared with physics, in its requirement to assess basic algebraic capability. As such, it would be inappropriate for computer algebra systems (CAS) to be available in examinations. It is unforeseeable that this situation will alter no matter what technological developments take place. Consequently, if ‘any calculator’ is permitted the validity of the assessment would be compromised and it would no longer ‘remain fit for purpose’.
The arrangements set out in the Joint Council for Qualifications’ Instructions for Conducting Examinations set out the type (or functions) of permitted calculators and make it clear that awarding organisations have to decide whether or not particular models comply. The concern expressed that Ofqual would need to adjudicate queries seems, therefore, a somewhat strange statement.
The proposal will lead to movement away from transparent and clear rules to a position where awarding bodies are likely to have different arrangements to each other, subject to them ‘explaining and justifying their approaches’ in their assessment strategy. This will lead to a situation whereby candidates cannot be guaranteed parity across the system.
We are concerned as to the limitations of arrangements for scrutiny of arrangements that may be introduced by awarding bodies. There should be both public consultation and public scrutiny to ensure that changes to Assessment Strategies relating to the use of calculators reflect the views of stakeholders.
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Do you have any comments on our proposed new Conditions for all new GCSE, AS and A level qualifications?
Yes
Given the non-acceptance of the proposed changes, the new Conditions are not required.
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Do you have any comments on our proposed changes to our existing Conditions and requirements for new GCSEs in mathematics?
Yes
We consider the proposed changes to the use of calculators in GCSE mathematics to be ill advised and believe the current arrangements to still be of value. Consequently, the changes to the existing Conditions and requirements are inappropriate.
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We have not identified any ways in which the proposals for regulating use of calculators in exams would impact (positively or negatively) on persons who share a protected characteristic.1 Are there any potential impacts we have not identified?
No
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Are there any additional steps we could take to mitigate any negative impact resulting from these proposals on persons who share a protected characteristic?
No
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Have you any other comments on the impacts of the proposals on students who share a protected characteristic?
No
Schools and Further Education Committee
7 January 2016