The IMA has engaged with Ofqual in the last 12 months through representation on the A level Content Advisory Board (ALCAB) and its current sequel, the A level Mathematics Advisory Board (ALMAB). Ofqual regularly sends its own representatives to meetings of these bodies, and it is clear that they wish to take very seriously the views of the Higher Education community, thereby helping to fulfil the government’s vision that HE should participate more in the design and content of A level mathematics and further mathematics.
Recently a subgroup from ALMAB has been meeting regularly with Ofqual to take forward the detailed specifications for A level mathematics and further mathematics, and the IMA has been impressed by the professionalism and transparency of Ofqual and the constructive way in which they have engaged with the mathematics community.
As a related issue, it is clear that the current situation, with several awarding organizations (“exam boards”) all competing for business in mathematics and further mathematics A level, and in “Core Maths”, compounds the difficulties faced by Ofqual and the mathematics community in ensuring a level playing field in nationwide examinations and standards.