Examiners and moderators: introduction

AQA is the largest awarding body in England. We are an independent company and a charity which means that our activities are not for profit. Our sole income comes from examinations' fees which we invest and any surplus is ploughed back in to furthering our research, developing our specifications and improving our examinations and assessment services.

Candidates are at the heart of our operations. We want to ensure that their attainments are supported by the best assessment practices and that their grades are a reliable statement of their achievements.

It may come as no surprise then that:

  • AQA is the principal provider of GCSE and GCE examinations
  • AQA has 45% of the total national GCE entry and 50% of the total national GCSE entry
  • AQA achieved the top ratings of all Awarding Bodies over the 8 QCA key performance indicators in 2004
  • in 2005, AQA went on to score 100% in 5 of the KPIs and improved on 2004 on all others.

AQA is a forward-looking organisation that is striving continuously to improve its products and services and is pioneering electronic marking practices.

Why become an examiner or moderator?

Many teachers think that examining is not for them. Yet nearly nine out of ten current examiners and markers say they would recommend it to colleagues and plan to do it again. If you've ever thought about examining but rejected it as an option, why not examine the myths?

Being an examiner or moderator enables you to:

  • gain valuable insight into the assessment process
  • enhance your own teaching
  • network with like-minded professionals
  • boost your career
  • earn extra income – enough to pay for a holiday.