AQA asks students to help shape the future of exams

Published: Monday 4 Nov 2019

For the first time ever, we’re giving students the opportunity to help us make important decisions about the future of exams.

We’re creating a Student Advisory Group to provide our Board of Trustees with a young person’s perspective on key topics, such as the use of technology in assessment and the design of question papers.

Any student who has taken AQA GCSE exams since 2018 can apply to join the group.

The 15 chosen students will attend AQA trustee meetings and help transform our relationship with students, as well as developing valuable skills that will help them in their future careers.

A million students take GCSEs and A-levels with AQA every year – more than any other UK exam board. Around 60% of all GCSEs are currently taken with us.

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

“Students are at the heart of what AQA does and we're looking forward to hearing their unique and valuable insights.

“As a Head teacher I know the valuable contributions students can make, and AQA's Board of Trustees really wants to include young people’s views in their decisions.

“The advisory group will provide trustees with a student perspective, and be able to make a real, lasting difference. We can’t wait to meet them.”

We’re looking for students who are passionate about education, want to make a difference, have excellent communication skills and feel confident contributing to discussions with both peers and our trustees.

Michael Turner, AQA’s Director of Corporate Affairs, said:

“We already support students through their exams and revision, and have a dedicated team who respond to their queries and concerns. We want to develop our relationship with them further, so we’ve launched the Student Advisory Group to do this.

“We’re looking forward to hearing from young people who have a fresh experience of exams, and getting the student perspective from inside the exam system.”

Students come first in everything we do, and AQA qualifications give them the opportunity to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives.

We also work with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to deliver the AQA Unlocking Potential programme, which provides mentoring to help young people facing challenges realise their potential.

Students can apply to be on the Student Advisory Group via the AQA website until 10am on Monday 11 November.

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