Student Advisory Group chair gives evidence to APPG on schools
Published: Tuesday 28 Feb 2023
The co-chair of our Student Advisory Group, Alison Chang, gave evidence today to the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on Schools, Learning and Assessment.
Alison was invited to give evidence following the publication of an article on our insight hub AQi, entitled ‘Assessment reform – don’t assume what young people will think’, which reflected on the insights the Student Advisory Group have provided to us.
Emma Hardy MP kicked off proceedings before Alison was asked to share her views. Alison, who was part of a wider panel invited to give evidence in this session, spoke of students’ desire to see a broader range of qualifications offered to them and stressed the importance of digital, numerical and financial literacy being part of their education. Life skills and project qualifications were other areas that were also discussed and seen as key by young people as part of a more rounded education.
We’ve also submitted written evidence to the APPG for Schools, Learning and Assessment inquiry into assessment reform, covering many of the topics raised in today’s evidence session.
Alison, who is also an active member of the European Youth Parliament, was supported at the event by AQA Trustee, and group co-chair, Elizabeth Kitcatt.
Speaking after her appearance, Alison said:
“It was a massive privilege to speak at the Houses of Parliament, and with such high ranking people in attendance, such as Lords and key stakeholders within education.
“It’s fantastic to be able to represent my fellow students and I’m really excited that there is real impetus for reform, as opposed to revolution, in education.
“It’s really encouraging and inspiring for me.”
AQA Trustee, and group co-chair, Elizabeth Kitcatt said:
“Alison is a remarkable individual and we’re very pleased that she was invited to speak to the APPG on behalf of AQA’s Student Advisory Group.
“They are an incredibly impressive group of young people and have already provided AQA with an abundance of useful and intelligent insight, on a range of topics.
“Alison was excellent today, and it’s fantastic she’s been able to engage with MPs and Lords on this APPG, and share her and other young people’s views on education reform and assessment.
“We feel it is very important to give young people a voice in their education and more senior leaders and decision makers need to give them the opportunity to be heard.”
The evidence gathered during the meeting will be used to inform the APPG’s inquiry into assessment reform.
Read Alison’s blog for AQi on life as part of the Student Advisory Group.
- Alison Chang and AQA’s Trustee Elizabeth Kitcatt, co-chairs of AQA’s Student Advisory Group
