Summary
- An exam board is an organisation responsible for creating, administering and marking exams
- The four main exam boards are aQA, WJEC, OCR, and Edexcel.
- The choice of exam board can have a significant impact on a student’s education and career prospects.
What is an Exam Board?
An exam board is an organisation responsible for creating, administering and marking exams. They work in partnership with schools, colleges and universities to ensure that students are assessed fairly and consistently.
The role of exam boards is to set the standards for exams, to ensure that they are rigorous, reliable and valid. They design the syllabus, produce the exam papers, and mark the scripts. They also provide support and guidance to teachers and students, including past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports.
Main Exam Boards in the UK
There are several exam boards in the UK, but the four main ones are:
- AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
- OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
- Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel)
- WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee)
AQA is the largest exam board in the UK, offering qualifications in subjects ranging from Maths and English to Dance and Drama. OCR is a leading provider of qualifications in Computing, Science and Languages. Edexcel is also a major exam board, offering a wide range of qualifications in subjects such as Business, History and Music. WJEC is the only exam board that operates solely in Wales, offering qualifications in Welsh, English and Humanities.
Why Exam Boards Matter
The choice of exam board can have a significant impact on a student’s education and career prospects. Some schools and colleges will only offer qualifications from a particular exam board, which can limit the options available to students. However, other schools and colleges may offer a range of qualifications from different exam boards, allowing students to choose the ones that best suit their needs and interests.
It is important for students to research the different exam boards and their qualifications to ensure they choose the ones that will help them achieve their goals. For example, if a student wants to study Law at university, they may want to choose A-levels in Law, Politics and English from an exam board such as OCR, which is known for its strong qualifications in these subjects.
In addition, the reputation of the exam board can also affect how the qualifications are perceived by universities and employers. Some exam boards are known for their high standards and rigorous assessments, while others may be perceived as easier or less demanding. It is important for students to choose an exam board with a good reputation to ensure their qualifications are valued by universities and employers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exam boards play a vital role in the education system in the UK. They are responsible for creating, administering and marking exams, setting standards, and providing support and guidance to teachers and students. The choice of exam board can have a significant impact on a student’s education and career prospects, making it important for students to research the different exam boards and their qualifications before making a decision. By understanding the role of exam boards and the different options available, students can make informed choices that will help them achieve their goals.
