Digital exams for GCSE students in England could become a reality within the next decade, according to exam board AQA. Digital assessments would better reflect the digital world that students will move into after leaving school, be kinder to the environment and be more inclusive for those with special educational needs, the board said. AQA plans to trial digital exams for GCSE Italian and Polish studies in 2026, as part of a wider move towards the use of digital assessment materials. These are expected to include interactive videos and audio elements, such as conversations in parks, for language students.
AQA CEO Colin Hughes, stated: “Technology and change are constants in education. After all, we went from quills to fountain pens to biros, and from scrolls to books. Moving to digital exams is the next step of this evolution.” Indeed, according to AQA polling, around two-thirds of young people surveyed agreed that digital exams would be better preparation for future work, education or training. The exam board said it will continue to consult and engage with teachers and exams officers to ensure digital exams are rolled out in an “evolutionary” way.
However, for digital assessments to be a success, students will need equal access to the tools used to take them, warned Tom Middlehurst, curriculum, assessment and inspection specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders. He added: “Otherwise, this approach risks favouring students who have greater access to technology at home and could inadvertently increase the disadvantage gap.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More