Cambridge calls together top global experts to debate trust in exams
Top global education experts including Baroness Onora O’Neill – renowned for her BBC Reith Lectures – debated the key issue of trust in the UK assessment system at a conference held today to launch the ‘Cambridge Assessment Network’. The Network is being established to help an international community of assessment professionals share knowledge and expertise.
The conference “A Question of Confidence: Maintaining Trust in National Assessment Systems” took place at Robinson College, Cambridge. Attracting over 240 delegates including teachers, politicians, journalists and examiners, it was the first in a programme of events the Cambridge Assessment Network is hosting to provide professional development in assessment and related issues. The Network is a part of Cambridge Assessment – Europe’s largest Assessment agency – a major player in education in the UK and around the world.
Internationally recognised education thinkers including: Baroness Onora O’Neill of Newnham College; Professor Barry McGaw of OECD; Dr Nicholas Tate of the International School of Geneva; and Professor Alison Wolf of King’s College London presented their views on Assessment and raised fundamental issues about national assessment systems.
Conference Organiser Andrew Watts, Director of the Cambridge Assessment Network, said: “I am delighted that so many eminent speakers have made time to come to Cambridge Assessment to debate this vitally important matter. Through the Cambridge Assessment Network, we look forward to leading debates on the range of challenging issues that face education today.”
Delegates also participated in discussion seminars about topics including: maintaining standards; teacher assessment; vocational qualifications; IT in assessment; and working with the mass media.
