Examiner shortage means papers could be marked overseas, TES reports
The option is being considered by the exam board OCR, who could enlist markers from countries such as Spain and South Africa.
The use of overseas markers could raise concerns, as they may not be familiar with the syllabus. However, OCR maintains that, if this option did become reality, any overseas marker would be ’adaptable and qualified teachers with good subject knowledge’.
The use of overseas markers is not unheard of, with OCR’s sister board, Cambridge International Examination (CIE), already using overseas markers from New Zealand, South Africa and Spain to mark the IGCSE qualification.
Exam boards are struggling with the rise in demand for markers. This has been aggravated by a shift towards linear, end-of-year exams which has caused a significant increase in the number of scripts submitted for marking each year.
CIE’s chief executive Michael O’Sullivan, also chairing the ‘examiner task force’ set up Cambridge Assessment, said that overseas examiners would have to go through the same rigorous checks as domestic markers.
Latest News
09/10/2024 - 12:19
A report from Ofsted has revealed that primary schools are having to teach infants how to communicate, as they struggle to make friends or cope with lessons because of speech and language difficulties.
09/10/2024 - 09:46
In order to prepare young people for their future, oracy should be the fourth “R” of education – of equal status to reading, writing and arithmetic, according to a new report.
08/10/2024 - 10:37
Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of NASUWT, has announced he is stepping down from the position.
08/10/2024 - 10:22
The announcement comes after the number of recorded incidents of antisemitic abuse nationwide more than doubled in the first five months of 2024.
07/10/2024 - 11:20
A report conducted by Edurio and the Confederation of School Trusts has found that pupils feel less happy compared to three years ago.
