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Principal Assessor Event

Our Principal Assessors (PAs) recently attended a one-day information event which included workshops on a range of topics from Curriculum for Excellence to performance measures for PAs and Markers. It was well received so we hope to make this an annual event in the SQA calendar.

The PAs pre-selected a series of workshops that they attended throughout the day:

• New Ways of Working for Principal Assessors — looked at the new Key Performance Measures for Markers and PAs
• New Ways of Producing Question Papers — provided information on the new ways currently being developed to produce question papers
• The Annual Cycle — this took the new PAs through the annual cycle of events for national examinations and the associated procedures
• Curriculum for Excellence — looked at ways in which new and emerging qualifications may be used to enrich and extend the curriculum
• Grade Boundary Setting — focused on the theory behind the process and explained why and how we end up with those all important grade boundary marks
• External Assessment Reports — highlighted good and bad practice to help PAs with the report writing process

There was an opportunity to meet SQA colleagues at the end of the day and many PAs took time to give us very positive feedback:

‘All very relevant. I thoroughly enjoyed all of this event — one of the best ever.’

‘I’m a new PA and I’m leaving a lot more knowledgeable than when I arrived.’

‘Worthwhile attending this — all PAs should be encouraged to attend.’

‘Excellent presentations and discussions. Good to hear of current developments and about proposed changes to processes within SQA.’

‘Gained a lot of more information and insight.’

‘Enjoyed all workshops, meeting other staff and sharing ideas of good practice.’

We are now planning a similar event for next year, so PAs, if you have any suggestions as to topics for workshops, we would like to hear from you. Please e-mail your suggestions to am@sqa.org.uk