On 27th July 2010 Ofqual briefed MPs on the summer examinations season and the work being done to maintain standards. The briefing was designed to ensure that MPs have up-to-date information on the qualifications system and the work being done to ensure that results awarded to candidates are fair and consistent. Information was also provided on changes to qualifications this year and the support available to candidates once they have received their results.

1. Summer 2010 examinations Briefing for Parliamentarians 27 th July 2010

2. Welcome Jim Cunningham MP

3. Welcome and Setting the Scene Dame Sandra Burslem, Deputy Chair

4. Maintaining standards of qualifications for Summer 2010 Dennis Opposs, Director of Standards

11. Maintaining standards of qualifications for Summer 2010 Cath Jadhav, Head of Qualifications Standards

13. Diplomas – timetable for introduction First L3 awards Aug 2011 First teaching Sept 2010 First L1/L2 awards Aug 2011 Phase 3 Public services Retail business Sport and active leisure Travel and tourism First L3 awards Aug 2011 First teaching Sept 2009 First L1/L2 awards Aug 2010 Phase 2 Business, administration and finance Environment and land-based studies Hair and beauty studies Hospitality Manufacturing and product design First L3 awards Aug 2010 First teaching Sept 2008 First L1/L2 awards Aug 2009 Phase 1 Construction and the built environment Creative and media Engineering IT Society, health and development 2011/12 2010/11 2009/10 2008/09

17. Maintaining standards of qualifications for Summer 2010 Isabel Nisbet, Chief Executive

18. Key dates this summer 19 th August - AS and A level results - Level 3 Diploma results 24 th August - GCSE results - Level 1 and 2 Diploma results 27 th August - Deadline for priority Level 3 Enquiry About Results (EARs) (20 September for other EARs)

20. Panel Discussion Panel Chair: Isabel Nisbet Dennis Opposs, Director of Standards Cath Jadhav, Head of Qualification Standards Richard Garratt, Programme Leader, Diploma