Press Release
Date: Tuesday 07th May 2004 (NR/12/04)
Exams body chief sends message of good luck to students
As thousands of young people across Northern Ireland begin their summer examinations this week, Gavin Boyd, Chief Executive of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has issued a message of good luck to students.
Mr Boyd commented:
“The time has finally arrived for you to sit your examinations. Some of you will be looking forward to the exams but most of you will be looking forward to the end of the exams and the beginning of the summer holidays.
I want to remind you of a couple of important issues. GCSEs and A levels are world-class qualifications. Their value and importance are recognised by employers and institutes of higher education throughout Northern Ireland, the UK and indeed the world. Regardless of any proposed or future changes to the exam system, GCSEs and A levels will remain highly valuable and credible qualifications. Gaining these qualifications is a great achievement, rewarding two years of intensive study and commitment.
Our examination results in Northern Ireland are evidence of the professionalism of our teachers. They prepare candidates very well. They know what they are doing. If at any stage during your examinations you are unhappy with the process or feel you are not being fairly treated, please consult your teachers. They will be able to advise you, and I know they will want to look after your interests.
We at CCEA will continue to work to uphold the highest standards and ensure that your examinations run smoothly and your results are delivered on time.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your efforts so far and wish you well in your examinations, your future education and your career.”
Any students who have concerns about their examinations can visit www.ccea.org.uk where they will find helpful advice, exam stress-busting tips and the Official Student Guide to the A and AS level examining system.
The statutory regulation of external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is available on the CCEA website at www.ccea.org.uk It has been sent to all 114 awarding bodies which have qualifications accredited to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is also relevant for sector bodies, Sector Skills Councils, professional bodies and organisations involved in the delivery of accredited qualifications.
Media enquiries to Ruth Maguire on (028) 9026 1216, Mobile 07796947993. E mail rhmaguire@ccea.org.uk
ENDS
Note to Editors
CCEA is the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
CCEA places learners and those who have a concern for their educational and personal development at the forefront of its thinking. CCEA's mission is:
"To enable the full potential of all learners to be achieved and recognised"
What we do
CCEA is a unique educational body in the UK , bringing together the three areas of curriculum, examinations and assessment.
Advising Government – on what should be taught in Northern Ireland ’s schools and colleges.
Monitoring Standards – ensuring that the qualifications and examinations offered by awarding bodies in Northern Ireland are of an appropriate quality and standard.
Awarding Qualifications
– as Northern Ireland’s leading awarding body we offer a diverse range of qualifications, such as GCSEs, including the new GCSE Double Award specifications in vocational subjects, GCE A and AS levels, Entry Level Qualifications, and Graded Objectives in Modern Languages.
- CCEA also offers a range of Awards and Certificates in Education, Training and Skills (ACETS) targeted at learners who want to get
the knowledge, understanding and skills needed
to hit the ground running in the world of work.
