Students in Fabrication and Welding recently took part in a trial of computerised testing and assessment that is under development by the awarding body. With online testing and e-portfolios being driven forward by the education sector, Chesterfield College is the first FE Centre in the East Midlands to participate in the innovative test and trial programme, run by ABC Awards.

Kate Soper E–Assessment Project Coordinator for ABC Awards visited the College to provide support and get feedback from Level 1 students taking part in live on-screen practice tests. “The project is part of a wider picture at ABC; moving away from paper-based methods to on-screen testing, as well as electronic evidence portfolios to manage coursework. So far we have carried out 11 pilots across the country, which are invaluable for developing system needs.”

Ray Peet, course leader for Fabrication and Welding said: “The Engineering and Construction Directorate have always worked very closely with the Awarding Body Consortium for Automobile plus Fabrication and Welding qualifications.” “We decided to become involved with the pilot scheme for online testing as we believe utilising this facility will be of great benefit to students attending the programmes we offer, as well as an invaluable tool for staff delivering the subject. “We have had 4 groups taking part in the scheme covering an age range of 16 to 50. The behaviour and co-operation with the online tests was exemplary, from all concerned, and the positive feedback was greatly appreciated by Kate Soper and her team at ABC.”