The word's the thing

The qualifications regulator, the QCA, is seeking views on possible changes to the Key Stage 3 tests which are taken by about 600,000 pupils in England.

"These options address issues raised following this year's tests," it said.

There had been complaints that part of the Shakespeare test did not require pupils to have read any of the plays.

Listening

Announcing the consultation on Friday, the exam watchdog's chief executive, Ken Boston, said: "QCA is charged by parliament with producing the best quality tests and assessment regime possible within the policy framework set by government.

"To do this we listen carefully to what teachers and other education professionals tell us about how the current arrangements are working.

"We are asking for views on these issues because many of those we have already consulted say changes will improve the assessment of English. We are now giving everyone an opportunity to have their say."

A questionnaire is being sent to a representative sample of 10% of schools with Key Stage 3 pupils - roughly ages 11 to 14 - and to others with an expertise in English teaching and assessment.

But it is open to everyone to take part by downloading the questionnaire from the QCA website [see internet links, right].

The consultation ends on 3 November. Any changes made would be for 2005 at the earliest. Next year's tests will not change.

New this year

The 2003 tests followed a review carried out in 2001.

They included a Shakespeare paper with a short writing task, which used "themes" from the plays as what the QCA called "a springboard for pupils' writing", plus a reading task based on set scenes.

Guidelines said that, for the first section, pupils must be "only assessed for writing - not for understanding of the play".

Teachers said only one of the two sections of the test required pupils to show they had actually read and understood any of the set texts - Henry V, Twelfth Night or Macbeth.

The Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, demanded an explanation.