One hundred and eighty seven assessors met with Kathleen Tattersall OBE, Chair Institute of Educational Assessors, in Manchester for the last of the Institute's Regional Conferences on 24th. May.

Chair, Kathleen Tattersall, opened the conference by welcoming the assessor delegates into the "brave new world of assessment" and reminded us that "good assessment is an essential part of good teaching".

The right honourable Jacquie Smith MP, former minister for schools, spoke to delegates via video link and celebrated with them the "world's first institute of assessors"

Graham Herbert followed with a look into The future of assessment. He assured assessors that the Education Reform White Paper would cause "many changes" but stressed that the proposed new qualifications had "to be right for the learner".

Andrew Bird, AQA followed by outlining innovations in online marking - known as e-assessment - and the impact of this new technology for assessors and learners. This was an interactive speech - Andrew asked delegates their levels of understanding of e-assessment. Over 65% of delegates knew little or nothing about developments in this area. However, following Andrew's lively input and support from David Carter, a senior examiner for AQA, delegates were able to respond that over 84% of them felt well informed about the issues around e-assessment. Clearly, the information the two of them imparted had been illuminating.

Post lunch, David Wright - representing the Institute - explained the benefits of membership and urged delegates to "try us out" and join - membership fees have been waived for this first year.

Click here for issues raised at the conference.