2008 Conferences
Residential conferences are a hit!
Back in 2000 when the EOA was first created it had always been an objective of its founders to develop an event that brought together all the exam community, exam office personnel, awarding bodies, government agencies and any other stakeholders under one roof. It was felt that this type of event or events would be logged as a major part of a national programme of activities that ensured that no exams office personnel would remain isolated and ill informed within the exam community.
You are not alone!
To reach this stage in our development it has been necessary to establish an independent representative membership organisation, seek the cooperation and support of all stakeholders involved with education and examinations, and clarify over time, does that original conference programme still meet the needs of our present exam office community today.
Sharing the stress!
Over the past three years the EOA has focused on a one day national conference programme but many members had found that both the EOA (focusing on the personnel) and NAA (focusing on the exam system) one day events, while very successful in their own right, provided little opportunity for networking. Many felt this years' overnight two day conference was a major new benefit to exams office staff who often have to work in isolation within their centres. Personal sharing is a vital part of supporting everyone in their role.
The EOA have finally fulfilled that original objective through its present conference programme and will continue to meet the needs of its members and the wider exam/education community.
KEY FINDINGS (conference feedback forms only)
1. Delegates rated the conference format and content very highly at 96%
2. The Stress Management and Assertiveness training sessions provided by external trainers were highly praised.
3. Delegates were particularly pleased with the opportunity to meet Awarding Bodies and other stakeholders.
4. The 2 day format was well liked and many delegates have now requested that to be extended for next year's events.
5. Many delegates appreciated the networking opportunities which made them feel really part of a community.
6. The Capita workshop was particularly praised with many commenting that it had helped them enormously with their job and that regular workshops from Capita would be a good idea.
The EOA is presently processing your overall response to a future conference programme. These results will be released in September after the next Board of Trustees strategy meeting on the EOA's future programme.
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