ERB and student feedback CAT December 2005
The CAT Examination Review Board met on Friday 23 December 2005 to give immediate feedback on the December 2005 CAT examinations.
The terms of reference of the Board are:
- To review the questions, answers and marking schemes after each exam session to ensure that the papers are a fair and reasonable test.
- To recommend changes to the syllabus and format of the papers.
Members of the CAT Exam Review Board are:
Bal Grewal BPP
David Currington Lancaster & Morecambe College
Patrick Yan Jeff Wooller College
David Collingridge FTC
Tony McManus AT Emile Woolf Manchester
Comments on the Papers Overall
The Board felt that, overall, most of the papers were challenging and fair and adequately covered the syllabus. Some concerns were raised regarding individual papers; these are outlined below.
Comments on Specific Papers
It was agreed that T3 was a fair paper with the MCQ section being described as excellent in its syllabus coverage. Paper T4 was well received, however some of the MCQs were considered to be very difficult.
Paper T5 was praised for being succinct and well-laid out and for being broken down into manageable sections. Paper T6 was considered to be fair, with good coverage of the syllabus. The response to T7 was positive, but it was felt that students might be surprised by the reference to a not-for-profit organisation. It was agreed however that this was more in fitting with ACCA's policies. The Board agreed that question 4 in Paper T8 was quite difficult for the level at which it was set. It was agreed that paper T9 was fair and challenging and covered more areas of the syllabus than in previous sittings, however it was noted that in future there is a need to clarify what students need to know in terms of rates and allowances. Paper T10 was seen to be challenging, particularly questions 3 and 4. However, it was agreed that well-prepared students should have done well at this paper.
All comments were passed to the Examiners for consideration in the marking process. ACCA should like to thank the Board for their helpful and constructive comments.