10 reasons to be an external assessor

1. There's a revolution in the post-14 examination system. Being an examiner gives you the chance to be in at the start.

2. Variety and flexibility. The reforms will bring a more varied examining role and the chance to work when it suits you. Where available, online marking and standardisation means you'll find it easier to fit in examining when it suits you.

3. The career opportunities in examining are better than ever. The wider range of learning and examining opportunities for students means you might be able to examine different papers. The new Diplomas and changing GCSEs and A levels will require more moderators and revised awarding board structures mean greater opportunities for promotion.

4. The new system needs you to make it work. The new Diploma is the most ambitious qualification development in a generation. Success for learners will depend on examiners and assessors working effectively as part of the new system.

5. Helps you be a better teacher. Gives you knowledge you can use within your own classroom and share within your own department and school.

6. Helps your students be better equipped for their future. You can help shape the development of the subjects they learn and how they are examined.

7. Lets you expand your subject range. You may get the chance to examine subjects you teach, such as religious studies, which aren't your first subject.

8. Helps you develop as a manager. It enables you to train teachers in a key aspect of their job from first hand experience.

9. Helps your career. It shows wider professional development beyond your own school, which can help with promotion and job applications.

10. Examining keeps you in touch with your field and the changes to your subject if you are on a career break or about to retire. It helps you stay in touch with the changing learning environment and with colleagues.