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St Boniface’s Catholic

College.

EXAMINATIONS

POLICY

Date approved & adopted by Teaching & Learning Committee 25 April 2017

Date of Next Review: 25 April 2019

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CONTENTS Introduction P3

Contingency Plan P3

Key Responsibilities P3

Qualifications, Awards and Courses P8

Examinations P9

Internal Assessments P11

Results P11

Post Results Services P11

Certificates P12

APPENDICES

1. Contingency Plan P13

2. Non-Examination Assessments, Controlled Assessments and Coursework Policy (including Appeals Procedure

P19

3. Regulations and Guidance Governing External Examinations and Qualifications

P27

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Introduction The majority of external examinations offered by this Centre are governed by regulations stipulated by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and/or awarding bodies. These regulations have been established to ensure the integrity and security of all elements of the examination and assessment process. Strict adherence to the rules and regulations is required in order to retain Approved Exam Centre status. For those awarding bodies outside the remit of the JCQ, the same principle, of strict adherence to a set/s of specific operational procedures and standards applies in order to continue offering those qualifications. The main purpose of this Examinations Policy is to:

outline the key operational responsibilities and practices of the Centre to ensure compliance with the governing regulations,

ensure the implementation of efficient examination procedures and practices that create an environment within which, all candidates have a fair and equal opportunity to attain the best possible outcome / result &

provide guidance on the examinations processes and procedures for key stake holders including: Governors, CAST, Centre Staff, Candidates, Parents and Exam Boards.

The Examination Policy will be reviewed bi-annually by the Head of Centre unless changes to the governing regulations require amendments prior to this date.

Contingency Plan

The Centre is required, as of June 2016, to have a Contingency Plan addressing the administration of examinations in the event of the absence of the Exams Officer at a critical stage of the examination cycle and other emergency situations. The key purpose of this plan outlined in Appendix 1, is to minimise the risk of such events impacting adversely on candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

i. HEAD OF CENTRE (HoC)

The HoC, the Head Teacher, is responsible for:

the overall management of the Centre and for ensuring sufficient resources are allocated for the efficient administration of all aspects of the examination system,

completing the National Centre Number Register annual update,

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reporting to the relevant awarding body any suspected cases of malpractice involving candidates, teachers, invigilators or other administrative staff as detailed in the JCQ publication, ‘Suspected Malpractice in Examinations and Assessments: Policies and Procedures’ &

authorising Post-Results Services as appropriate including:

a. appeals against the outcomes the examinations,

b. appeals against Malpractice decisions and Penalties Imposed &

c. appeals against decisions made in respect of Access Arrangements and Special Considerations.

ii. DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER AND MEMBERS OF SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Members of the Senior Leadership Team are responsible for:

developing and managing the Examinations Contingency Plan which covers all aspects of the administration of examinations including; minimising the risk of disruption should the Exams Officer be absent at a crucial stage of the cycle or the Centre become unavailable owing to an unforeseen emergency,

analysis of exam outcomes to meet statutory educational performance requirements,

selecting the qualifications / external examinations to be undertaken at the Centre in conjunction with Curriculum Leaders and Teachers &

supporting the SENCO in determining and implementing appropriate access arrangements.

iii. EXAMINATIONS OFFICER

The Examinations Officer is responsible for:

all aspects of the management and administration of external examinations including; Registration and Entry processes and procedures; ensuring Access Arrangements to which candidates are entitled are recorded on SIMS Examination Module appropriately; Entry Amendments, applications for Special Considerations, Results and Post-Results Services,

production of Results Broadsheets and reports to enable the analysis of exam outcomes in relation to current statutory performance measures,

preparing candidates for external examinations by providing and distributing written guidance,

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informing all Staff, Candidates and Parents/Carers on external examinations scheduling / timetabling, deadlines and fees and examination clashes,

liaising with other Examination Officers to address requirements of shared candidates and sharing of good practice,

responding to all queries related to examination requirements, processes and procedures, from Awarding Bodies, Centre Staff, Candidates, Parents and other agencies where relevant,

disseminating relevant guidance to Invigilators, Centre Staff, Candidates and Parents/Carers on the proper conduct and requirements for all components of the examination and assessment system,

maintaining the integrity and security of examinations by appropriately storing

all materials in accordance with the regulations,

distributing to relevant Centre Staff Moderation outcomes and returned coursework as appropriate,

liaising with HoC on budgetary matters relating to Examinations and taking appropriate action,

recruiting, training, monitoring and supporting invigilators to meet the regulations for the appropriate conduct of all exams,

receiving, checking and storing securely Awarding Body Certificates for dissemination at Awards Evening / Presentations or making alternative arrangements on application by Candidates or their nominated representatives &

preparing for and meeting the requirements of the JCQ Centre Inspector and informing the HoC and Senior Leadership Team of the outcome of the inspection and addressing any outcomes as necessary.

iv. CURRICULUM LEADERS / TEACHERS

Curriculum Leaders in conjunction with Teachers are responsible for:

providing guidance and pastoral oversight for candidates in respect of the qualifications / subjects they are undertaking,

accurate completion of processes, procedures and forms required by Awarding Bodies for conducting Controlled Assessments (for outgoing subjects), Non-Examination Assessments (NEAs) (for new specification subjects), and Coursework as per guidance issued by JCQ (Joint Council of Qualifications),

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submitting marks for such assessments electronically via Awarding Body websites within given timescales,

forwarding samples of work for moderation as requested by Awarding Bodies,

providing assistance and guidance to candidates on post-results options and decisions following examinations,

supplying accurate information on candidate qualification / examination entries and registrations including, within the given timescales to avoid financial penalties &

supporting the SENCO in determining and implementing appropriate access

arrangements.

v. SENCO

The SENCO, lead stakeholder on the access arrangements, is responsible for:

responding to queries and concerns from Centre staff about candidates potential requirements for Access Arrangements,

providing guidance and support for candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria for approved Access Arrangements but for whom additional assistance would potentially contribute to improved outcomes,

assisting with the identification of candidates with potential needs for Access Arrangements &

ensuring compliance with the administrative regulations governing, applications for and implementation of, approved Access Arrangements as stipulated by JCQ ‘Adjustments for Candidates with Disabilities and Learning Difficulties: Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments’.

vi. INVIGILATORS

Invigilators are responsible for:

ensuring all candidates comply with exam conditions,

contributing to the creation and management of an appropriate environment for the examination to proceed,

prevent candidate malpractice and/or possible administrative errors,

assisting candidates with problems or difficulties during the

examination such as sudden illness or equipment failure,

ensuring that only appropriate persons are permitted in the

examination room and that all relevant protocols are observed,

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safeguarding all exam materials and maintaining the integrity of the examination process &

adhering to the guidance for invigilators as per training and according to the JCQ.

vii. OTHER CENTRE STAFF

All other Centre staff not specifically identified are responsible for:

contributing to the creation of a supportive environment to maximise candidates’ opportunities to fulfil their potential and achieve the best possible outcomes,

preparing candidates for examinations relative to their roles within the college,

controlling noise levels and disturbances as far as practicably possible to prevent undue distraction to candidates for the duration of the examinations &

reminding other pupils in Years 7 to 10 of their responsibility to behave with respect and consideration of candidates’ needs.

viii. CANDIDATES

Candidates are responsible for:

complying with all JCQ guidance, warnings and notices given for the completion of all components of the qualifications for which they are entered,

completing all assessments and coursework within the timescales given,

ensuring they have the required equipment in Examinations,

producing legible writing (candidates maybe invoiced if an awarding body has had to have typed any illegible papers and has charged the Centre),

strictly adhering to all rules, regulations and conditions throughout their examinations &

managing their behaviour to ensure they do not distract or disturb other candidates.

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Qualifications, Awards and Courses

The Centre offers a range of academic, vocational and skills-related qualifications. Some of the vocational and skills-related courses and qualifications are offered via contracts with partnership agencies where students receive training and instruction at alternative sites.

For Sixth Form students, a wider choice of academic subjects is available through membership of The Link Partnership (TLP).

i. AWARDING BODIES

The Centre is currently approved to offer qualifications / examinations by the

following awarding bodies:

Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA),

Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR),

Pearson/Edexcel (Edexcel),

Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC),

Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC),

Sports Leaders UK &

British Computer Society (BCS).

ii. QUALIFICATIONS

The Centre’s curriculum includes:

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE),

General Certificate of Education (GCE),

Extended Projects,

Entry Level Certificate (ELC),

Functional Skills,

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL),

BTECs,

Vocational Courses,

Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership &

Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership.

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Examinations

i. EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

External academic and skills-related examinations are scheduled to be held at the same time every year. Also referred to as Exam Seasons, academic examinations are scheduled in November, for GCSE English and Mathematics Resits only, with the main GCSE and GCE examinations being held in May/June. Skills-related examinations such as Functional Skills are held in November, January and March as well as May/June. Some awarding bodies offer additional opportunities to sit skill-related examinations. Additionally On-Screen/On-Demand examinations can be undertaken throughout the academic year. Annual and Series Examination Timetables are circulated by email to Centre Staff and posted on the Centre’s website. On completion of the entry process individual examination timetables are distributed to all candidates via Tutor Groups during registration and also at Year Group Assemblies.

ii. INTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

Internal examinations, generally referred to as ‘Mock Exams’, for Years 10 & 11 are held in January and June/July respectively. The regulatory system governing external examinations maybe applied to these internal examinations with the aim of familiarising students with the examination conditions with which they will be expected to strictly comply.

iii. ENTRIES

Candidate subjects and tier of entry to external examinations are selected by Subject Teachers in conjunction with Curriculum Leaders. This selection of candidates must then be communicated to the Exams Officer in sufficient time to enable all entries to be made by the Awarding Bodies’ given deadlines in order to avoid Late Fee Penalties. The deadline for receipt of the candidate selection from Subject Teachers must be adhered to and set a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of the Awarding Bodies’ entry deadlines which are the same every year. The Exams Officer will distribute entry lists to Directorate Heads/Subject Teachers for verification. It is crucial that these are checked and any necessary amendments communicated to the Exams Officer.

All candidates will be provided with a Statement of Entry and timetable which they are expected to sign to confirm accuracy and return this to the Exams Officer. Both candidates and parents will be sent electronic copies of these documents.

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iv. NON-ENTRIES / WITHDRAWAL OF ENTRIES

As a general rule all students should be entered for the final examinations associated with their course of study. However, in certain circumstances this may not be deemed appropriate and non-entry or withdrawal should be considered. The decision to not enter or withdraw a candidate must be ratified by the Head of Centre.

v. EXTERNAL / PRIVATE ENTRIES The Centre accepts requests for entry to examinations from former pupils of the school who will be registered as private candidates. Charges for invigilation will be made as appropriate and may include an administration fee. The JCQ General Regulations state that accepting entries from current members of staff for qualifications at the Centre is not recommended and should only be accepted if the individual is unable to find an alternative venue.

vi. EXAM / REGISTRATION FEES AND CHARGES

The Centre covers the cost of entry fees for:

GCSE Examinations

GCSE - 1 Resit in English and Maths - Year 12/13 1 grade under the bench mark

GCE AS Examinations

GCE A2 Examinations

BTEC Registrations

Skills-Related Examinations

ECDL

However, an administrative/invigilation fee maybe charged as deemed appropriate by the HoC.

vii. FEES

all entry fees for Resits are paid by Candidates with the exception of 1 resit in English and maths GSCE, an administration fee maybe charged by the HoC,

late Entry Fees are charged at double the cost of the Entry Fee and will be charged to the relevant department budget or candidate unless due to mitigating or unforeseen circumstances,

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late, Late Entry Fees are charged at triple the cost of the Entry Fee and will be charged to the relevant department budget of candidate unless due to mitigating or unforeseen circumstances,

any Amendment Fees due will be charged to the relevant department unless due to mitigating circumstances or unforeseen circumstances,

it is permissible for Parents/Carers and/or Candidates to request a change of tier or other amendment to their examination entries prior to the end of the free amendment period without charge. Following the end of the free amendment period they will need to negotiate payment of the fee with the Subject Teacher as this cost will be charged against the relevant department budget &

candidates, without appropriate personal mitigating circumstances as validated by the HoC, who wilfully miss examinations will be charged the entry fee plus any administration fees deemed appropriate by the HoC.

Internal Assessment

Non-Examination Assessments are now replacing Controlled Assessments and Coursework for reformed GCSE and GCE qualifications. However as the reformed qualifications are being phased in there is an interim period during which time legacy subjects still form part of the curriculum. Therefore the Controlled Assessment and Coursework Policy, including the Appeals Procedure, will continue to form part of the Examinations Policy (Appendix 2) Instructions for conducting each of these assessment formats is updated annually by the JCQ and disseminated to teachers and candidates as appropriate to ensure compliance with the regulations

Results

Results for external examinations are generally published approximately 8 weeks after the final exam in a given examination series. Vocational and skill-related results and those from other awarding agencies such as the British Computer Society operate on a different timescale. In all instances Candidates are issued with a personal Statement of Results as soon as practicable. Should candidates not be available to collect results from the Centre a request for these to be posted or emailed will be considered by the Examinations Officer. Any costs involved, such as postage, will be met in advance by the candidate Aggregated results in the form of certification broadsheets or other reports available through SIMS are distributed to the Head of Centre, members of the Senior Leadership Team and other Centre Staff as directed by the HoC.

Post Results Services

Awarding Bodies provide Post Results services enabling the Centre and/or individual candidates to challenge the marks awarded for each subject. The return of Exam Scripts for teaching and learning purposes can also be requested. Fees are payable for each of these services, which in some instances will be met by the Centre, but in the majority of cases will be reimbursed by the candidate. Further details of Post

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Results Services, which are currently under review, are available from the Awarding Body websites, the Joint Council for Qualification website and St Boniface’s website. Certificates

Certificates are sent by post to the Centre approximately 8 – 12 weeks following the publication of results and the closing date for the Post Results Service.

Certificates are presented to candidates at the annual awards evening in December. If candidates are unable to attend the Awards Presentation they may request alternative collection arrangements. Certificates will not be sent via the post but a nominated representative may collect them on behalf of a candidate. A signature on collection is required before certificates are released.

The Centre is only required to retain certificates for a period of 1 year although currently an archive of approximately 25 years is maintained. The Centre is not responsible for any lost certificates although advice may be given as appropriate.

An administration fee maybe charged for any certificates not collected in a timely manner at the discretion of the HoC.

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Appendix 1

St Boniface Catholic College Exam Contingency Plan

Purpose of the plan

This plan examines potential risks and issues that could cause disruption to the management and administration of the exam process at St Boniface’s College. By outlining actions/procedures to be followed in case of disruption it is intended to mitigate the impact these disruptions have on our exam process. Alongside internal processes, this plan is informed by information contained in the Joint contingency plan for the examination system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where it is stated that:

“Centres should prepare plans for any disruption to examinations as part of their general emergency planning. It is important to ensure that relevant centre staff are familiar with the plan. Consideration should be given as to how these arrangements will be communicated to candidates, parents and staff should disruption to examinations occur.”

Purpose of the plan P13

Causes of potential disruption to the exam process P14

Exam officer extended absence at key points in the exam process (cycle)

P14

SENCO extended absence at key points in the exam cycle P15

Teaching staff extended absence at key points in the exam cycle P16

Invigilators - lack of appropriately trained invigilators or invigilator absence

P16

Exam rooms - lack of appropriate rooms or main venues unavailable at short notice

P16

Failure of IT systems P17

Disruption of teaching time – centre closed for an extended period P17

Centre unable to open as normal during the exams period P17

Candidates unable to take examinations because of a crisis – centre remains open

P17

Disruption to the transportation of completed examination scripts P17

Assessment evidence is not available to be marked P18

Centre unable to distribute results as normal P18

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Causes of potential disruption to the exam process arise when key tasks cannot be

completed.

Exam officers extended absence at key points in the exam process (cycle)

Completion of key tasks required in the management and administration of the exam

including:

1. Planning

annual data collection exercise to collate information on qualifications and

awarding body specifications,

annual exams plan identifying essential key tasks, key dates and deadlines

sufficient invigilators recruited and trained

2. Entries

awarding bodies being informed of early/estimated entries which prompts

release of early information required by teaching staff

candidates being entered with awarding bodies for external exams/assessment

awarding body entry deadlines missed and penalty fees being incurred

3. Pre-exams

exam timetabling, rooming allocation; and invigilation schedules prepared

candidates briefed on exam timetables and awarding body information for

candidates

exam/assessment materials and candidates’ work stored under required secure conditions

internal assessment marks and samples of candidates’ work submitted to

awarding bodies/external moderators

4. Exam time

exams/assessments taken under the conditions prescribed by awarding

bodies

required reports/requests submitted to awarding bodies during exam/assessment periods e.g. very late arrival, suspected malpractice,

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special consideration

candidates’ scripts dispatched as required to awarding bodies

5. Results and post-results

access to examination results affecting the distribution of results to candidates

the facilitation of the post-results services

Should any of these tasks not be completed then the HoC, in conjunction with the Examinations Officers line manager, will make suitable arrangements to make sure key tasks outlined above are completed by an appropriate member of staff in a timely manner.

SENCO extended absence at key points in the exam cycle

Key tasks required in the management and administration of the access

arrangements process within the exam cycle include:

1. Planning

candidates tested/assessed to identify potential access arrangement

requirements

2. evidence of need and evidence to support normal way of working collated

Pre-exams

approval for access arrangements applied for to the awarding body

modified paper requirements identified in a timely manner to enable ordering to meet external deadline

3. staff providing support to access arrangement candidates allocated and trained

Exam time

access arrangement candidate support arranged for exam rooms

Centre actions:

Should any of these tasks not be completed then the HoC, in conjunction with the SENCO line manager, will make suitable arrangements to make sure key tasks outlined above are completed in a timely manner, by an appropriate member of staff.

Teaching staff extended absence at key points in the exam cycle

Key tasks undertaken including:

1. Early/estimated entry information provided to the exams officer on time; resulting

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in pre-release information being received

2. Final entry information provided to the exams officer on time; resulting in:

candidates being entered for exams/assessments or being entered late

late or other penalty fees being charged by awarding bodies

3. Internal assessment marks and candidates’ work provided to meet submission deadlines

Centre actions:

Should any of these tasks not be completed then the HoC, in conjunction with the SLT, will make suitable arrangements to make sure key tasks outlined above are completed in a timely manner by an appropriate member of staff.

Invigilators

1. recruit and train sufficient invigilators to conduct exams,

2. Invigilator shortage on peak exam days &

3. Invigilator absence on the day of an exam

Centre actions:

Recruitment and training is done well in advance.

Exams Officer and Senior Invigilator to cover absences or shortages.

Exam rooms - appropriate rooms or main venues

1. Exams officer to identify sufficient/appropriate rooms during exams timetable

planning

2. sufficient rooms available on peak exam days

3. main exam venues to be ring fenced during examination period.

Centre actions:

In the event accommodation is not available during an examination the HoC will

make a decision as to the most appropriate venue.

Failure of IT systems

Centre actions:

after consultation with the HoC the Exams Officer and IT Manager are to liaise with SCOMIS and Examination Boards as to appropriate action.

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Disruption of teaching time – centre closed for an extended period

Centre actions:

HoC to take the necessary action and advise all stakeholders accordingly.

Centre unable to open as normal during the exams period In the event that the Headteacher decides the centre cannot be opened for scheduled examinations, the relevant awarding body must be informed as soon as possible. Awarding bodies will be able to offer advice regarding the alternative arrangements for conducting examinations that may be available and the options for candidates who have not been able to take scheduled examinations.

Centre actions:

HoC to act as lead stakeholder and liaise with all other stakeholders. E.g. via a

‘Snow Chain’(where one person talks face to face with a maximum of two other

persons) to alert stakeholders of any decisions made including: alternative venues,

timings or relevant information. This usually completed by personal face to face

communication, i.e. walking around to a persons house, or via the telephone.

Candidates unable to take examinations because of a crisis – centre remains

open

Centre actions:

consideration would be given on an individual basis as to why they were unable to attend the examination centre. Special consideration may be applied for. Charges maybe levied to recoup any costs involved after consultation with the HoC.

Disruption to the transportation of completed examination scripts

Centre actions:

scripts remain securely stored in exams office or Exams Officer transports them

to the Post Office by collection by Parcelforce.

Assessment evidence is not available to be marked

Centre actions:

HoC to consider appropriate course of action to recover, where possible, any

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evidence. Exams Officer to contact awarding bodies for advice.

Centre unable to distribute results as normal

Centre actions:

HoC to make appropriate arrangements as soon as practicable. Awarding bodies to be notified.

Information taken from the Joint contingency plan for the examination system in

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

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Appendix 2

NON-EXAMINATION ASSESSMENTS / CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS & COURSEWORK POLICY FOR EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

(Including Internal Appeals Procedure)

The Instructions for Conducting Non-Examination Assessments will be disseminated

to subject Teachers and placed on the website.

Information for Candidates – Non-Examination Assessments will be distributed via

relevant Subject Teachers and placed on the website.

Controlled Assessment / Coursework Policy

1. Controlled Assessment / Coursework is defined as work assigned to and completed by a student during a course of study to be evaluated as part of the student's final grade in the course.

2. Controlled Assessment/Coursework will form an element of the assessment procedures in the external assessment (through the public examination system) of students and can take several different forms with associated levels of supervision. For some GCSE/ GCE exams students may have to work in total high supervision as they would in an ordinary exam. In other subjects they may be asked to produce work over a set period of time working both within and outside of the classroom.

3. Ensuring the validity of the marks awarded for Coursework/Controlled

Assessment is vital in maintaining the integrity and reputation of this college in the assessment of its students.

4. Each subject department is responsible for:-

5. Developing, maintaining and implementing its own internal assessment procedures within the parameters of the whole college policy for Assessment, Recording & Reporting and these will be evidenced in ongoing departmental practice.

implementing the procedures for setting, scheduling, marking, standardising, moderating and administering external Controlled Assessment / Coursework as regulated by the examination boards,

Ensuring that the level of supervision required by the Specification produced by the Examination board is rigidly adhered to in all cases &

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discussion with Exams’ Officer and Deputy Head teacher regarding any change of venue, cover needed or, in extraordinary cases, any invigilation requirements.

Controlled Assessment / Coursework Procedures

Curriculum Leader

The Curriculum Leader (CL) is responsible for ensuring that :

the assessment procedures, as outlined in the department policy and in the regulations published by the relevant examination boards, are properly implemented in practice,

the workload of staff and students is a primary consideration and catered for in the planning, scheduling and assessment of Coursework/Controlled Assessment,

deadlines and procedures are clear, agreed with all teachers in the department, realistic, published for students and their Parent(s)/guardian(s) and shared with all relevant parties, e.g. Heads of Year, Form Tutors, Mentors etc,

all teacher feedback, throughout preparation, will refer to mark schemes and criteria,

they maintain records for the completion of Coursework tasks, scheduled within all classes,

all staff in the department follows the procedures for subject teachers as outlined above &

details of dates for controlled Assessments for Year 10 and 11 are submitted to Assistant Head during Term 5 who will ensure they are included in the annual College calendar.

The CL is responsible for producing information for students and parents/ guardians

about the following:

the subject assessment schedule for Controlled Assessment / Coursework, the number and value of each piece of Controlled Assessment / Coursework to

be submitted,

the percentage of the final grade produced by each of these elements,

the regulations set out by the exam board regarding supervision of and behaviour in the classroom during the Controlled Assessment / Coursework,

the amount of assistance which may be given to the students in their work,

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the interim deadlines in the schedule, i.e. the progress in the preparation of Controlled Assessment / Coursework which is expected at key points during the year,

the dates for the submission deadline and the final deadline &

the dates and procedures for internal appeals and disciplinary matters arising from academic misconduct.

Each curriculum leader will receive a copy of the JCQ booklet “Instructions for conducting controlled assessments” and is responsible for ensuring that every member of their staff has access to the booklet.

Subject Teacher

While the CL has overall responsibility, each teacher is responsible for the

implementation of both internal and external assessment procedures relevant to the

classes allocated to his/her timetable each year. Each teacher is responsible for

implementing the departmental procedures for setting and managing Controlled

Assessment/Coursework.

1. Managing Controlled Assessment / Coursework

provide standardised examples work from previous years or from examination board exemplars,

ensure that students are fully aware of the Controlled Assessment/Coursework task deadlines and the procedures for marking, standardisation and moderation which will be carried out in school &

make students aware of the rules set out by the Examination Boards governing their behaviour and the level of supervision in their particular subject and that they are aware of the Internal Appeals Procedure and the regulations published by the Examination Board concerning Academic Misconduct.

2. Scheduling Controlled Assessment / Coursework

ensure students are adequately paced in workload to complete the Controlled Assessment/Coursework tasks within the published timeframe, making sufficient progress at each of the deadlines outlined in the departmental assessment calendar, failure to do so should be fully recorded and dealt with in a manner consistent with the college’s Behaviour Policy,

ensure that students log the Controlled Assessment/Coursework in their personal organisers &

help the students manage their workload by reminding students of the relative value of Controlled Assessment/Coursework versus examination work and to balance these in proportion.

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3. Departmental Marking of Controlled Assessment / Coursework

where appropriate mark all Controlled Assessment/Coursework within the timeframe published in the departmental assessment calendar,

throughout, the teacher should provide and retain written feedback on progress and standard to date. This may be evidenced electronically if submitted/maintained in this manner. Such feedback will be used as part of the appeals procedure where it is invoked by the student or his Parent(s)/guardian(s),

provide the Curriculum Leader with the Controlled Assessment/Coursework marks and samples within the published timeframe; Curriculum Leader will retain a copy of all pupil marks and make these available to the relevant Assistant Head teacher,

attend standardisation and moderation meetings as required by the Curriculum Leader and carry out all agreed adjustments to Controlled Assessment/Coursework marks,

Do NOT provide the student with the final mark for the Controlled Assessment/Coursework, either before or after the internal moderation and standardisation procedures &

annotate final Controlled Assessment/Coursework according to examination board guidelines to highlight how marks have been achieved. This will be important if the work is examined within either the Internal Appeals Procedure or any subsequent procedure carried out by the examination board.

Controlled Assessment / Coursework Deadlines

The deadline for students is in two parts:

the submission date - when all Controlled Assessment / Coursework should be handed in by students,

The final acceptance date – for those students who fail to meet the submission date and after which no Controlled Assessment / Coursework will be accepted. The student is given either a mark for any incomplete work submitted or a zero mark if no work is submitted &

where a student is completing work for a BTEC qualification the department can refuse to submit a grade at the time of the final submission for the College Course. This will mean that the student will fail to complete the College course although he may, at a future date (within the lifespan of the BTEC qualification) complete his BTEC qualification.

In determining these dates, the Curriculum Leader will consult with the teachers in

his/her department and leave sufficient time for the marking, internal moderation,

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standardisation and administration. All Controlled Assessment / Coursework should

be handed in on or before the submission date.

If a student fails to meet set deadlines without acceptable medical authorisation the

teacher will inform the Curriculum Leader and Assistant Headteacher. The Assistant

Headteacher will treat this event as a serious disciplinary matter, and may inform the

Parent(s)/guardian(s).

if time allows before submission of marks to examination authorities, arrangements will be made, via a letter, for the student to attend compulsory Evening Study in college, until such time as his Controlled Assessment/Coursework is up to date,

the Curriculum Leader will inform the Assistant Headteacher when this is the case and a note will be placed in the student’s organiser to indicate to Parent(s)/guardian(s) that this is the case,

repeated instances of failure to meet deadlines will see the same procedures implemented but Staged Warnings may be issued and a meeting with Parent(s)/guardian(s) arranged, if deemed appropriate in line with the College Behaviour Policy &

appropriate educational support will be given to the student.

No Controlled Assessment / Coursework will be accepted by the college after a reasonable date before the final submission of marks to the examination authority.

time must be allowed for verification of the student’s work, through marking and moderation of work by the teacher and the department &

failure to do so will mean that the college will award the student either a mark for the incomplete work submitted or a zero mark if no work is submitted.

Disciplinary Procedures for Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is defined as any attempt by students to gain an unfair

advantage in assessments. An allegation of academic misconduct may be made by

a member of staff against a student. Each student in Year 10 will receive a copy of

the JCQ sheet entitled “Information for candidates: GCSE and Principal learning:

Controlled Assessments” Each student in Year 12 will receive a copy of the JCQ

sheet entitled “Notice to candidates: Coursework Assessments”.

Academic misconduct may include, though not be limited to:

plagiarism, i.e. using others' ideas and words without clearly acknowledging the source of that information,

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falsifying or fabricating data i.e. consists of the misrepresentation of the results of experimental work or the presentation of fictitious results,

collusion i.e. involves two or more students working together, without the prior authorisation of the subject teacher, to produce the same piece of work, and then attempting to present this as entirely their own work,

copying i.e. when one student copies work from another student, with or without the knowledge of the first student,

bribery or attempted bribery i.e. the paying, offering or attempted exchange of an inducement for information or material intended to advantage the recipient in an assessment,

personation i.e. involves one person undertaking an assessment on behalf of another. This may involve the purchase of assessment material or downloading it from a website and then attempting to present this as entirely their own work &

any other wilful deception in any element of an assessment.

A student who aids and abets a fellow student to commit academic misconduct shall be deemed to have committed academic misconduct and will be dealt with accordingly.

When a case of suspected academic misconduct has been identified:

the teacher involved will collect the evidence and bring the matter to the attention of the Curriculum Leader and the Assistant Headteacher. They will examine the evidence, interview the student, consult with other staff and students as appropriate and establish the nature and extent of the misconduct,

if, as a result of this investigation, the Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader are satisfied that no academic misconduct has taken place, no further action will be taken against the student and the student and the subject teacher will be informed as soon as possible,

where the student admits to the academic misconduct, the Assistant Headteacher will re-interview the student in the presence of the Curriculum Leader, make a written record of the interview and request the student to sign the notes as representing an accurate record of the meeting. The Assistant Headteacher will decide the appropriate penalty in accordance with the College Behaviour Policy, taking account of the extent of the misconduct, whether wilful deception was involved and the extent to which the assessment would have contributed to the final award,

the Assistant Headteacher will ask the Parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student to come to the college to discuss their son’s misconduct and the penalty. The penalty for academic misconduct will include a disciplinary sanction and will

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require the student to repeat the assessment under the supervision of the Curriculum Leader within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply will result in a zero mark &

any case of academic misconduct may be reported to the appropriate Examination Board who will deal with each case according to their regulations.

Ownership of Coursework

The ownership and copyright of coursework assignments are retained by the teacher and the College. On completion, the coursework submitted by students becomes examination material and the college holds it securely until it has no further value as examination material.

Ownership of this original coursework is passed to the college on submission by the student. Any sample of coursework sent to an examination board becomes the property of the board and they may decide to use the material for training purposes. Students should retain a copy of their work, as the original work will not be returned.

Where the coursework results in a product, either a physical product or a software package, the college assumes ownership of the product, as it will have been developed using materials and/or facilities provided by the college and with assistance and/or guidance provided by the teaching staff.

The Curriculum Leader will have the discretion to decide if the product/package should be returned to the candidate but all associated documentation will remain the property of the college.

Appeals regarding Controlled Assessments or Coursework

This college is committed to ensuring that whenever its teachers assess students’ work; this is done fairly, consistently and in accordance with the specification for the qualification concerned. Internal marking, moderation and standardisation of coursework will always be conducted by staff who have appropriate knowledge, understanding and skills, and who have been trained in this activity.

Students will NOT have access to the final mark after internal moderation and standardisation has occurred when the mark is ready to be submitted to the examination board. The marks submitted to the Examination Boards are subject to further external.

Moderation and standardisation procedures and the final mark is decided by the Chief Moderator for each subject area. Access to coursework results will only occur after the examination results are provided by the relevant Examination Boards.

However, when the coursework procedures have been carried out as described above, the student has met the submission deadlines and has received appropriate feedback then the final mark should not be unexpected.

An appeal may only be made against the process that produced the grade awarded or the mark to be submitted to the examination board and not against the mark or grade itself. It can only be made where the student or his parents believe that the

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procedures for managing, marking, moderating and standardising coursework have not been carried out within the procedures set out above.

If a student believes that his work has not been treated in accordance with the procedures outlined above the initial action should be a discussion between the teacher and the candidate. If the disagreement cannot be resolved by discussion between the teacher and candidate concerned then the candidate may appeal to the exams officer, who will put into action the agreed appeals process. This will be the final stage in the normal process of considering and resolving disputes. It is expected that it will be used only on exceptional circumstances.

Appeals Procedure

appeals should be made as soon as possible, and must be made at least two weeks before the end of the last externally assessed paper in that examinations series,

appeals should be made in writing to the Exams’ Officer stating the details of the complaint and the reasons for the appeal. The teacher concerned will respond to the appeal in writing to the exams officer, a copy will be given to the student.

If the student is still unhappy they can request a personal hearing before an appeals panel. This request should be made within two days of receipt of the written reply. The appeals panel should consist of the Exams’ Officer, the Curriculum Leader of the subject area and one of the following – an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Head or a governor. If the Curriculum Leader is the subject of the appeal then the panel should consist of the Exams’ Officer and two of the above mentioned people,

the student may bring a parent / guardian to the hearing,

the teacher involved will be present at the hearing,

if the appeal results in a change in the mark awarded to the student or his fellow students then the relevant examination board will be informed of the change and the reasons for it,

the appellant will be informed in writing of the outcome of the appeal, including any correspondence with the examination board, any changes made to the assessment of the student’s work, and any changes made to improve matters in future &

after a student’s work has been assessed and moderated internally it is moderated by the examinations board to ensure consistency between centres. Such moderation can change the marks awarded for internally assessed work, this is outside the control of the college and is not covered by the Internal Appeals Procedure. If a student has concerns about external moderation, he should ask in the Exams’ Office for a copy of the appeals procedure of the relevant examinations board.

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Appendix 3

REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE GOVERNING EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

AND QUALIFICATIONS

PUBLICATIONS

2016 - 2017

General Regulations for Approved Centres

Instructions for Conducting Examinations

Instructions for Conducting Non-Examinations Assessments

Instructions for Conducting Controlled Assessments

Instructions for Conducting Coursework

Instructions for Conducting MFL Listening Exams

Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments

Conditions for Storing Secure Examination Materials

People Permitted in the Examination Room

Suspected Malpractice in Examinations and Assessments – Policies and Procedures

A Guide to the Special Consideration Process

JCQ Appeals Booklet

A Guide to the Awarding Body Appeals Processes

Post Results Services

Information for Candidates:

Controlled Assessments

Coursework

Non-Examination Assessments

Written Tests

On-Screen Test

Privacy Notice

Social Media

Warning Notice

Individual Awarding Bodies also produce rules and guidance in addition to the

above.