www.cerp.org.uk

How does assessment structure influence qualification

standards?

Dr Michelle Meadows

Centre for Education Research and Policy

www.cerp.org.uk

Centre for Education Research and Policy

www.cerp.org.uk

Unitised structure of AQA’s GCSE English and GCSE English Language specifications

        Availability

Unit/Subject Mode of Assessment Max. Raw Mark Max. UMS Mark Jan 11 Jun 11 Jan 12 Jun 12

ENG1F Written Examination 80 83

ENG1H Written Examination 80 120

ENG02Speaking & Listening Controlled Assessment

45 60

ENG03 Written Controlled Assessment 90 120

ENL03 Written Controlled Assessment 80 120

English - - 300

English Language - - 300

Centre for Education Research and Policy

www.cerp.org.uk

So what about examiners’ judgements of performance?

• Subtle differences, difficult to detect;

• Comparisons across multiple assessments;

• Method of aggregation matters;

• Sustained study versus recent atomised study.

Centre for Education Research and Policy

www.cerp.org.uk

Centre for Education Research and Policy

www.cerp.org.uk

Fairness

Centre for Education Research and Policy

www.cerp.org.uk

A pragmatic view…