PROCEDURES FOR THE CONDUCT OF ASSESSMENTS
& INVIGILATION ARRANGEMENTS
Introduction
Assessment is a vital part of the learning and teaching process. In addition to providing a measure of the students’ achievement on qualification-based courses, it also provides diagnostic information that assists both staff and students in the ongoing improvement of the learning and teaching process. To contribute usefully to both of these functions, it is essential that assessment:
· is reliable, ensuring that assessment decisions are made consistently throughout the organisation;
· is transparent, in that it is clear to students, staff and external auditors the criteria and methods by which students’ work is being judged.
·
Scope
The policy applies to all programmes offered by the organisation where all or part of the programme is formally assessed.
Principles of fair assessment
All assessment must be conducted rigorously and accurately and in accordance with the awarding body’s published criteria and standards.
Assessments/coursework developed and delivered by organisation staff must be conducted by reference to open and defined standards described in marking/assessment schemes, covering the required skills, knowledge and understanding.
The chosen format and method of assessment must be appropriate to the qualification and any conditions specified by the awarding body.
Assessment materials must be presented in clear and unambiguous language and must differentiate only on the basis of a student’s knowledge, skills and understanding. Such materials must be free from any overt or covert discrimination against an individual, either in wording or content.
The organisation will designate assessment staff whose knowledge, skills and understanding are appropriate for the units they assess. Staff will maintain their competence by regular staff development organised internally or externally.
As part of the induction process all new full-time, non-advanced students will undertake an initial assessment or pre- course evaluation. This will be used to assess Core Skill levels and to inform decisions about any additional learning support which students should be offered.
College positively encourages students to claim credit in their current course of studies for any relevant qualifications and/or experience gained previously according to the awarding body rules and procedure
1.2.3.
External Assessment
External assessment will be administered strictly in accordance with instructions issued by the relevant awarding bodies.
For coursework assessment (whether internally or externally assessed) the Director will liaise with all awarding bodies.
1.2.3.1.2.All members of staff are expected to contribute to invigilation activity, except the tutor of the particular module, for which the examination is held.
No of examinees: No of invigilators:
71-120 3
121-160 4
To arrive 25 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam session and to be available for the WHOLE examination session to ensure adequate invigilation cover (not just for duration of paper).
·To set out the question papers (usually each tutor sets out the paper for his/her own group of examinees) and to make a last minute check on the question paper/attendance lists/provision of necessary equipment (where appropriate for own paper).
·To assist with the admission of students to the exam room no later than five minutes before the start-time of the exam, ensuring that students are silent; bags, mobile phones and coats are left at the back of the exam room and students do not bring in food or drinks, except in case of medical condition eg diabetes.
·To identify absentees and to ensure Admin Office is aware of all such at the commencement of the exam. To note absentees and any late arrivals on the attendance list.
·During the examination to spot check Organisation cards against the exam room attendance list – to ensure legitimate attendance and accurate seating. To ensure anonymous marking can be seen to be operating it is advisable for tutors to check groups other than their own course group.
·To attend to requests for extra paper, water, comfort breaks and to watch for malpractice.
·To supervise and assist special needs students as appropriate, being prepared to stay to cover extra time if necessary.
·To check the scripts of students leaving before the end of the exam. The script should be left on the desk and collected at the end of the exam to avoid any confusion.
·To ensure that all scripts are accounted for and enveloped correctly at the end of the examination and to complete and sign all necessary documentation. Any scripts not collected from the examination room by the appropriate tutor will be returned to Admin Office for secure keeping.