Assessment
If the results come back and you are still unit assignment, make sure you thoroughly your centre has the specific items or resources
not satisfied then there is still an opportunity read the sample provided by the exam board. you have now written into the activities,
to appeal, first back to the exam board, This is your guide so ensure you have got a your students will have a hard time getting
or then to the independent Examinations grasp on what must be included and what top marks.
Appeals Board (EAB). can be left out. A poorly written assignment If centre resources are limited, then
Ask your examinations officer or head of will compromise your student’s ability to design into your assignment some cheaper
centre to write to the exam board within 14 show they have understood all the learning assessment methods: case studies, research
days of receiving your EAR results, asking for outcome (LO) elements within a unit and observation rather than video and
stage 1 of the two-stage appeal process. For specification. expensively made artefacts. But ensure
a fee of up to £88, your centre will receive So for your first try-out, rather than you do not lose the practical emphasis, as
a report outlining all the actions taken by writing an assignment from scratch, why not Diploma assignments should be centred on
the exam board so far. Another fee of up to just subtly rewrite the content that is already realistic activities and work experience.
£151 will take you to stage 2 with an appeal there – increasing or decreasing the scale of One last thing – watch out for those
hearing before the awarding body’s appeals items to be measured or made, or changing assessment criteria verbs. The marking grids,
committee. activity scenarios from a national to local shown at the end of each unit specification,
If all these enquiries and appeals aspect. This way you will keep to the original detail how marks are awarded for the use of
procedures have been exhausted, a final assignment’s assessment focus, matching these verbs and so your rewritten assignment
appeal can be made to the EAB. Contact the activity marks to particular LOs (known as must contain the same number of explains,
EAB for an application form or download LO-mark grid mapping). describes, identifies and states as the original
it from its website. The EAB charges no fee Changing the nouns within the if your students are to have a fair and valid
– visit www.theeab.org.uk assignment scenario or activities is another chance.
way of personalising sample assessment Do not be put off at having a go at writing
Assigning out material. But before going ahead and doing your own assessment material. There is
Getting students to complete their Diploma a wholesale swap of names, places, people help out there. Your centre domain or lead
assignments on time is hard work. Cajoling or objects, ensure that the unit specification assessor will be able to guide you through the
might help, but rewriting them to suit your allows you to. Another read through of modification of any assessment activities as
students’ particular needs might be a better the detailed LO descriptions and linked well as being the final arbiter of whether the
bet. Because although all exam boards assessment criteria may reveal that certain newly written assignment is fit for purpose.
provide pre-written assignments for each materials, techniques or calculations must be They will need to review and “sign off” all
centre-assessed unit, you do not have to use used. new assessment tasks before your students
them. You can rewrite them around your Feeling confident? Then why not have can have a crack at them. DD
own ideas and experiences so that they will a go at a total rewrite and design a unit
make a better match to local knowledge and assignment to suit your students’ work • Paula Goddard is a freelance writer and
resources. experience placements, your own ideas and senior examiner with experience of developing
Before having a go at writing your own what’s in the store-cupboard. Because unless exam papers and leading teams of examiners.
Delivering Diplomas • Volume 2 No 1 Spring 2010 29
28-29 advisory.indd 3 5/3/10 12:08:08
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