Gillingham School - Key Stage 5 Assessment & Moderation Processes 2021
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Gillingham School
Key Stage 5
Assessment & Moderation
Processes 2021Dear Parents, Carers and Students,
Following the government’s announcement cancelling the Summer 2021 examinations, you will be aware that
schools have been tasked with awarding students’ GCSE, BTEC and A Level grades this summer. In this letter we aim
to outline our rationale for awarding grades, and the next steps of the process.
When determining GCSE and A Level grades for students in 2021 we will be taking into account the following
context. The current Yr11 and Yr13 have had a total of 22 term time weeks in lockdown. In addition, some students
have missed additional time due to self-isolation. This means that of the 299 school days scheduled from September
2019, students have lost a minimum of 110 days – just over a third of their curriculum time.
Therefore, when attributing grades to these year groups, students cannot be compared fairly to previous year
groups. Nor would they be in a position to sit the same exams as their previous counterparts. We recognise that
exams alone, or work solely completed after 8th March 2021, will not give an accurate picture of a student’s progress
and attainment.
We are committed to ensuring that no young person is disadvantaged by this process.
Common practice across the School
This booklet contains details of the modifications which have been made to each subject’s curriculum, the detailed
Portfolio of Evidence used to assess students’ progress, and outline the process for moderating and quality assuring
these assessments. We are also required to have this information checked and verified by each Exam Board prior to
the school submitting Centre Assessed Grades.
Our moderation processes will include:
- confirming that all teachers have adhered to the identified Portfolio of Evidence,
- the subject leader attending Exam Board training re grading,
- departmental moderation, including an element of ‘blind’ marking to eliminate teacher bias
- a rank order of student results to check grade distribution compared to previous, and national, cohorts
- moderation with other North Dorset schools where pertinent to do so
- checking all grades, especially those regarded as anomalous, and the random sampling of students’
portfolios of evidence by subject leaders and the senior leadership team
Determining a fair assessment methodology
This year GCSE, BTEC and A Level grades will be awarded using a Portfolio of Evidence, focusing on a combination of
‘coursework’ (work done in class, assignments, coursework / NEA projects, homeworks etc.) and engagement with
exam board materials. Students will only be assessed on the topics they have been taught.
There will not be any examinations. Departments will use some exam board materials, with tried and tested mark-
schemes. However, these will be completed in class with the support of their teacher. These assessments will be an
opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competencies but will not be the sole basis of
deciding a students’ final grade. Students will be notified, in advance, of these assessments and they will form part of
their portfolio of evidence for that subject.
It should also be noted that Exam Boards will also conduct their own quality assurance processes to ensure that no
grades are significantly higher or lower than in previous years at our Centre.
The next steps
Our advice to students remains to continue attending their lessons and engaging with all activities set, including
homework. Quite apart from the grading process, this will prepare them for the next steps of their education,
training or employment.
Students, and parents, will be issued with a Progress Report in the next few weeks - Year 13 in the week beginning
15th March, and Year 11 in the week beginning 26th April. Year 11 will also have an online Parents’ Evening on 6th
May. Whilst these reports will contain ‘On Track For’ grades, please note that these may be subject to change and
can go up or down.
Teachers will be assessing student’s progress throughout this term. To support departmental moderation, we have
taken the decision to move the Staff Development Day from 19th April to 21st May. We apologise for any
inconvenience this may cause.
The final day of taught courses for Year 11 and Year 13 will be Friday 28th May.Results will be issued to students in early August – Year 13 on 10th August, and Year 11 on 12th August. Further information will be sent nearer the time. Malpractice Teachers are already using their professional expertise to assess students on the content they have been taught. Teachers are unable to submit higher grades for students unless they have the evidence that they are consistently working at this level. If teachers submit higher grades without evidence they are committing exam malpractice. Any undue pressure by a student or parent on teachers to increase grades is also considered exam malpractice. If students or parents are found to be putting teachers or leaders under undue pressure to increase grades, then this matter will be referred to the exam boards and an investigation into malpractice may ensue. Please note that teachers are not allowed to disclose their final grade submitted to the exam board. Appeals Students will have the right to appeal their grade if they feel that the school has made an administrative or procedural error. If we have made such an error and that, as a result, we submitted the wrong grade to the exam board we will explain the nature of our mistake and ask the exam board to change the grade. If a student believes the school’s judgement was wrong they can ask us to submit an appeal on their behalf to the exam board. We will provide the exam board with the evidence used to determine their grade, together with the school’s justification for the grade, the student’s concerns and details of the process used to determine the grade. Appeals are not likely to lead to adjustments in grades where the original grade is a reasonable exercise of academic judgement supported by the evidence. Grades can go up or down as the result of an appeal. At the time of writing, we understand that students will have the opportunity to sit an examination for each subject in the Autumn Term if they wish to. We understand that this is an unsettling time for some students but we want to reassure you that, under these arrangements, they will have many more opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and progress within a subject than an examination would provide. Assessment will be based on their progress across the full two years of their courses. It is our intention to make the process as humane as possible, and to ensure that no students are disadvantaged. Yours faithfully, Paul Nicholson Headteacher
Department: Art & Photography Course: AQA A LEVEL
601/4456/7 – Art – 7202 Ph - 7206
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
AQA removed Component 2 so Component 1 alone will form the evidence for CAGs.
All work created for Component 1 until the final deadline will be assessed. This includes practical work as
well as the essay of up to 3,000 words.
Component 1 projects were modified in response to school closures.
Teachers ensured each assessment objective was covered in Component 1 by creating detailed tasks with
exemplars provided for each assessment objective.
Feedback and work has been individualised to allow all students to make the best progress, rather than
teachers insisting all have the same tasks evident in Component 1. Some students have included work
created in year 12, dependent on whether this will enhance their grade.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Component 1 will be assessed and will include the practical and written element.
Component 1 would usually last from May of Year 12 until January of Year 13. Students
have instead worked on until 4 May meaning work has been created both in school and
during periods of school closure. Component 1 comprises of a written essay of up to
3000 words and a practical study that relates to this essay which must result in a
personal response as a final outcome.
The submission has been structured with clear instructions and exemplars provided and
teachers overseeing the creative journey of the project, ensuring that work clearly
relates to an assessment objective. Students have worked from the Component 1
Handbook, group and individual feedback, checklists and help sheets throughout the
course.
Use of exam boards materials:
AQA standardisation notes will be used both in assessment, in addition to any other
support materials that AQA provide.
Internal moderation arrangements: 4 May-final
Teachers will assess students work together, referring in every instance to comparable deadline.
marks in the AQA support materials. Students ROA predictions will also be considered.
A level teachers
The department assessment will involve each teacher marking each set of work with no
will assess work
group discussion. Teachers will then share marks and we will discuss and change if on Tuesday 11th
necessary, again with the AQA support materials. May, P5 onwards,
working through
the department
meeting and
afterwards until
work is assessed.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Gordon, Mr Calloway By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Science - Biology Course: OCR A Level
601/4260/1 – H20A
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
Due to periods of lockdown, progression through the course content has been slower than previous years. For
this reason and to allow time to establish portfolios of evidence, some content towards the end of the course
will not be taught and thus not included in any teacher assessment of student’s performance. However,
resources will be provided to allow students to progress to the next stage of their education
Additional mitigation: Due to IT connection issues during a period of remote teaching for one class (where the
class was present in school, but the teacher was not), additional mitigation measures will be put in place for
this class. The photosynthesis topic (specification 5.2.1) will be covered again by a class teacher, while the
cellular control topic (specification 6.1.1) will be considered as not taught and thus not included in any teacher
assessment of student’s performance.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
To best assess our student’s performance, a range of evidence will be used and it is
deemed that more recent evidence is more representative of the standard at which the
students are performing now.
Material used and the delivery of materials will be consistent between all students in
both classes (exam access arrangements/consideration will be put in place for each
piece of evidence)
Internal progress tests completed during the period of December 2020 to May See within the main
2021. These are timed tests that reflect the specification using exam board text
materials and mark-schemes, [some tests completed remotely; others under
teacher supervision (high control)]. Support materials produced by the exam
board will be incorporated into these tests when released.
Consideration will also be taken of Year 12 internal progress tests completed in
autumn 2019/spring 2020.
January 2021 mock exam. This was a timed exam that reflects the specification
using exam board materials and mark-schemes [completed remotely].
Exam question booklets will completed by students in class during the months
of April and May 2021. These booklets will reflect the specification using exam
board materials and mark-schemes. Support materials and textbooks will be
allowed to be used by students. These will be completed under teacher
supervision
Homework has not been used as part of the portfolio to ensure equity and consistency
between students.
The future key dates are as follows:
Internal Progress Tests – High Control
Topic Date Notes
Biological Processes Paper Friday 23rd April 30 marks per paper
Biological Diversity Paper Thursday 29th April
Unifying Biology Tuesday 11th May
Exam Question Booklets – Support material and textbooks allowed
Topic Date Notes
Biological Processes Thursday 22nd April 30 marks per booklet
Biological Diversity Friday 30th April
Unifying Biology Thursday 6th MayUse of exam boards materials:
Exam board material along with associated mark-schemes form the basis of all
evidence. This includes past paper questions and the support material yet to be
released.
Internal moderation arrangements:
Exam board support material will be used by all teachers, so that they have a clear
understanding of how to make fair and consistent judgements. The advice and
exemplar materials given will be used during internal moderation sessions.
Student samples of each piece of evidence will undergo internal moderation. This will
include a proportion of “blind marking” and cross-class marking to minimise any risk of
bias.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools - if required.
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mrs D Taylor-Cox, Mr J Stuart and Mr Barker By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher w/b 14.06Department: Business, Econ. & Law Course: Pearson/Edexcel –
BTEC Level 3 Business
601/7159/5 – BJPL4
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
Despite the lockdown and introduction of CAGs, the majority of our students sat their Unit 2 Developing a Marketing
Campaign exam in January and have now received those results. For those students that did not sit this exam
evidence will be collected for CAGs.
Unit 14 Customer Service, an internally assessed unit has been amended and will now not include the role play tasks.
These have been replaced with scenario write ups. Unit 14 will be completed and assessed by the exam board in the
usual manner.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Year 12 work:
Unit 1 Exploring Business – coursework completed and assessed in Year
12. (25% weighting) 10th May
Unit 3 Finance – CAG assigned 2020 (33.3% weighting)
Year 13 work
Unit 2 Developing a Marketing Campaign – exam taken in January. Results
received from the exam board in March (25% weighting) 12th May
Unit 14 Customer Service – coursework currently being completed. Hand
in date is 12th May. The exam board will then as for a sample of three
students work for moderation.
Unit 2 Developing a Marketing Campaign (6 students resitting this exam)
Research task followed by a 3 hour computer exam. 7th May
Unit 3 Finance (2 students resitting this exam)
Mock exam (2020 paper)
Internal moderation arrangements: Week beginning:
Moderation of Paper 2 work - entry of results on central spreadsheet 10.05.21
and comparison with Range of Attainment data
Moderation of Paper 3 assessments - entry of results on central 10.05.21
spreadsheet and comparison with Range of Attainment data
Unit 14 coursework sample sent to exam board for moderation. 18.05.21
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools - if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Blanchett, Mrs Cross, Mr Alborough By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Business, Econ. & Law Course: Pearson/Edexcel A/AS
Level – Business Studies
601/4673/4 – 9BSO
AS – 601/4672/2 - 8BSO
AQA 601/4336/8 - 7132
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
The following topics were covered during lockdown. Because we cannot guarantee equity of experience for all
students during this time we have taken the decision to omit these topics from forthcoming assessments.
1.5 Entrepreneurs and leadership
2.5 External Influences
3.3 Decision making techniques – CPA only
We have also taken the decision to not include the Paper 3 assessment. Papers 1 and 2 cover the entire course (with
our omissions – stated above). We have lost time to research the case studies required for paper 3.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Key assessment data from Year 12 and 13 (end of unit tests) already completed
and the mock exam result (2020 Papers 1 and 2).
Key Assessment 3.3 Decision Making Techniques Week beg: 15/3
Key Assessment 4.3 Global Markets Week beg: 22/3
Key Assessment 3.4 Influences on Business Decisions Week beg: 19/4
Key Assessment 4.4 Global industries Week beg: 3/5
Paper 2 Assessment (extra spec paper) Week beg: 10/5
Paper 1 Assessment (extra spec paper) Week beg: 17/5
Increased weighting
Use of exam boards materials:
All key assessments use past Edexcel exam papers and mark schemes.
The Paper 1 and Paper 2 Assessments will use the extra specimen exam papers from the
Edexcel website. These are locked from student view. We may change this decision if the
exam board provide alternative material at the end of March.
Internal moderation arrangements: Week beginning:
Moderation check of previous Key assessments – entry of results on central
spreadsheet and comparison with Range of Attainment data 29/3/21
Moderation meeting of March/April/May 2021 Key assessments – entry of
results on central spreadsheet and comparison with Range of Attainment data 3/5/21
Moderation of Paper 2 assessments - entry of results on central spreadsheet and
comparison with Range of Attainment data 10/5/21
Moderation of Paper 1 assessments - entry of results on central spreadsheet and
comparison with Range of Attainment data 17/5/21
Comparison to grade distribution and value added of previous cohorts.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools - if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Blanchett, Mr Alborough By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Science - Chemistry Course: AQA A Level
601/5731/8 - 7405
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
Due to periods of lockdown, progression through the course content has been slower than previous years. For this
reason and to allow time to establish portfolios of evidence, some content towards the end of the course will not
be taught and thus not included in any teacher assessment of student’s performance. However, resources will be
provided to allow students to progress to the next stage of their education.
These topics include:
3.3.1.4 Organic synthesis
3.3.16 Chromatography
3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
To best assess our student’s performance, a range of evidence will be used and it is deemed
that more recent evidence is more representative of the standard at which the students are
performing now. Nonetheless, we will be taking work across the 2-year course into
consideration and as a result our evidence will include assessment from Y12 and Y13.
Homework’s have not been used as part of the portfolio. As students will have approached
homework via different approaches and these cannot be compared between students. It is also
important to point out that, our homework’s generally have comment based marking rather See table below
than grades.
Material used and the delivery of materials will be consistent between all students in all classes
(exam access arrangements/consideration will be put in place for each piece of evidence)
2x Internal progress tests completed during the period of September 2019 to February
2020 (Y12). These are all timed tests that reflect the specification using exam board
materials and mark-schemes. Both progress tests were completed in class under high
control.
(Organic and “Mid-year” Physical test)
December 2020 (Y13)“pre-mock” in 1. Organic and 2. Physical Chemistry. This was a
timed exam that reflects the specification using exam board materials and mark-
schemes – this was completed in class and completed in high control conditions.
Mock exam January/February 2021 (Y13) in 1. Organic and 2. Physical Chemistry. These
mocks were completed at home by all students during remote learning. The control for
these assessments is unknown as students were not supervised. Regardless of the
unknown control, we still feel this is a good indicator of a student’s academic abilities
and are using this to support our CAG.
Further assessment periods:
Assessment Date Notes
Paper 1 – Physical Chemistry Monday 29th March Each paper will only be
Paper 2 – Organic Chemistry Wednesday 31st March 55mins in duration and
Paper 3 – Inorganic + practical focus Monday 10th May will be based on topics
Paper 4 – Synoptic (including MC) Wednesday 12th May covered across the 2
(open book assessment) year course.
November 2020 series
will be used.
To be moderated on
moderation day. All will
take place under exam
conditions unless
specified.Use of exam boards materials:
Use of May/June 2020 papers – including mark schemes to further assess the students.
Exam board “support material” yet to be released and confirmed that it is unlikely to arrive
with us until the end of March (too late to use to assess students). We may use these to aid
revision nonetheless.
One of our current Chemistry A Level teachers works for AQA as a Practical endorsement
advisor. This teacher in questions has been out to visit schools to validate their approach to
monitoring practical work across A Level Sciences.
Internal moderation arrangements:
Exam board support material will be used by all teachers, so that they have a clear
understanding of how to make fair and consistent judgements. The advice and exemplar
materials given will be used during internal moderation sessions.
Student samples of each piece of evidence will undergo internal moderation. This will include a
proportion of “blind marking” and cross-class marking to minimise any risk of bias.
Subject/Key stage First submission Moderated when?
Date
KS5 Biology, Chemistry and Physics Friday 26th March Tuesday 30th March
(Applied Science TBC)
Subject/Key stage Moderated when?
KS5 Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Moderation day –
Science key assessments Friday 21st May
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools - if required.
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mr J Stuart and Mrs F Moon, Mr Barker By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher w/b 14.06Department: Computer Science Course: Pearson/Edexcel
BTEC Level 3
601/7341/5 – BTMD5
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
One unit from Yr13 (Unit 10) no longer requires assessing.
Overall qualification TAG to be used, no marks/grades for individual component units.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Year 12 – Unit 7 - internally assessed unit, which was completed, assessed and awarded
a centre assessed grade. Students received this grade at the end of Yr12.
Year 12 – Unit 2 – externally assessed unit (written exam). Centre assessed grade
awarded based on progress tests throughout the year. Students received this grade at
the end of Yr12.
Year 13 – Unit 10 - internally assessed unit – incomplete due to lockdown, but exam
board have now removed this unit from this year’s assessment.
Year 13 – Unit 1 – externally assessed unit (written exam) – end of topic progress tests
carried out in school before lockdown, mock exam sat by students at home during
lockdown (based on June 2018 exam paper, omitting topics not covered by then),
remaining end of topic test to be carried out in school after Easter, additional mock
exam in class based on January 2021 exam paper to be carried out after Easter.
Use of exam boards materials:
Nothing else required – we have plenty of evidence as described above.
Internal moderation arrangements:
1 class this year, taught by 2 members of staff.
Moderation of results will involve all three members of the department.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mr Hall and Mr Alborough By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Design Technology Course: WJEC/Eduqas A-Level
Design & Technology
Focus areas:
Product Design 603/1178/2 - A602QS
Fashion & Textiles 603/1178/2 - A601QS
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
Component 1: Written Exam
-No longer a written exam focusing on the seven core areas of the course (1. Designing and Innovation 2.
Materials and components 3. Processes 4. Industrial & Commercial Practice 5. Product Analysis & Systems 6.
Human Interaction 7. Public Interaction).
-Students from Product Design and Fashion & Textiles have been taught large sections of these topics in Year 12
and 13. In addition, in-class revision activities have been taught on these topics alongside the NEA. These revision
activities have started from 15th March for Product Design students, and 1st April for Fashion & Textiles students,
in preparation for final in-class assessments. These assessments will take place on the week beginning 10th May
for both focus areas.
Component 2: Non Exam Assessment (NEA)
-The non-exam assessment remains an integral part of the Design & Technology course and of the A-Level
assessment. It is normally worth 50% of the A-Level.
-Some Non-Exam Assessment sections have been reduced by the exam board to allow students to complete work
throughout the lockdown period. The NEA is a design and make task, where students are set the challenge of
designing and making a new product.
- The total of the NEA remains the same out of 100 marks. All students are required to submit a sketchbook and
electronic portfolio.
-No physical model is now required. Instead ‘manufacturing intentions’ can be shown through card prototypes,
CAD models etc.
-All Product Design students have a completed prototype so the NEA remains unaffected in comparison to
previous years. Fashion & Textiles students have a combination of final prototypes and manufacturing intentions –
again the folder work remains unaffected.
-The Evaluation AO4 section has been written by students during the lock down period and continued in school.
-There is still much significant breadth and depth of theory knowledge to ensure students can progress to the next
stage of their education. The NEA has also enabled students to explore the Iterative Design Process in depth if
they choose to continue their study of Design in further education.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Students studying Product Design will be assessed on the following: April 2020 –
March 2021
Non-Exam Assessment (NEA). This will be marked out of 100 marks. Within this NEA,
students will be assessed on the following criteria breakdown: NEA completed
-Identifying & Investigating Design Possibilities and submitted
-Developing a Design Brief & Specification 22nd March
-Generating & Developing Design Ideas 2021
-Manufacturing a Prototype
-Analysing & evaluating design decisions and prototypes
Ofqual guidance has suggested that this NEA will form a significant part of the Centre-
Assessed Grade awarded, due to the breadth of Design knowledge it covers.
Week beginning
Internal Assessment A – In-class assessment that covers topics 2,3,4 (Materials,
10th May.
Processes, Industrial Practice). These are timed assessments that reflect the
specification using questions drawn from exam board materials and mark-schemes.
Assessment A is completed in exam conditions in class, under the guidance of the class
teacher.
Week beginning
Internal Assessment B – In-class assessment that covers topics 1,6,7 (Human & Public 10th May.
Interaction, Designing & Innovation). These are timed assessments that reflect the
specification using questions drawn from exam board materials and mark-schemes.Assessment B is completed in exam conditions in class under the guidance of the class
teacher.
Open book exam practice (Year 12) – mock exam completed in June 2020, reflecting June 2020
the specification using exam board materials and mark schemes.
Regularly
Previous Attitude to Learning (A2L) monitoring grades.
completed by
On Track For (OTF) and RoA (Range of Attainment) grades will be considered. teachers
SISRA data – grade distribution in comparison with previous cohorts will be analysed. throughout the
A-Level course
Students studying Fashion & Textiles will be assessed on the following:
Non-Exam Assessment (NEA). This will be marked out of 100 marks. Within this NEA, May 2020 –
students will be assessed on the following criteria breakdown: March 2021
-Identifying & Investigating Design Possibilities
-Developing a Design Brief & Specification NEA completed
-Generating & Developing Design Ideas and submitted
-Manufacturing a Prototype 1st April 2021
-Analysing & evaluating design decisions and prototypes
Ofqual guidance has suggested that this NEA will form a significant part of the Centre-
Assessed Grade awarded, due to the breadth of Design knowledge it covers.
June 2020 mock exam – Paper 1 (from EDUQAS board). This timed exam reflects the
June 2020
specification using exam board materials and mark-schemes.
January 2021 mock exam – Paper 1 (from EDUQAS board). This timed exam reflects
the specification using exam board materials and mark-schemes. January 2021
Internal Assessment A – In-class assessment that covers topics 2,3,4 (Materials,
Processes, Industrial Practice). These are timed assessments that reflect the
specification using questions drawn from exam board materials and mark-schemes.
Assessment A is completed in exam conditions in class, under the guidance of the class Week beginning
teacher. 10th May.
Previous Attitude to Learning (A2L) monitoring grades. Regularly
On Track For (OTF) and RoA (Range of Attainment) grades will be considered. completed by
teachers
SISRA data – grade distribution in comparison with previous cohorts will be analysed.
throughout the
A-Level course
Use of exam boards materials:
-Internal Assessments A & B are drawn from existing exam board materials, with tested mark
schemes used.
Although other specific exam board support material is yet to be released at present, teachers
may use these to aid revision nonetheless.
Internal moderation arrangements:
Product Design Focus:
Internal moderation will be a sequential process, based on the following steps:
18th March
1. NEA moderation – NEA marked by the 2 specialist class teachers. One specialist
teacher from each focus area of Product Design and Fashion & Textiles will then
moderate the entire cohort of Design students work. Cross-moderation between the
focus areas will ensure consistency. Marks will be verified through analysis and
evidence in each folder. A grade for each student will be given out of 100 marks. Week beginning
2. Assessment A – To be marked by teacher 1. 10th May
3. Assessment B – To be marked by teacher 2.
17th May4. NEA + Assessment A + Assessment B + Open book exam practice scores will be
combined by the 2 class teachers. The progress of each student will also be analysed.
An Initial Centre Assessed Grade will be awarded by the 2 class teachers.
5. Moderation of Initial Centre Assessed grades by the Head of Department. These 24th May
scores will be analysed and compared with previous cohorts. Also, attitude to learning
scores (A2L) and on track for grades (OTFs) will be used in this process.
6. Final Centre Assessed Grade awarded using all of this portfolio of evidence.
Fashion & Textiles Focus: 20th April
Internal moderation will be a sequential process, based on the following steps:
1. NEA moderation – NEA marked by the 2 specialist class teachers. One specialist
teacher from each focus area of Product Design and Fashion & Textiles will then
moderate the entire cohort of Design students work. Cross-moderation between the Week beginning
focus areas will ensure consistency. Marks will be verified through analysis and 10th May
evidence in each folder. A grade for each student will be given out of 100 marks.
2. Assessment A – To be marked by teacher 1. 17th May
3. NEA + Assessment A + June 2020 mock exam + January 2021 mock exam scores will
be combined by the 2 class teachers. The progress of each student will also be
analysed.
An Initial Centre Assessed Grade will be awarded by the 2 class teachers. 24th May
4. Moderation of Initial Centre Assessed grades by the Head of Department. These
scores will be analysed and compared with previous cohorts. Also, attitude to learning
scores (A2L) and on track for grades (OTFs) will be used in this process.
5. Final Centre Assessed Grade awarded using all of this portfolio of evidence.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mr Hann, Mrs Lewis, and Mr Calloway By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Business, Econ. Course: Pearson/Edexcel A/AS Level
& Law Economics 601/4767/2 – 9EBO,
AS 601/4106/2– 8ECO
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
The following topics were covered during lockdown. Because we cannot guarantee equity of experience for all
students during this time we have taken the decision to omit these topics from forthcoming assessments:
3.5.3 Minimum Wage Legislation
2.3.4 Impact of productive efficiency on cost and sales revenue
2.6.2 Supply side polices
3.6.4 Redistribution of income and wealth
We have taken the decision to not include the Paper 3 assessment. Papers 1 and 2 cover the entire course (with
our omissions). We have lost time to research the case studies required for Paper 3.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Key assessment data from Year 12 and 13 (end of unit tests), already completed
and the mock exam result (Paper 1 and 2 2020).
Key Assessment 4.3 Externalities Week beg: 15/3
Key Assessment 3.5 Labour Markets Week beg: 22/3
Key Assessment 4.4 Managing the Economy Week beg: 16/4
Key Assessment 3.6 Inequalities Week beg: 26/4
Paper 1 Assessment (extra specimen paper) Week beg: 10/5
Paper 2 Assessment (extra specimen paper) Week beg: 17/5
Increased weighting
Use of exam boards materials:
All key assessments use past Edexcel exam papers and mark schemes.
The Paper 1 and Paper 2 Assessments will use the extra specimen exam papers from the
Edexcel website. These are locked from student view. We may change this decision if the
exam board provide alternative material at the end of March
Internal moderation arrangements: Week beginning:
Moderation check of previous Key assessments – entry of results on central
spreadsheet and comparison with Range of Attainment data 29/3/21
Moderation meeting of March/April/May 2021 Key assessments – entry of
results on central spreadsheet and comparison with Range of Attainment data 3/5/21
Moderation of Paper 1 assessments - entry of results on central spreadsheet and
comparison with Range of Attainment data 10/5/21
Moderation of Paper 2 assessments - entry of results on central spreadsheet and
comparison with Range of Attainment data 17/5/21
Comparison to grade distribution and value added of previous cohorts.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools – if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Crutcher and Mr Alborough By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: English Course: WJEC/Eduqas
Language A Level
601/5043/9 – A700QS
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
- Lockdown 2020 – content taught online was less satisfactorily covered- C1A spoken Language; C2A
language change; C3
- Year 12 exams covered these sections. There was a school session covering each exam and then students
completed the exams at home. Whole cohort for each section marked by one teacher; moderation of
C1A by relevant A level teachers
- Jan 2021 lockdown. Students were due to take mock exams. These were set online with time deadlines
and completed at home. We used the Autumn 2020 exam papers and mark schemes.
- Coursework unit was initially introduced in summer 2020 during in school sessions for Yr 12. Spring 2021
coursework began at home and continued in school after March 8th 2021.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
- Year 12 Mocks June 2020 C1A (June 17) /C2A (June 18) /C3 (June 18) June 2020
- Year 13 Mocks Jan 2021 C1/C2/C3 using Autumn 2020 Exam board papers and mark Jan 2021
schemes.
- Coursework – completed during March 2021 Due 31st March.
- Additional assessment evidence completed after Easter for each section of exam 19th April- 10th
paper – in class preparation followed by writing in class in timed conditions May
- Additional evidence from practice essays completed during the course where relevant
Use of exam boards materials:
- Year 12 Mocks were exam board papers
- Year 13 Mocks –full set of Autumn 2020 papers
- Coursework completed following exam board specification and marked in accordance
with the mark scheme.
Internal moderation arrangements:
- Coursework to be marked (evenly split between A Level teachers and covering both 19th April- 19th
classes. Standardising exam board material from 2019/20 used before marking. May
Moderation by all teachers – meeting arranged for 22nd April.
- Best marks for individual sections from the range of evidence collated.
- Most recent exam board boundaries will be used. Moderation of
- Grades cross referenced with prior attainment (RoA) and consider other mitigating portfolios on
factors. May 21st
- Any problematic folders to be moderated in full.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mr Monaghan, Ms Coates and Mr Lavis By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: English Course: Pearson/Edexcel
Literature A-Level
601/5046/4 – 9ET0
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
We have been able to cover the entire curriculum in a classroom environment, as the two periods of National
Lockdown fell during periods that would normally be used for revision activities, mock examinations and time
dedicated to working on the Coursework element of the course. In terms of the three main units of the course
(Prose, Poetry and Drama), these have been fully covered in class and the assessment process will focus on these
topics. There are, however, several areas to consider carefully:
- Year 12 internal examinations were conducted remotely (May 2020)
- Year 13 Mocks were carried out remotely, during the second period of national lockdown (January-
March).
- To compensate for lost learning time, the period of the second lockdown, and the subsequent return to
face-to-face teaching in early March 2021 has been dedicated to revision of key topic areas with a specific
focus on essay writing skills in the build up to the additional assessment period post-Easter. This time has
also been used to allow students writing time for their Coursework.
All internal examinations used questions from Person-Edexcel Board 2017-2020 (current specification started in
2017).
After the Easter holidays students will be completing assessments in a classroom environment. These will be
‘open book’ assessments, meaning that in the relevant assessments, students will be able to use copies of the key
texts, in line with usual allowances. Two lessons prior to each assessment will be dedicated to relevant revision.
This will allow the students the best opportunity to show their developing skills and knowledge in the subject.
Wording of the questions, and any unseen comparison texts, will remain secret until the test begins, to allow
students the chance to demonstrate their ability to plan and write essays independently. Students who would
normally have extra time or special access arrangements will be given time/opportunity to use this. Grade
boundaries will be taken from previous years’ examinations, as published on the exam board website, with some
leeway allowed here given the specific nature of questions set for assessment this year.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
The Literature Year 13 Centre Assessed Grades will be assessed primarily by the class’ main
teachers, with assistance from other members of the department with experience teaching the
course at Key Stage 5. The portfolios will include:
- Year 12 Examination (using Pearson-Edexcel board questions) – marked by class teachers
- January 2021 Mock Examination – 5 essays that cover each component of the curriculum May 2020
(all questions taken from the Pearson-Edexcel board) – marked blind using Pearson-
Edexcel mark-schemes January
- Essays written in class after Easter: GCE A-Level examination questions under test 2021
conditions (all questions taken from the Pearson-Edexcel board). 5 essays as per a full
examination. A list of which dates and topics will be for these assessments will be given
prior to the Easter holiday. April 2021
- Examples of classwork and essays representative of the students’ consistent best, across
all topic areas (Prose, Poetry, Drama).
- Coursework – marked by class teachers using Pearson-Edexcel mark-schemes. This would
normally represent 20% of a student’s overall grade.
Use of exam boards materials:
- All essays submitted in portfolios use Exam Board questions (Pearson-Edexcel 2017-2020).Internal moderation arrangements:
The department will meet regularly during the assessment process, to moderate the way that
assessment questions are set and marked. This will include:
- January Mock Examinations marked blind
- Each Component moderated by all members of the English Literature A-Level staff, January
overseen by the Head of Department and 2nd in Department 2021
- A final day of moderation taking place on 21st of May. This will include: February
- Moderation of essays completed in class 2021
- Moderation of Coursework
- Moderation of work exemplars where necessary 21st May
- Head of Department and 2nd in department to moderate and confirm any grade changes 2021
from January Mock
School standardisation arrangements:
- Departmental moderation (see above)
- Moderation across ND schools if required
- SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade distribution
- SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mr Monaghan, Mr Stewart, and Mr Lavis By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b
14.06Department: EPQ Course: AQA Extended Project Level 3
600/9534/9 - 7993
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
None were necessary, as students were working on self-directed studies.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Project Q online log 26/3/21
5000 word essay or evidence of artefact and 1000 word report
Bibliography
Slides and notes of a presentation
Use of exam boards materials:
N/A
Internal moderation arrangements:
Each project will be marked by the supervisor and then moderated by one other May 2021
teacher. If there are more than 3 marks difference, a third teacher will be asked to
moderate.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mrs Vallendar and Mr Lavis By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Design Technology Course: WJEC/Eduqas Food
Science & Nutrition Diploma
601/4552/3 – 4563QD
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
Food Science and Nutrition Diploma
Unit 2 Ensuring food is safe to eat. Controlled Assessment Timed (CAT) set by board has been removed.
Worth 50% – Unit 2 is now to be set by class teachers and AHOD from previous tasks set by the exam
board.
Unit 2 Open book mock sat by students in smaller sections, feedback given, class material shared.
Further Unit 2 CAT mock (changed scenario from exam board exemplar) carried out by students in
controlled conditions in school. Relaxed format with reflection available in lessons if required.
Feedback to be given to students on completion of the mock.
Unit 2 CAT to be started 11th May, in school, under controlled conditions on exam laptops. Time split
between all class teachers and AHOD.
Unit 3 Experimenting to solve food production problems. Worth 50%. Non Examined Assessment (NEA)
open book mock with scenario approved by board in previous year. Feedback given and adaptions
allowed. Support with practical ingredients given to all students. Option to carry out practical
experiments at home with photographic evidence.
NEA assessment with brief approved by exam board (started 24th March – completed 4th May).
Controlled conditions on exam laptops in school. Support with practical ingredients and option to carry
out experimental practical work at home with photographic evidence.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Food Science and Nutrition Diploma
All students will have the following
Mock Unit 3 NEA September
February
Mock Unit 2 CAT
January
Unit 2 Scenario open book mock
March
Unit 3 NEA class assessment
May
Unit 2 CAT class assessment
SISRA Grade distribution in comparison with previous cohorts Regularly
Attitude to learning (A2L) scores throughout year 10 and 11 completed
Range of attainment (RoA) data throughout the
Day to day classwork and ongoing teachers and AHOD observations over sustained course
period of time. Including practical observations
Books from classwork, home learning and private study including practical work.
Use of exam boards materials:
Food Science and Nutrition Diploma
-Unit 2 Ensuring food is safe to eat. CAT mock – scenario changed from exam board
exemplar.
- Unit 2 Ensuring food is safe to eat – CAT Past paper adapted from exam board secure site.
Mark paper from exam board secure site to be used.
- Unit 3 Experimenting to solve food production problems. Mock from exam board approved
brief.
- Unit 3 Experimenting to solve food production problems. NEA from existing exam board
approved brief (current and live)Internal moderation arrangements:
Food Science and Nutrition Diploma April
All food staff to moderate Unit 3 CAT and mock CAT May
All food staff and AHOD to moderate Unit 3 NEA and mock NEA
Moderation will include sample material issued by the exam board and from
previous candidates.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools - if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mr Hann, Mrs Lewis and Mr Calloway By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Geography Course: Pearson/Edexcel A Level
601/8417/6 – 9GE0
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
Lockdown work centred mainly on independent investigation-deadlines manipulated to accommodate
contact time lost
SOW adapted with topic partners to decide on key/interesting content to be covered in the time
remaining as well as common assessment opportunities
No requirement from the exam board to provide evidence of fieldwork
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade: (the numbers
correspond to the weighting of each assessment) 1. March 2021
1. Independent Investigation shared marking (not marking all own classes, every A 2. Ongoing
level teacher to mark regardless of whether they have a year 13 class currently) 3. March-May
2. Assessments recorded on SIMs throughout Year 12 and 13 (12 in total) 2021
3. Regular (fortnightly) agreed common assessments for previous and current 4. April/May
topics on both sides of the course-no prior exposure to the questions, no 2021
setup/question breakdown from teacher. Questions will assess learning in that 5. Ongoing
topic up to that point. Students directed to revise specific elements from their 6. June 2020
topic breakdowns. There will be a total of five new assessments between March- 7. January 2021
May
4. Paper 3- Synoptic paper which is a skills based paper requiring the use of a range
of geographical sources from a resource booklet and the application of their own
knowledge to answer a series of questions on a geographical issue in a location
not studied before
5. Exercise books from year 12 and 13 with formative comments on assessments
6. Year 12 mock (minimal due to open book)
7. Year 13 mock (minimal due to open book)
Use of exam boards materials:
-Exam papers/mark schemes/examiners reports available on Edexcel Website Ongoing
-Independent Investigation mark schemes and guidance/updates/exemplars March/April 2021
Internal moderation arrangements:
-Independent Investigation moderation – teachers marking student work from other
classes-moderation to be completed during first department meeting after Easter April 2021
-Moderation of regular agreed common assessments past and current topics with topic
partners
-Moderation of synoptic paper using mark schemes and examiner reports. Grade March-May 2021
distribution will be analysed in line with expected progress of students and a sample for May 2021
moderation will be chosen from that. TBC
-Attend any training seminars available
-Cross moderation with the Gryphon School, Dorset
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades Mrs Moore, Miss Wade, and Mrs Turnbull By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Government & Politics Course: AQA A Level
603/1403/5 - 7152
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
Paper 2 USA + COMPARATIVE POLITICS. Final 2 sections – Pressure Groups and civil rights not completed. Reduced
content – Nationalism Topic (Political Ideas).
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
OTF – based on performance over the course January 2021
Mock examination WK beg:
Key assessments: 3rd May 24th May
PAPER 1 Britain: Politics essay, Gov Extract 10th May 17th May
2 x 9 mark questions – cue Pol cue Gov 29th March
PAPER 2 USA: 1 x 9 mark question 15th March
1 x extract 22nd March
PAPER 3 IDEAS: 1 x 9 mark question 19th April
1 x essay
Use of exam boards materials:
Mock examination – all previous exam board questions and marking materials.
Key assessments – all previous exam board questions and marking materials, mark
schemes and literature content.
Internal moderation arrangements:
A’ Level teachers to moderate work; process overseen by Head of History Department.
Comparison to RoA grades to identify potentially anomalous results.
Grade distribution checked against the national figures, factoring in statistical anomalies
from a small cohort.
Cross moderation with another Centre offering the same qualification if required.
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mr Godfrey, Mr Lake and Mr Lavis By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: History Course: OCR A Level
601/4701/5 – H505
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
Prior to the second lockdown, the A Level exam board had acknowledged the loss of class time through Covid by
stating that they would give the students some hints as to what topics would come up in their exams.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade: (see calendar of
Alevel History
- Key assessments (done in school in Year 12 & 13) – c.3 per unit Assessments)
- Mock exam – Jan 2021 2 in March
- Key assessed tasks which cover the full range of skills & competencies (Mar – May 2 in April
’21) – Mini mocks 2 in May
Use of exam boards materials:
- Within our class booklets we have used in preparation there are: exam board
questions, examiners comments as well as student responses to guide their learning
and preparation for the mini mocks.
- There is an OCR course on 25th March relating to preparing for CAG’s @ A Level
- A Level mini mock exam Questions are mostly taken from the official exam board
papers
- A Level Mini mock series also taken from official A Level exam papers
Internal moderation arrangements:
A Level
- Moderation of coursework has taken place already with a sample shared, marked,
grade boundaries discussed before the whole cohorts were marked
- Moderation Process: will involve a sample of work that is marked according to exam
board mark scheme (& examiner reports) then moderated collectively as a
department. Each teacher’s classes work will then be marked by a different teacher.
NB: Should the exam board issue materials in time we will endeavour to use in place of one
or more of the above key assessments
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mr Harrison, Mrs MacFie, and Mr Lavis By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06Department: Business, Econ. Course: WJEC/Eduqas A Level Law
& Law 603/0929/5 – A150QS
Modification to curriculum in light of periods of national lockdown:
The following topics were covered during lockdown. Because we cannot guarantee equity of experience for
all students during this time we have taken the decision to omit these topics from forthcoming assessments:
Intro to Human Rights
Occupiers Liability
Trespass
We have taken the decision to not include the Paper 3 assessment. Papers 1 and 2 cover the entire course
(with our omissions). We have lost time to practice the reforms and evaluation required for Paper 3.
Key Dates
Portfolio of evidence used to determine Centre Assessed Grade:
Key Assessment data Year 12 and 13 (end of unit/exam questions)
Increased weighting
already completed and the mock exam result (Paper 1/Paper 2
2020)
Week beg: 22/3
Key Assessment English Legal System (NC)
Week beg: 16/4
Key Assessment English Legal System (TC)
Week beg: 10/5
Paper 2 Assessment Criminal Law (NC)
Week beg: 10/5
Paper 2 Assessment Tort (TC)
Week beg: 17/5
Paper 2 Assessment Human Rights(TC)
Use of exam boards materials:
All key assessments use past Eduqas exam papers and mark schemes.
The Paper 1 and Paper 2 Assessments will use the 2020 and extra specimen exam papers
from the Eduqas website. These are locked from student view. We may change this
decision if the exam board provide alternative material at the end of March
Internal moderation arrangements: Week beginning:
Moderation check of previous Key assessments – entry of results on central
spreadsheet and comparison with Range of Attainment data
Moderation meeting of March/April/May 2021 Key assessments – entry of 29/3/21
results on central spreadsheet and comparison with Range of Attainment data
Moderation of ELS assessments - entry of results on central spreadsheet and 3/5/21
comparison with Range of Attainment data
Moderation of Paper 2 assessments - entry of results on central spreadsheet and 14/5/21
comparison with Range of Attainment data
Comparison to grade distribution and value added of previous cohorts. 19/5/21
School standardisation arrangements:
Departmental moderation (see above)
Moderation across ND schools – if required
SLT QA of departmental data – testing against 2017/18 & 2018/19 grade
distribution
SLT random checks of sample students
Signing off of grades – Mrs Cross, Mrs Crutcher, and Mr Alborough By 11.06
Head of Centre Declaration: Headteacher PN w/b 14.06You can also read
