

	Introduction to the exams process
	Who's who
	The exams process
	Exam marking
	Awarding grades and results
	Access and fairness
	Standards

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The exams process

Nature of exams

In this text, references to GCSE and A level include GCSEs in vocational subjects and VCE A levels. A GCSE or A level qualification is divided into several parts or components. Components can be either externally or internally assessed. An externally assessed component is usually a written examination marked by awarding body examiners. Internally assessed work (often called coursework) is normally completed over a longer period of time and tests types of knowledge, skills and understanding which are more difficult to assess under examination conditions. Internally assessed work is marked by teachers and the accuracy of this marking is checked by awarding body moderators.

The following elements in the exams process are described in the order in which they are likely to occur.

Setting exam papers

It takes about two years from the time an A level or GCSE question paper is set until a candidate receives their result. A principal examiner is appointed to each component (also known as a unit or paper) in an A level or GCSE qualification. Well over a year before an examination, principal examiners start the process by drafting their papers and mark schemes. The general structure and content of these question papers will need to follow any details in the specification.

When the setter is satisfied with the draft, it is sent to a reviser, who considers it in the context of the other papers for the examination and checks it for coverage of the specification, comparability with previous papers, clarity and so on. The setter receives comments from the reviser and makes any amendments necessary.

The set of papers is then considered by a question paper Evaluation committee, which may make further suggestions for amendments. The setter makes any further changes, carefully scrutinising the mark scheme to ensure it reflects any changes to the questions. When finalised, the papers are sent to an assessor who checks that they are fair to candidates and can, for example, be completed in the time allowed.

Setting coursework

Coursework tasks are set in three ways:

by the awarding body
by teachers and then approved by the awarding body or
by teachers according to guidance in the specification.

Information on setting tasks is also usually provided in additional support materials and training sessions for teachers organized by the awarding body. All coursework tasks, however they are set, must allow candidates to show the relevant knowledge, skills and understanding that the coursework is meant to test, and to demonstrate their attainments against the marking criteria specified by the awarding body. Details of these criteria will normally be found in the specification.

Entries

In order to enter candidates for examinations, schools and colleges (collectively known as centres) must send details to the awarding bodies of their candidates and the examinations they wish to take. These details are submitted either on paper or, increasingly, electronically. Awarding bodies merge these data, then check them, validate them and try to resolve any errors. They may be returned to the centres for correction if necessary.

It is essential this process is completed accurately before the examination season since it depends on things like the accurate despatch of examination papers and correct personal details appearing on marksheets and certificates.

Coursework marking

Teachers assess the candidates’ work against the marking criteria. If there is more than one teacher in a centre they have to ensure that their marking is consistent across all teaching groups. Once this is completed, the centre sends the marks to the awarding body. A sample of candidates’ work is also sent to a moderator who will ensure that the centre has marked in line with the agreed national standard. It is important to remember that this stage of the process involves assigning marks to the work against specific criteria; it does not involve grading the work.

Papers sat

Candidates take their examination papers according to a pre-set timetable. There are strict rules prescribed by the awarding bodies to govern the conditions for storing papers, how candidates write their papers, and how to deal with any timetable clashes. The Joint Council issues publications such as Instructions for the Conduct of the Examination and Warning to Candidates which explain these rules in detail. Once the papers are completed centres send them directly to markers.

Also see

> Mocks and invigilation

Documents to download

> GCSE, GCSE in vocational subjects, GCE, VCE and GNVQ code of practice 2002/3 (388kb)

Other websites

> JCGQ