Rationale

Coursework is an essential and central component of student assessment at GCSE, AS and A Level. Students should be given appropriate support and guidance within the guidelines of the examination boards to enable them to meet the demands of their coursework component to the best of their ability. We further believe that teachers and parents all have key roles to play in supporting and guiding students through coursework completion.

Preparing for Coursework

1. Heads of Department are responsible for ensuring that subject teachers are kept fully informed and up-dated about all issues to do with coursework and its assessment.
2. Subject teachers must ensure that students are made aware of detailed information regarding coursework requirements as follows.

                           i.                  The JCQ document is highlighted with particular reference paid to the

malpractice section.

                         ii.                  Tasks are explained within the guidelines set by the examination boards

and a written outline is distributed to all students.

                        iii.                  Assessment criteria and weightings are explained to students.

                       iv.                  Assessment deadlines are set – students are provided with a calendar which

will include a series of deadlines as well as a final date for submission of all

work. As far as possible deadlines will be spread throughout the year.

3. Students need to be fully aware of the JCQ document and the implications of malpractice. They must plan ahead and be aware of the importance of keeping to all set coursework deadlines.

Carrying out Coursework

1. Coursework is administered within the guidelines of the examination boards.
2. Each department will draw up a departmental pro-forma to monitor and record the progress of coursework for each student.
3. Students should be made aware of the progress that they are making and the action that they should take in order to achieve the coursework marks that they are capable of. It is the responsibility of the student to act upon the advice given.
4. Deadlines should be adhered to by students as falling behind will limit the opportunities the student may have to improve their work. Appropriate action, including a range of sanctions, will be taken if deadlines are not met and parents will be informed of this. Extensions to the deadlines may be given in special circumstances.

Finalising Coursework

1. Subject teachers will assess all coursework using examination board assessment criteria and will complete the associated relevant documentation.
2. Subject teachers within a department will ensure the coursework is marked to an agreed standard and Heads of Department will coordinate internal standardisation with all teachers involved which will take place before the work is submitted to the examination boards.
3. Subject teachers should inform students about their coursework marks advising them that these may change after internal standardization and/or external moderation.
4. Heads of Department are responsible for ensuring that completed coursework is submitted on time and made available to the examination boards.
5. Where coursework malpractice is suspected, the ‘Procedure for Alleged Malpractice’    (JCQ document) will be followed.

Coursework Appeals Procedure

Most coursework marks are submitted to Examination Boards at the beginning of May. If a parent/guardian has concerns regarding the coursework marks allocated, he/she should contact the Principal by mid-April. The principal will meet with relevant staff to review the procedures and the mark allocated. The parent/guardian will be informed of the outcome within five working days. A parent/guardian retains the right of appeal to the appropriate Examining Body upon publication of results.