Controlled assessment

Following a coursework review by QCA, controlled assessment is being introduced as part of nearly all GCSEs, to replace coursework.

High, medium or low control levels are set for each of the controlled assessment processes – task setting, task taking and task marking. For each stage, the level of control will ensure reliability and authenticity, and make assessments more manageable for teachers and students.

Weighting of controlled assessments is defined by QCA subject criteria and, depending on the subject, will be 0%, 25% or 60%. We will review controlled assessment tasks every two years.

Specifications with 0% controlled assessment

For some subjects it is more appropriate to assess entirely through external examinations.

Specifications with 25% controlled assessment

This group of subjects have just one controlled assessment unit or component, which will be moderated and awarded as a single entity. QCA is recommending these tasks to require about 2,000 words or equivalent.

Specifications with 60% controlled assessment

This group of subjects include those that are more practical or creative. They may have one, two or three controlled assessment units or components which will be moderated and awarded separately. For these tasks there will be recommended time limits rather than word limits.

FAQs

A. Controlled assessment is coursework in a supervised environment/classroom and will be replacing coursework from September 2009 for GCSEs. This has been introduced by QCA, to address some of the issues raised in coursework reviews, such as plagiarism.

A. The benefits of controlled assessment include:

  • More straightforward marking – for most subjects, learners are provided with worksheets to submit their work on
  • Improved reliability and validity
  • Varying levels of control – you will know at the start of the course what is required to help you manage the assessments and your time more easily
  • Greater confidence in authenticating learners' work as their own
  • Greater ease in fitting assessments into your normal teaching programmes.

A. Controlled assessment is embedded in the specification and will be introduced when the specification becomes available for teaching in September 2009.

A. With the introduction of a new qualification and a new model of assessment (controlled assessment) it is possible that some additional work will be required in the first year of teaching controlled assessment until you get used to the new way of working.

A. This will vary from centre to centre. For example, if you are retaining a linear model then all you need to do is to ensure that the learners have completed all units (full course) by the end of the course. Following a unitised approach may allow a more flexible approach to assessment.

A. This will be governed by the awarding bodies Joint Council for Qualifications' (JCQ) regulations when they are published, please visit www.jcq.org.uk for more information. It is expected that learners' work will need to be kept until all possible post results services have been exhausted.

A. Controlled assessment can start in Year 9, 10 or 11. However it is important that you ensure the correct controlled assessment task is given. We recommend you check the full specification details for the qualification you will be teaching before planning assessment schedules.

A. Tasks will be made available on Interchange, our free secure website, from June of the previous year of assessment to May of the year of assessment. The time when you pass the tasks on to your learners is for you to manage in whatever way suits you and your learners.
Learners should keep their notes to help them as preparation for controlled assessment. The notes will not be required for moderation.

A. Yes, but you need to be aware of the 40% terminal assessment rule, which is detailed in the specification.
If learners are entered for re-sits, which marks are considered? Latest or highest? Learners can re-sit each unit once and can count the highest mark.