Access to HE Diploma Grading

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Access to HE Diploma Grading
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The Access to HE grading model

• unit grading
• all level 3 units (level 2 units will not be
  graded)
• no aggregate or single final qualification grade
• Pass/Merit/Distinction model, where
• Pass achievement of the learning outcomes, as
  
• assessed by assessment criteria of the unit
• Merit and Distinction higher level of
  performance

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The Access to HE grading model

• application of generic grading descriptors
• no numerical grades
• grades subject to moderation and standardisation
• grade profiles awarded with Diplomas ( maximum
  of 60 graded level 3 credits )

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Grade Descriptors

• General statements of the type of performance
  associated with Merit and Distinction
• 6 descriptors relate to key aspects of
  performance identified as significant by tutors
  and HE
• 7th descriptor relates to overall quality of
  work, and allows for an holistic judgment to be
  made
• Not expected to relate one-to-one with learning
  outcomes or assessment criteria, but are applied
  for the unit as a whole across assessed work as
  appropriate

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Generic grade descriptors
.
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Grade Descriptors Commonality and Flexibility

• Generic for use with any subject
• Provide for choice, within a consistent
  framework
• Choice allows for differences in approach and
  emphasis associated with different subjects
• Choice is at two levels
• which descriptors to use for a unit (AVA)
• which elements from each descriptor (centre)

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Comments from Pilot Centres

• Grading does entail extra work, but mainly at
  the beginning of the process getting familiar
  with the descriptors, adding information to
  assignments etc.
• No direct relationship between the number of
  descriptors used and the amount of work involved
  if the descriptors are appropriate the evidence
  is there and always has been.
• Useful to have a formal way now of recognising
  aspects of performance that in the past have been
  emphasised as important but where there was no
  mechanism to include them in the assessment
  e.g. language skills

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Allocating Grade Descriptors to Units

• All units use grade descriptor 7 (Quality)
• At least one other Grade Descriptor chosen from
  1 6
• Once allocated the Grade Descriptors form part
  of the unit specification and cannot be changed

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Allocating Grade Descriptors to Approved Units

• Units have been categorised according to how many
  providers are using the units
• Category 1 Most commonly used (10 providers)
  and mandatory units
• Category 2 Units used by several providers (up
  to 9) across one or more Diplomas
• Category 3 Units used by one provider across
  one or more Diplomas

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Allocating Grade Descriptors - Category 1
Units

• These units will have Grade Descriptors allocated
  by OCNLR.
• Providers will be invited to agree/ disagree and
  comment (via the on-line system) on the allocated
  descriptors and these comments will inform the
  final decision.

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Allocating Grade Descriptors Category 2 Units

• OCNLR will suggest Grade Descriptors to be used
  with these units. Providers will be invited to
  vote (via on-line system) on proposed GDs.
  Provider selections will be visible to other
  providers.
• OCNLR Unit reviewers will make a final decision
  of GDs to be used, informed by provider votes.

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Allocating Grade Descriptors Category 3 Units

• Providers using these units will select Grade
  Descriptors themselves (via the on-line system).
• OCNLR unit reviewers will approve and/or make
  recommendations if necessary

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Role of Access Leads

• Attend first briefing to obtain details on
  implementation plan and process, and contribute
  to discussion on proposed GDs for common units
• Communicate the plan, timetable, process and the
  practitioners role within that process to own
  teams and other Access Lead tutors
• Organise GD allocations for units with teams and
  collate decisions
• Vote on-line on grade descriptors for units
  used in own provision between 20th April and 8th
  May.

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Role of Access Leads

• Circulate guidance to other Access lead tutors
  and own teams on attributing final grades for
  units, record-keeping, Internal Moderation and
  External Moderation
• Book team members into practitioner workshops
  17/24/30 June
• Attend second briefing event (11th or 15th June)
  to receive details, guidance and supporting
  documentation for 09/10 implementation
• Communicate information from second briefing to
  other Access lead tutors and own teams

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Role of Access Leads

• Work with own teams to identify the elements of
  the GDs they will apply to the assessments they
  use with the units
• Ensure assignment cover sheets are produced that
  include the GD elements that will be used with
  assessments
• Ensure record sheets are revised to incorporate
  GD elements

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Website Links
QAA Access to HE Website for the latest
guidance www.accesstohe.ac.uk OCNLR for updates
on briefings, training events and allocating
Grade Descriptors to units www.ocnlr.org.uk/acces
s-to-he/grading