Task Taking Explained

The main issue for centres relates to the level of supervision required when candidates are completing their controlled assessment tasks.

The level of supervision varies for individual subjects and is defined in each specification.

Formal Supervision (High Level of Control)

  • With this level of control, candidates’ work must be completed under direct supervision. This might be the candidates’ teacher or another person nominated by the centre.

  • For most specifications, candidates do not have to complete their work in one sitting, unlike an external examination. Section 6 of each specification details the subject specific requirements.

  • Formal supervision usually happens during the final stages of the work when candidates write up the results of preparatory work or research and present the outcome for assessment. When this takes place over a number of sessions, candidates’ work should be collected, stored securely and redistributed as necessary.

Informal Supervision (Medium Level of Control)

  • With this level of control, candidates can work on their own with some guidance by the teacher. In some subjects, for example art and design, and music, it may be necessary for candidates to complete part of the assessment outside the classroom.

  • Whatever arrangements are made, the teacher or supervisor must be able to state that what each candidate has presented for assessment is the candidate’s own work. This can be assured by close supervision of portfolio work which may have been:
    • - started in class and completed in the candidate’s own time, or
    - started outside the classroom and completed by the candidate in class.

In either case, the amount of work carried out during class time should be sufficient for the teacher or supervisor to determine each candidate’s capability in relation to what is presented for assessment. An analytical discussion with the candidate about his/her work would be one method of ensuring authenticity.

Limited Supervision (Low Level of Control)

  • With this level of control, candidates undertake work without teacher supervision.

  • Candidates may undertake research and preparatory work which will inform, but should not be included in, the final piece of work presented for assessment.