Terminology

Component

A discrete, assessable element within a controlled assessment/qualification that is not itself formally reported and for which we record the marks.

May contain one or more tasks.

Controlled Assessment

A form of internal assessment where the control levels are set for each stage of the assessment process: task setting, task taking, and task marking.

External assessment

A form of independent assessment in which question papers, assignments and tasks are set by us, taken under specified conditions (including detailed supervision and duration) and marked by us.

Formal supervision
(High level of control)

The candidate must be in direct sight of the supervisor at all times. Use of resources and interaction with other candidates is tightly prescribed.

Informal supervision
(Medium level of control)

Questions/tasks are outlined, the use of resources is not tightly prescribed and assessable outcomes may be informed by group work.

Supervision is confined to:

  • ensuring that the contributions of individual candidates are recorded accurately; and
  • ensuring that plagiarism does not take place.

The supervisor may provide limited guidance to candidates.

Limited supervision
(Low level of control)

Requirements are clearly specified, but some work may be completed without direct supervision and will not contribute directly to assessable outcomes.

Mark scheme

A scheme detailing how credit is to be awarded in relation to a particular unit, component or task.

Normally characterises acceptable answers or levels of response to questions/tasks or parts of questions/tasks and identifies the amount of credit each attracts.

May also include information about unacceptable answers.

Task

A discrete element of external or controlled assessment that may include examinations, assignments, practical activities and projects.

Task Marking

Specifies the way in which credit is awarded for candidates’ outcomes.

Involves the use of mark schemes and/or marking criteria produced by us.

Task Setting

The specification of the assessment requirements.

Tasks may be set by us and/or teachers, as defined by subject-specific regulations.

Teacher-set tasks must be developed in line with requirements specified by us.

Task Taking

The conditions for candidate support and supervision, and the authentication of candidates’ work.

Task taking may involve different parameters from those used in traditional written examinations. For example, candidates may be allowed supervised access to sources such as the internet.

Unit

The smallest part of a qualification that is formally reported and can be separately certificated.

May comprise separately assessed components.