Access to Fair Assessment Policy
Statement of Intent
StreetVibes Media Academy (SV) is committed to providing fair access to assessment for all learners/students on qualification-based programmes.
Assessment practice will be open and consistent within the codes of practice and regulations laid down by the relevant awarding and validation bodies.
Students are made aware of the existence of this policy and have open access to it on paper from their tutor or on the SV student intranet and website.
All SV teachers are made aware of the contents and purpose of this policy.
This policy is reviewed annually and may be revised in response to feedback from students, teachers and external organisations.
Principles of Fair Assessment
All assessment must be conducted rigorously and accurately and, where appropriate, in accordance with the awarding body’s published criteria and standards.
Formative assessment/coursework designed by SV staff must be conducted by reference to open and defined standards/marking/assessment schemes, covering the required skills, knowledge and understanding.
Assessment evidence will be judged according to the principles of:
– Reliability: consistent performance to the required level over a period of time.
– Validity: method of assessment and evidence should be appropriate and relevant to the syllabus/standards.
– Fit for Purpose: assessment arrangements should be affordable, practical and flexible. The chosen format and method of assessment must be appropriate to the qualification and any conditions specified by an awarding body.
– Currency – evidence should prove that the student is competent now.
– Transparency: Assessment materials should be presented in a way that makes the criteria and the methodology by which students work is being judged clear to students, staff and external verifiers.
– Authenticity – evidence must reflect the knowledge/skills/understanding of the candidate. The work of another person must not be submitted as that of the candidate. Other sources can be used in – certain circumstances as long as the student references these.
What students can expect from us:
We aim to ensure that all assessment of work is carried out fairly and in keeping with the awarding body’s requirements.
All portfolio-based work will be assessed fairly against the qualification standards and staff involved will be fully trained.
Where a number of subject teachers are involved in marking students’ work, internal moderation and standardisation will ensure consistency of marking.
Internal assessments will be carried out fairly and according to awarding body instructions.
Externally marked tests and exams will be according to the requirements of the awarding body.
Students can also expect:
To be fully inducted onto a new course and given information that can be shared with parents and carers. Learning outcomes, performance criteria and other significant elements of learning and assessment to be made clear at the outset of the course and when assignments are set.
To be given appropriate assessment opportunities during the course with feedback provided on the quality of the work.
All work to be marked asap and usually within two weeks of submission by the student.
Where equivalents and exemptions can be applied, we will ensure this is pursued with the relevant awarding body.
Cheating and Plagiarism
A fair assessment of student’s work can only be made if that work is entirely the student’s own. Therefore students can expect an awarding body to be informed if:
They are found guilty of copying, giving or sharing information or answers, unless part of a joint project
They use an unauthorised aid during a test or examination
They copy another student’s answers during a test or examination
They talk during a test or examination unless an exemption is in place.
All allegations of cheating and plagiarism will lead to a full investigation which will follow the guidance of the relevant awarding body.
If a student feels he/she has been wrongly accused of cheating or plagiarism, they should be referred to the Complaints Procedure.
Appeal Procedure
If a student feels that they have not been assessed fairly then they should use the Complaints Procedure to appeal the assessment decision of their teacher. However, the first step is always to discuss the situation with the teacher concerned, the second step is to involve the Internal Verifier and SV Head of Learning.
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This policy was last reviewed 3rd March 2023.