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S2009/032 - 13 October 2009Derived Grade ProcessThe New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has consulted with schools on the proposed change to the method of establishing grades when a candidate has been prevented from sitting examinations or otherwise presenting materials for external assessment, or who considers that their performance in an external assessment has been seriously impaired because of exceptional circumstances beyond their control. Feedback has been collated and where significant issues have been raised, these have been actioned. This circular provides information about the implementation of these changes in 2009 and beyond. There will be no change to the criteria for candidate eligibility to apply for a derived grade in 2009. Summary of feedbackThe move away from the title 'Compassionate Consideration' was accepted because of the misunderstandings that resulted in the past. The phrase 'derived grade' as an output was widely accepted. However we received several comments about our proposal to rename the process 'Illness & Misadventure'. This was not seen to be inclusive of a death in the family or when representing New Zealand at a sporting event. Therefore the name will be the 'Derived Grade process'. Derived grade process for 2009A derived grade is possible where the school has grades recorded in its Student Management System from valid end-of-topic tests or practice exams. Where there is no grade from practice assessments for an external standard, whether that is because a student was absent or didn't complete an assessment, or because the timing of the teaching has meant no practice assessment was given, no derived grade will be possible. Points to note for 2010 and beyondImportance of practice assessmentsStudents need to be made aware that practice assessments may be used to generate a derived grade. Therefore, greater consideration may need to be given by students to achieve to the best of their ability in all school based assessment. Quality assurance of practice assessmentsA Quality Assurance process similar to that used for internal assessment will need to be applied to practice assessments which may be used to establish a derived grade. Retention of evidenceThere is no requirement for schools to retain student work. A filed copy of the assessment material, evidence of Quality Assurance and a record of student grades is all that is required for audit purposes. Derived grade systems auditsSchool Relationship Managers will conduct audits of school processes for recording evidence of student achievement in practice assessments, including records kept of any quality assurance processes. These audits may be either postal, where schools are required to send in the documentation used to decide on candidate eligibility for a derived grade, or may involve a check of your process for quality assuring and recording grades from practice assessments. Advice to StudentsWhen completing practice assessments and applying for a derived grade, 2010 students should take these changes into account.
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Page updated: 13 October 2009