Using a level of response mark scheme | AQA Computer Science 7517

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Step 1 Determine a level1 objectives

Step 1 Determine a level: Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the performance in that section of the project meets the descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in the student’s work for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the work. With practice and familiarity you will find you will be able to quickly skip through the lower levels of the mark scheme. When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the work rather than any small or specific parts where the student has not performed quite as the level descriptor. If the work covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within the level. ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.

Step 2 Determine a mark1 objectives

Step 2 Determine a mark: Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The exemplar materials used for standardisation will help. This work will have been awarded a mark by AQA. You can compare your student’s work with the exemplar to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse. You can then use this to allocate a mark for the work based on AQA's mark on the exemplar. You may well need to read back through the work as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate. Work which contains nothing of relevance to the project area being assessed must be awarded no marks for that area. 98

Best fitLevel descriptorExemplar materialsRelevant work

Judge the response as a whole: Compare the overall quality of the work with the level descriptors instead of allowing one small weakness to determine the level.
Separate the level from the mark: Remember the sequence: assign a level first, then use exemplar comparison and the mark scheme to determine the mark.

Choosing the highest level shown: Use the best fit approach. If the response is predominantly at a lower level, place it in that level and use the higher-level material to help decide a mark near the top of it.
Ignoring the comparison with the exemplar: Use the exemplar as a reference point, compare the standards, and then allocate a mark. Reread the work if necessary to clarify points and check the decision.

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