Grading and Moderation

Grading

From September 2009, in line with QAA national Access to HE Diploma requirements, all OCNSWR Level 3 Access units will be graded. Level 2 units are not eligible for grading. No overall or aggregate grade will be awarded for the Access to HE Diploma. Students will receive a Grade Profile listing all grades achieved for all Level 3 units with their Diploma. The grading model uses Pass (P), Merit (M) and Distinction (D) to describe student performance.

During 2008-9, in preparation for this change, Grade Descriptors were assigned to all Access units by OCNSWR in consultation with subject specialists. The consultation period continues throughout 2009-10 and tutors are encouraged to feedback any information about the Grade Descriptors assigned to the units they teach, using the Grade Descriptor Feedback Form.

The Grade Descriptors assigned to all units can be found in the Approved Units List and on the units, available in the CAF Unit Modules.

See the 'Access Tutor Handbook 2010-2011' for further information and 'Grading Information' for all supporting documentation.

Moderation

External moderation is a central part of the quality assurance process as it ensures the quality of learning and consistency and credibility of the award of credits to students on OCNSWR programmes. All OCNSWR Access to HE programmes have at least one appointed External Moderator who oversees the security of the award of credits and the Access qualification, reporting back to the AVA.  Subject specific moderators are allocated as required. All new moderators for Access to HE programmes must be approved by the HEAC.

A rigorous and effective Internal Moderation system must be in place for all OCNSWR Access programmes. This is a requirement of Approved Access Centre status.

See the 'Access Tutor Handbook 2010-2011' for further information and the 'Forms' area for all supporting documentation.