Changes to non-exam assessment for GCSE (9-1) Computer Science

Ofqual has asked all the exam boards to impose additional controls and processes to support the management of non-exam assessment (NEA) in GCSE (9-1) Computer Science.

To ensure a consistent approach is taken across exam boards, OCR has been working with AQA, WJEC Eduqas and Pearson to design some common controls and processes, that will be implemented by all boards.

The key process controls are outlined in a joint awarding organisation statement. These measures will be first implemented from September 2017, to coincide with the release of the first NEA tasks.

Key points to note:

• The first NEA tasks will be released on 1 September 2017. The deadline for submitting NEA marks will be 31 March 2018.
• Exam boards will conduct additional moderation checks before results are issued.
• From September 2017, some centres will be selected for visits. These visits will take place between September 2017 and March 2018.

We’d like to reassure you that the processes for submitting marks will remain the same – just the date will be a little earlier.

The visits will include a review of the processes used to deliver the NEA component, and the teaching resources used. We will be in touch after Christmas with more information about the arrangements for the visits.

For further information on OCR procedures and deadlines for submitting work and marks for internal assessment, and other administrative guidance, please see the Administration area of the OCR website.

If you have any queries about this notice please call our Customer Contact Centre on 01223 553998.

Qualification

• Computer Science (9-1) - J276 (from 2016)