Isobel Woodger, OCR English Subject Advisor

Here at OCR we’ve had lots of queries from centres in recent weeks about marking coursework, or non-exam assessment (NEA). For A Level English Language and Literature (H474), this means Component 4: Independent study – analysing and producing texts.

There have been questions about how to apply the mark scheme. This isn’t surprising as it hasn’t been assessed for two years, so a larger number of teachers than normal will be submitting marks for moderation for the first time. We’ve also had questions about administrative requirements, and most particularly about whether any allowances should be made when marking for the abnormal and difficult circumstances many students have had to contend with while completing their assignments. 

Regarding that last point, the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) has recently released guidance, which makes it clear that all NEA must be marked in the same way as before the pandemic disruption. This is really important, as it will help ensure that all students’ work is marked to the same standards. 

As the JCQ guidance also says, the 2022 grading process that takes place after marking, when the grade boundaries are set, will provide a safety net. So please don’t think that by marking your students’ work to pre-pandemic standards this year, you are in any way doing them an injustice. (For more on 2022 grading, please see this Ofqual article from September last year.) 

In the light of that recent JCQ announcement, and the queries we’ve had from you, we thought it would be helpful to provide a quick summary of the support available to ensure that you are marking to the correct standard.

Guides to applying the mark scheme

There are several resources that will help you have confidence in your application of the mark scheme for H470:

• A free on-line standardisation course is available on OCR Train. This can be completed in your own time and includes a series of tests designed to ensure that you are correctly allocating levels to pieces of work. 
• We have our Teacher Guide for Component 4 as well as a resource on analysing and comparing texts available on our Planning and teaching page. 
• Our examiners’ reports and candidate exemplars are available on our Assessment page, both of which contain helpful guidance in determining appropriate levels for investigations and academic posters. 
• Each year we run CPD sessions on marking H474/04, which include additional exemplar scripts as well as advice and guidance. You can access the materials from past courses on the CPD section of our website.

Administrative points to remember

General information on NEA administration is available on our website. There is a candidate cover sheet on the Administration section of our English Language web page. 

For A Level English Language specifically there are a couple of points to remember:

• All titles chosen by students entering H472 this summer needed to be formally approved by us (we ask you to submit them by 31st January). This is done by using the Text and task proposal form on our website. 
• The first task must study two texts published in book form, one of which must be a non-fiction text selected from our set list (page 11 of the specification). At least one of these texts must be first published in 2000 or later. 
• No core set texts from Components 1, 2 or 3 may be used, even if these are not studied for the exam. 
• If you are not sure whether you have approval for all your students’ titles this year, please email us at english@ocr.org.uk and we’ll be happy to check!

Looking forward to next year’s cohort

We hope that your students enjoy researching and writing their investigations for H474. This independent study remains an important part of A Level English Language and Literature, helping to develop important independent study skills, as well as enabling students to generate their own creative non-fiction writing. Each year we’re always thrilled to see new texts and combinations that students are passionate about.

Finally, we will, as always, be offering CPD on H474 in the next school year. Keep an eye on the Professional Development section of our website and be sure to have signed up for English updates (details below) to get details of when these become available.

Stay connected

If you have any questions, you can email us at english@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or tweet us @OCR_English. You can also sign up to subject updates and receive information about resources and support.

About the author

Isobel has particular responsibility for the A Level English qualification suite. She previously worked as a classroom teacher in a co-educational state secondary school, with three years as second-in-charge in English with responsibility for Key Stage 5. In addition to teaching all age groups from Key Stage 3 to 5, Isobel worked with the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education as a mentor to PGCE trainees. Prior to this, she studied for an MA in film, television and screen media with Birkbeck College, University of London while working as a learning support assistant at a large state comprehensive school.