Summer 2022 NEA: GCSE English spoken word endorsement
05 April 2022
Keeley Nolan, Lead Subject Advisor
Here at OCR we’ve had lots of queries from centres in recent weeks about marking non-exam assessment (NEA). For GCSE English Language, this means the spoken language endorsement.
There have been questions about how to apply the marking criteria and 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
The marking criteria for the spoken language endorsement is the same for all exam boards.
Marking takes a competency-based approached, meaning that all of the Distinction criteria must be met to award a Distinction; all of the Merit criteria must be met to award a Merit and all of the Pass criteria must be met to award a Pass. Where not all of the Pass criteria are met, a Not Classified should be awarded.
The exemplar film materials and commentaries will help you have confidence in your application of the mark scheme for the spoken language endorsement:
Administrative points to remember
You do not need to submit a sample of video recordings for monitoring of the spoken language endorsement in summer 2022. You will still need to submit the OCR NEA centre declaration form to indicate that all students have been given the opportunity to undertake the endorsement.
Although there is no requirement for teachers to submit a sample of video recordings for monitoring in summer 2022, you will still need to keep secure records of students’ assessment outcomes, in case we need to refer to them. You can use the spoken language record forms to do this, or you can keep your own equivalent records.
You should submit your centre’s endorsement grades in the usual way using Interchange or EDI by 15 May 2022. Please also compete and return the Head of Centre NEA declaration to us by 15 May 2022.
Looking forward to next year’s cohort
We envisage that a sample of video recordings will be needed for next year’s cohort. For more information on the sample requirements, please refer to Appendix 2 (page 31) of the JCQ guidance for conducting non-examined assessments.
Our spoken language monitors use your sample of recordings to monitor the marking of the endorsement. For this reason, each student must be clearly visible and audible throughout the recording. Please refer to the instructions for conducting and recording audio-visual evidence for the spoken language endorsement for more information.
Finally, if you’re looking for ideas on how to develop students’ spoken language skills through the GCSE course, take a look at our spoken language skills topic exploration pack.
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
Keeley is responsible for a portfolio of English qualifications including both GCSEs. Keeley joined the English team in 2014, leading on the development of GCSE English Language and supporting first teaching of the new specification. Prior to joining OCR, Keeley spent two years teaching abroad. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, reading and swimming.