Jargon Explained

Assessment Methods Controlled… Speaking & Listening Students are allowed to prepare for a set task in class. They are then given a specific amount of time to complete the task independently. The marks gained count towards the final exam Students are allowed to prepare for a set task in class. They are then given a specific amount of time to complete the task independently. The marks gained count towards the final exam Students are required to work together in groups or perform a presentation to the class. They are assessed on how well they put their information across and how well they listen to and respond to the class.

Assessment Methods Practical Teacher Assessment This is another type of Controlled Assessment. Students are given a set amount of time to complete a given task. These can be short tasks taking a lesson or span several weeks to produce the finished product. Instead of a written exam students work is marked by their teacher following strict guidelines.

MFL Assessment Speaking Reading Students have to speak for 4 to 6 minutes on a given topic and answer questions about it. Lots of preparation time is allowed to this in class beforehand. Students are given a set text in a foreign language. They answer questions in either in that language or in English, as required.

MFL Assessment Writing Listening Students plan a piece of writing on a given topic and given word count in class. They are then timed to produce this work independently. Students are given a booklet of questions to answer whilst listening to an audio play of a speaker in a foreign language.

Other terms Moderation Written Exam External examiners review a sample of a few students work, chosen at random, from every class. They check that the teacher assessment has been carried out accurately and that all mark schemes have been followed fairly. The traditional type of examination paper where students sit at a desk for a set amount of time and work through a booklet of exam questions independently.

Other terms Extra Time Grade Boundaries Some students are allowed an extra proportion of time on top of the regulated amount for the exam. This has to be applied for via a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and students have to meet specific criteria before this is allowed. These are the ranges of marks that students must fall into to achieve a particular grade, for example 71% - 80% may be a Grade B, 81% - 89% may be a grade A, etc.

People in the exam room Invigilator Reader Scribe People appointed by the examination board who are acting independently from the school to oversee every exam and verify that it is carried out fairly. Following the same application procedures as extra time, some students can request that the questions in an exam are read to them by an adult to aid understanding Following the same application procedures as the reader, some students can dictate their answers to an adult who writes them down on the answer paper for them.