WJEC GCSE Geography A Marking the Fieldwork Enquiry Lessons from the moderation of controlled assessment in 2013

AO1 – Knowledge & Understanding AO1 is generally marked accurately although some centres mark generously in level 4 where candidates need to: ‘Draw detailed conclusions that are fully consistent with the evidence’ rather than ‘sound’ conclusions of level 3.

AO2 – Application Many candidates still provide only fleeting evidence that they understand the wider concepts that underpin their particular enquiry. Consequently, marking is generous when centres award marks at level 4 where conclusions are simple and straightforward rather than perceptive and informed.

Not all rivers are typical

AO3 – Geographical Skills In some centres there is a tendency for generous marking where the teacher has designed and structured the enquiry and where candidates have been unable to show evidence of independence. Candidates need the opportunity to be able to pose their own geographical questions in order to access levels 3 and 4.

AO3 – Geographical Skills Generous marking gives credit when: –Candidates have processed all the data (often using a limited range of techniques) rather than selecting relevant data and then selecting a variety of appropriate techniques. –Candidates have failed to reflect on the validity and limitations of the evidence.

annotation Annotation aids moderation of a summative assessment. Mark the work using the published mark scheme or grid. If you use the grid – use highlighters. Note the page number within the report. Mark the evidence in the report in the margin eg AO2 L3. This annotation helps the moderator. In larger centres please moderate within the department