Professor Philippa Levy, DCE (Academic) September 2013 HEA Grade Point Average (GPA) Programme

GPA Programme National discussion on potential introduction of a GPA classification system and associated assessment issues in UK HE, and support for development Including pilot implementation by a representative group of UK HE providers (incl. CBHE and private) Nov 2013 – June 2014 HEA-facilitated, with national Advisory Group chaired by Professor Sir Robert Burgess 2 Overview

Anticipated outcomes and outputs: For the HE system: a) a recommended national GPA system that provides a consistent and transparent approach for the benefit of key stakeholders; b) enhanced awareness and understanding of issues relating to its introduction and use, and associated resources For piloting institutions: informed decision-making and planning in relation to full institutional implementation (alongside degree classification system) potentially from academic year UK HE providers supported to explore introduction and use of the GIU proposed GPA scale Investigating a range of specific questions/issues 3 GPA Pilot

GradeStandardGrade Point UK current descriptor A+Excellent4.25 Top 1 st AExcellent4.00 Good 1 st A-Excellent3.75 Low 1 st B+Good3.50 High 2-1 BGood3.25 Mid 2-1 B-Good/Satisfactory3.00 Low 2-1 C+Satisfactory2.75 High 2-2 CSatisfactory2.50 Mid 2-2 C-Satisfactory2.25 Low 2-2 D+Adequate rd DPass1.00 Low 3 rd or pass D-Marginal Fail0.50 Marginal Fail FFail0.00 Fail

Invitations to: a) selected representative sample of institutions already known to be working on/interested in GPA; b) all other HE providers Institutional commitment and capacity to conduct proposed institution-wide pilot activities during Diversity of institutional contexts to ensure representation of the range of UK HE providers wrt diversity of mission, size and student body Strong senior championing and leadership, and commitment of working group incl. student/SU member 5 Pilot selection criteria

Pilots explore and report back on questions in these areas: Acceptability of proposed scale in relation to institutional provision and its robustness in comparison with current system Implications for marking practice in qualitative and quantitative subjects Preferred institutional approaches to progression weighting with GPA Operational issues relating to marking, moderation, exam boards, appeals and systems requirement s for reporting of student results, and dual running of GPA alongside degree classification Issues arising that relate to institutional assessment policy and practice Guidance provided by HEA on conduct of pilots, including addressing of these issues 6 Pilot questions and issues (1)

Institutions will be able to look at the issues associated with conversion of current module grades/percentages to the GPA Institutions will be asked to model the use of the GPA scale retrospectively in comparison with degree classification system No prescribed approach to progression weighting - an opportunity to investigate issues relating to different approaches and potential for unified UK-wide approach 7 Pilot questions and issues (2)

Institutional working groups of c5 people, incl. a student and/or student rep, senior manager, academic staff, others e.g. employer rep 4 HEA-facilitated meetings, to be attended by 2 working group members (one a student and/or student rep) Online tools to facilitate support and exchange of learning Piloting institutions will be asked to share lessons learned and their experiences for the HEA’s dissemination activities Institutions present updates and provide a short report for July 2014, using templates and guidance; HEA to capture, synthesise and report on experiences and learning HEA will develop a structured approach to evaluation and dissemination - recommendations based on the pilot work and related research reporting from autumn Pilot process and support

9 15 th November 2013 Start-up facilitated meeting at Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham. Wednesday 22 January 2014 (tbc) Facilitated meeting at Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham. Wednesday 26 March 2014 (tbc) Facilitated meeting at Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham. Wednesday 18 June 2014 (tbc) Facilitated meeting at Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham. Autumn 2014Dissemination activities.

Deadline for acceptances/expressions of interest: Monday 21 October :00 Outcomes of selection process communicated on Monday 28 October Please address any enquiries about participation in the pilot to: or by telephone +44(0) Deadlines

HEA will co-ordinate a broader programme of information-sharing, support, research and events to support and inform wider debate around GPA and developments in institutions beyond the pilot group Including a focus on engagement with students and employers This wider programme of activity will extend throughout to provide further, on-going support for UK-wide development and debate Literature synthesis and research will complement the pilot and inform the work that will extend beyond it To express initial interest in participating in this wider programme, please 11 Wider programme

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