Feedback on External Verification Robert Laird Senior Verifier November 2009

External Verification Activity Visiting – throughout the year Central – Graded Unit Examinations (June 2009)

Visiting Verification DE1L 34 – IT in Business: Word Processing and Presentation Applications DE1N 34 – IT in Business: Databases DE1M 34 – IT in Business: Spreadsheets DE1P 34 - Office Administration DE2G 35 – IT in Business: Advanced Word Processing DE1X 35 – Office Management DE1R 34 – Office Technologies DE3K 35 – Information and Communications Technology in Business

HN Units Limited activity in line with SQA sampling policy Development Visits undertaken to support centres in the delivery of HN units, including graded units - feedback very positive

HN Units Good Practice Some Centres were continuing to develop strategies to integrate assessments between core and optional units, with the aim of reducing the assessment burden on candidates Work experience used as a way to contextualise learning Centres working to ensure authenticity of student work

Graded Units Limited central verification, in line with SQA sampling policy Most centres had used Assessment Exemplar Packs Discrepancies in Graded Unit 1 AEP3 were identified and guidance issued to Centres Review of Graded Unit 1 AEP1 and AEP2 to ensure compatibility with Office 2007

Graded Units Areas for Further Development Centre comments on Assessment Exemplar Packs Make use of Prior Verification Service for Centre-devised assessments Security of Assessment Exemplar Packs