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Foyle and Londonderry College

Internal Assessment of coursework - Appeals Procedure

In accordance with the Code of Practice for the conduct of external qualifications produced by QCA,

Foyle and Londonderry College is committed to ensuring that:

• internal assessments are conducted by staff who have the appropriate knowledge, understanding and skills

• assessment evidence provided by candidates has been produced and authenticated according to the requirements of the specification

• the consistency of the internal assessment is secured through internal standardisation as necessary

• Staff responsible for internal standardisation attend any compulsory training sessions.

The Appeals process:

Each awarding body publishes its arrangements for appeals against its decisions. In addition, an appeal can be made to the School concerning the internal assessment. The appeal applies only to the procedures used in arriving at internal assessment decisions and does not apply to the judgement themselves; you cannot appeal against the mark or grade only the procedures used. If the disagreement cannot be resolved the candidate may appeal to the Examinations Officer, who will put into action the agreed Appeals process. This will be the final stage in the normal process of considering and resolving disputes. This procedure, it is expected, will be used only in exceptional circumstances.

The Examinations Officer is in overall charge of managing appeals relating to Internal Assessments.

1. The appeal should be made in writing to the Examinations Officer stating the details of the complaint and the reasons for the appeal, one calendar week after the coursework submission deadline.

2. The teacher(s) involved in marking the assessment which is the subject of the appeal will respond to the appeal in writing to the Examinations Officer within seven days; a copy will be given to the candidate.

3. If the candidate is not happy with the written response he/she has received then a request for a personal hearing before an Appeals Panel must be made, within seven days of receipt of the school's written response.

Appeals Panel process:

1. The candidate will be given at least two days notice of the hearing date.

2. A breakdown of the marks awarded will be given to the candidate in advance of the appeal.

3. The candidate may bring a parent/carer to the hearing.

4. The teacher(s) involved will be present at the hearing.

5. The Examinations Officer will convey the outcome of an appeal and the reasons for that outcome in writing to the candidate.

6. The Examinations Officer will maintain a written record of all appeals.

7. The Examinations Officer will inform the awarding bodies of any change to an internally assessed mark as a result of an appeal by the end of January (for Spring Session) and the end of June (for Summer Session).

The Appeals Panel will consist of:, Curriculum Vice Principal, Senior Teacher (not from subject concerned), and the Examinations Officer.