INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXAMINERS

Transcription

1 INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXAMINERS (including instructions for Principal Examiners and Team Leaders) Please familiarise yourself with this document even if you have previously marked for OCR.

2 CONTENTS LIST The Instructions apply to examiners, Team Leaders (Examiners) and Principal Examiners. The term examiners includes Team Leaders and Assistant Examiners unless the context requires otherwise. 1 Useful contacts and Introduction Important dates Receipt of scripts Missing scripts Marking and annotation of scripts Completion of mark sheets (OMR) Despatch of scripts Despatch of mark sheets Late apportioned scripts Report on the marking of scripts Irregularities Suspected malpractice in written examinations Marking the scripts of candidates who have had access arrangements Payment Team Leader instructions Principal Examiner instructions APPENDIX 1: Dealing with administrative problems APPENDIX 2: Principal Examiner/Principal Moderator report form INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11

3 Useful Contacts Issue Change in personal circumstances, eg change of address, illness or other circumstances that could prevent you from meeting deadlines for completion of a task Contact 1) Your Team Leader or Principal Examiner 2) OCR on the Assessor Support Line Using a different address to receive scripts during the marking period 1) Your Team Leader or Principal Examiner 2) OCR on the Assessor Support Line Change of bank details Examiner.pmts@cambridgeassessment.org.uk Payments and expenses queries Examiner.pmts@cambridgeassessment.org.uk Request additional return envelopes exammoderatorws@ocr.org.uk Receive scripts from a centre you have had a connection with OCR on the Assessor Support Line Receive scripts from a centre not on your apportionment list OCR on the Assessor Support Line Receive scripts for the wrong assessment OCR on the Assessor Support Line Report missing scripts Use form LEX005, Examiner s report of missing individual scripts. Form can be ed directly to OCR. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 1

4 Report missing script packets OCR on the Assessor Support Line Receive/locate a script that had been reported as missing scriptreceipt@ocr.org.uk or telephone the Assessor Support Line Receive/locate a script packet that had been reported as missing scriptreceipt@ocr.org.uk or telephone the Assessor Support Line Non-receipt of mark sheets OCR on the Assessor Support Line Script packet outstanding at the end of marking period and you are no longer able to mark OCR on the Assessor Support Line Unable to meet the deadline for return of mark sheets OCR on the Assessor Support Line INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 2

5 1 INTRODUCTION a) The task you undertake is very important as it attracts wide public interest. Marking must not be carried out in any public place, eg on trains. Marking must only be carried out by the person appointed to undertake the task. You must not mark scripts during the working hours of paid employment, unless with the express permission of your employer. b) The task you undertake for OCR Asset Languages is strictly confidential. Please do not communicate with third parties (particularly the media) about your task without the specific permission of the Chief Executive of OCR. Under no circumstances should you divulge any details of your task to unauthorised persons. Only mark in circumstances where you are at all times able to protect the security and confidentiality of scripts. c) Familiarise yourself with these instructions, as well as any other instructions that may be issued by OCR, your Principal Examiner or your Team Leader (where applicable). If you fail to apply the instructions, you risk withdrawal of marking and will not be offered another contract. d) You must notify Assessor Management and your Team Leader of any change in personal circumstances, eg i) change of address (which must also be confirmed in writing) ii) illness or other circumstances that are likely to prevent you from meeting the deadlines for the completion of your task iii) temporary change of address during the marking period To notify Assessor Management you should contact the Assessor Support line on Only use this number for Assessor related enquiries. Contact the Customer Contact Centre on for all general enquiries. e) Please notify Finance in writing of any change of bank details and direct any questions relating to Examiner payments and expenses to f) You should under no circumstances make contact with centres either in writing or by telephone. g) As soon as apportionment has been completed for a series, Team Leaders and Principal Examiners are advised of their team. Team Leaders and Principal Examiners should set up contact links with their teams as soon as possible. h) Please ensure you are familiar with the most up-to-date health and safety advice and guidance which can be found at: INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 3

6 2 IMPORTANT DATES Full information about important dates will be contained in the Key Dates for Examiners (LEX010) document, which can be found on the Assessors area of the OCR website ( You will receive your invitation to examine by . This will also include your invitation to the standardisation meeting (where applicable). You should receive two despatches per series: 1. An Asset Examiner pack, which should contain the following: Covering Letter Apportionment Listing Expenses Claim Form Envelope addressed to Finance DHL Script Return Envelopes Mark Sheet Return Envelopes (brown) Prepaid Mark Sheet Return Labels (green) MM Marked Material Labels Unmarked Script Labels Supplementary Mark Sheet Key dates for Examiners document Mark Sheets sent from OCR 1 per pack 1 per pack 1 per pack 1 per pack 10 per pack 2 per pack 2 per pack 16 per pack 8 per pack 2 per pack 1 per pack dependent on entries 2. Centre despatches containing the candidate scripts and a register. If you require additional return envelopes please complete the online Stationery Request Form which can be found on the Assessor Communications website: Please ensure your request includes your Assessor Creditor number and remember to state that you will be returning scripts to OCR Cambridge. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 4

7 3 RECEIPT OF SCRIPTS 3.1 Despatch of scripts from centres a) For the deadline dates for centres to send their scripts, see the Key Dates for Examiners (LEX010) document available on the OCR website. Centres have also been told that scripts should be packed in candidate number order as per the Attendance Register. b) Please note in some cases centres are not able to despatch their scripts on the day the examination was taken. This may occur for large entry subjects or afternoon exams and could cause a delay to the receipt of scripts for marking. c) Centres must not send scripts to examiners by any method that requires a signature on delivery. d) You will not normally be allocated scripts from centres with which you have had any recent connection as a teacher. If such centres are included in your apportionment, contact the Assessor Support line on straight away. 3.2 Withdrawal from marking a) If for any reason you have to withdraw from marking, you must inform the Assessor Support Line on immediately. b) If you withdraw, you may still receive scripts from centres that were previously allocated to you. Although OCR issues replacement labels, in some cases, a centre may use an old label showing your address details. In such circumstances, please return the scripts by post using the DHL service as explained in the Assessor Courier guide, available on the Assessor Communications website: A copy of the printout must be kept for 3 months after despatch in case of any queries. You will be contacted by OCR and asked to provide the tracking details if scripts go missing in transit. c) If you withdraw part-way through the marking period, you must return all scripts to OCR, appropriately indicated as marked or unmarked using the labels provided. Please use the DHL service as explained in the Assessor Courier guide. A copy of the printout must be kept for 3 months after despatch in case of any queries. You will be contacted by OCR and asked to provide the tracking details if scripts go missing in transit. 3.3 Receipt of scripts You must check each package of scripts on receipt. The key checks to be carried out are as follows: INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 5

8 a) the scripts are for the assessment and component you are marking (If not, see Appendix 1 on page 32.) b) the scripts are from a centre that has been allocated to you on your apportionment listing (If not, see Appendix 1 on page 32.) c) the scripts contained within the package correspond with the candidates marked as present on the Attendance Register. If the Attendance Register has not been provided, you should check the scripts against the appropriate mark sheets (If there are issues with this, see Appendix 1 on page 32.) Once these initial checks have been completed, the scripts must be replaced in candidate number order within the original blue script envelope. They should subsequently only be removed from the script package when they are being marked or checked The movement of scripts at OCR is tracked by the bar codes on the blue packets. This is one of the reasons why it is vital that the scripts remain with the original package. Please do not write on the bar code or cover it with other labels, adhesive tape, string or anything that may make it difficult to scan. Barcode centre details Script envelope INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 6

9 4 MISSING SCRIPTS 4.1 Scripts missing from within a package Any scripts identified as missing from within a package must be reported to OCR immediately using the Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts form (LEX005) (see below). This is available on the OCR website. It can be ed directly to OCR using the button at the bottom of the form. Deadlines for reporting scripts as missing are provided in the Key Dates for Examiners (LEX010) document. Investigations into missing scripts begin upon receipt of your Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts from the Assessor pages of the OCR website (LEX005) form. Therefore it is important that we get this information as soon as possible. Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts You must not simply list candidates as missing on the mark sheets. a) Scripts are deemed missing if any of the following criteria apply: a candidate s name appears on the Attendance Register, and the candidate is not marked as absent but there is no corresponding script INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 7

10 a candidate s name does not appear on the Attendance Register but is printed on the mark sheet and there is no corresponding script an Attendance Register is not provided by the centre but a candidate s name appears on the mark sheet and there is no corresponding script. On every occasion that you report a script as missing on an Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts form (LEX005), record an M (Missing) on the mark sheet. Missing scripts must not be recorded as A (absent). b) Centres are instructed to put their scripts in the package in Attendance Register order. However, as entries are updated it can lead to a number of supplementary Attendance Register sheets being issued. You should therefore not assume that the scripts will be received in strict candidate number order and should check the entire package carefully before reporting scripts as missing. c) If you subsequently receive or locate a script that had been reported as missing, you must notify OCR immediately by: i. ing the information to scriptreceipt@ocr.org.uk, ensuring that you include the following details: the assessment code and component your team and position number the centre and candidate number. ii. telephoning the Assessor Support line on This will enable OCR to resolve the initial investigation and keep centres informed. If you have already returned your mark sheet when the script is received, please inform OCR as described above and record your marks on the Supplementary writing mark sheet (on the OCR website) and return it to OCR. d) Please note that if you fail to receive a script package for a centre with only a single candidate entered, you must follow the procedures described in Section 4.2 for a complete missing centre. Do not use the Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts (LEX005) form under such circumstances. 4.2 Missing packets of scripts a) If no package is received from a centre by the date shown on the Key Dates for Examiners (LEX010) document, you must report the package as missing. b) Report missing packets to OCR by telephoning the Assessor Support line on You will be asked to provide the details of the assessment and component that you mark, your team and position, your creditor number and the centre number of the scripts that are missing. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 8

11 c) You must report missing packets even when the size of entry is small. You must not presume, because you have not received a package from a centre with just one or two candidates entered, that they did not sit the examination. OCR takes very seriously its commitment to fully investigate all missing scripts. To complete this process we rely on examiners to report every case. d) OCR s Data Capture Team will begin investigations once they receive a report of a missing script package. This will involve making contact with the centre to obtain despatch information and is also likely to involve further contact with you to facilitate the resolution of each investigation. e) If you subsequently receive or locate a script package that has been reported as missing, you must notify OCR immediately by: i. ing the information to scriptreceipt@ocr.org.uk, ensuring that you include the following details: the assessment code and component your team and position number the centre number. ii. telephoning the Assessor Support line on This will enable OCR to resolve the initial investigation and inform the centre that the script package has now been received. Important: On receipt of a centre s scripts that you have previously reported as missing, you must still complete the receipt of script checks as outlined in section 3.3. This includes scripts from centres received very late in the marking period. 4.3 Script packets still missing at the date to return all writing materials to OCR a) If script packets have still not been received by the final deadline (see the Key Dates for Examiners (LEX010) document) for examiners to have returned their mark sheets, scripts, etc to OCR and you are no longer able to mark, please contact the Assessor Support line on b) For the packets that have not been received, complete the associated mark sheets by recording all candidates as M (missing) and return them to OCR. Missing scripts must not be recorded as A (absent). c) If OCR subsequently receives unmarked scripts apportioned to you, we will endeavour to contact you prior to despatching them. You will be provided with supplementary mark sheets where a replacement mark sheet cannot be provided. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y10 9

12 5 MARKING AND ANNOTATION OF SCRIPTS 5.1 Assessment Criteria a) Scripts must be marked in accordance with the Assessment Criteria for Externally Assessed Writing Tests (see below), which can be found in the Guidance for Writing Examiners document (see below) on the Assessors area of the OCR website. b) It is imperative that the standard is maintained and that if examiners are uncertain about how to apply the Assessment Criteria that they first look at Guidance for Writing Examiners document and if still uncertain, then seek advice from their Team Leader/Principal Examiner. Breakthrough Writing Assessment Criteria Writing Marking Guidance INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 10

13 5.2 Annotation of scripts a) The purpose of annotation is to enable examiners to indicate clearly where credit has been earned or why it has not been awarded. Annotation can, therefore, help Examiners and those re-marking scripts to understand how the script has been marked. b) Scripts must be marked in red. 5.3 Annotation consists of: the use of ticks and crosses against responses to show where credit has been earned or not earned the use of specific words or phrases contained in the Assessment Criteria either to confirm why credit has been earned or indicate why credit has not been earned, where necessary. Any comments should be kept to a minimum, should always be specifically related to the award of credit and should be taken (if appropriate) from statements in the Assessment Criteria. General comments on a candidate s work must be avoided. Where annotations are put onto the candidate s script evidence, it should normally be recorded in the body of the answer or in the margin immediately adjacent to the point where the decision is made to award or not award credit. 5.4 Recording of marking: the scripts a) Using the Assessment Criteria, record the marks awarded for Language and Communication in the body of the paper. These should be recorded in the margin next to the candidate response for Part 1 and Part 2. b) Every blank page should be crossed through to indicate that it has been seen. c) Do not correct mistakes. d) Do not write detailed comments on performance. e) The totals should be transferred to the front page of the script. Scripts have boxes on the front of the script for this purpose. 5.5 Recording of marks: the mark sheets a) Transfer the final total scores for each script onto the mark sheet (OMR), ensuring that both Language and Communication marks are transferred correctly. b) It is your responsibility to check that the correct score has been transcribed onto both the script and the mark sheet. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 11

14 6 COMPLETION OF MARK SHEETS (OMR) a) On receipt of your mark sheets from OCR, check you have received mark sheets for all centres on your apportionment list. b) For each of the four series during the year the intention is to have a main despatch of mark sheets followed at weekly intervals by three pick-up despatches to ensure that you are provided with mark sheets for late or changed apportionment. c) All mark sheets must be completed using an HB pencil. d) It is your responsibility to transfer the marks onto the mark sheets. Transfer the scores for each script to the mark sheet by shading the appropriate lozenge. If any scores are changed, erase the original shading and shade the appropriate new lozenge. e) When entering marks on mark sheets you must take care to record marks accurately and clearly in the mark grid. f) If a candidate is recorded as absent or withdrawn on the Attendance Register and the script is not in the packet, enter A in the mark column and mark grid of the mark sheet. These are the only circumstances when A should be recorded. g) If a script is missing for a candidate who appears on the mark sheet and has not been marked absent on the Attendance Register, you should enter M in the mark grid of the mark sheet. There must also be a corresponding entry on an Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts (LEX005) form so that investigations can be initiated by OCR. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 12

15 Asset Languages OMR for Writing Please complete in HB pencil only. You must do the following: 1. Check the centre details are correct. 2. Check the candidate details are correct. (Name and candidate number) 3. Lozenge the version of the paper the candidate sat. 6. If the candidate is Missing or Absent please ensure the correct lozenge is filled in 4. Lozenge which options have been attempted in Part 2: 1= Part 2 Q 1 or 2= Part 2 Q 2 (3 is only used for Advanced) 5. Transfer the marks for Language and Communication for Part 1 and Part 2 carefully. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 13

16 7 DESPATCH OF SCRIPTS a) Scripts and Attendance Registers must be returned to OCR in the packets in which they were received. OMRs are sent separately. b) Check each blue script packet has the correct details completed on the front of the packet. The details required are centre number, assessment code and component code (see below). Bar code centre details Script packet c) Each package of marked scripts must have a red Marked Material label (MM) (see below) affixed next to the address label before it is returned. Marked Material label d) Enclose your marked script packets in the DHL envelopes provided, and return them to OCR using the DHL service as explained in the Assessor Courier guide. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 14

17 e) If there are any unmarked script packets, add an orange Unmarked Script label to each blue unmarked packet. Enclose the unmarked packets in the DHL envelopes provided, and return them to OCR using the DHL service as explained in the Assessor Courier guide. Unmarked Script label f) More than one centre s scripts may be included in each DHL envelope. g) Keep the printout of the Airway bill for three months after despatch. h) Mark sheets must never be returned within the same packet as scripts. i) Claim forms, etc. must not be included in script packets. It is essential that scripts are returned by the final deadline for examiners to have returned their mark sheets, scripts, etc to OCR. See the Key Dates for Examiners (LEX010) document for the return deadlines. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 15

18 8 DESPATCH OF MARK SHEETS a) Send the completed mark sheets back to OCR as soon as possible. b) Mark sheets must not be stapled, hole-punched, folded or paper-clipped. c) Never put mark sheets in script packets. Return all completed mark sheets to OCR using the brown envelopes supplied and the green prepaid labels addressed to the OMR unit, DC10. Mark sheets from more than one centre may be included in the same brown envelope. Green label for marksheets (brown envelope) d) Additional paperwork (communication from centres, claim forms, etc) must not be included with the mark sheets. Inform OCR, using the Assessor Support line , immediately if you will not be able to meet the deadline for return of mark sheets. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 16

19 9 LATE APPORTIONED SCRIPTS It is possible for an examiner to receive scripts without the corresponding mark sheet. This may be because: a centre has made a late entry an examiner has withdrawn. In either case, you will be notified by OCR. New mark sheets will be printed and sent to you. If late material is received from a centre, it is only when that centre is apportioned to you that a mark sheet can be produced by OCR and it will take at least six days to produce from the initial order to final delivery to the examiner. Please check when apportionment was completed before chasing the missing mark sheet through the Assessor Support line on INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 17

20 10 REPORT ON THE MARKING OF SCRIPTS At a date agreed with your Team Leader/Principal Examiner, or as soon as you have finished your marking, you should contact your Team Leader or Principal Examiner with feedback on the series and on the overall performance of the candidates. Your feedback will inform the Principal Examiner s Report and will help to ensure it is representative. Contact your Team Leader or Principal Examiner for more information if needed. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 18

21 11 IRREGULARITIES SUSPECTED MALPRACTICE IN WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS OCR defines Malpractice in examinations as any action taken by one or more candidates, or by teachers or by the centre which may threaten the integrity of OCR s examinations. Note that while deliberate cheating is malpractice, the term malpractice is used to cover a much wider range of actions, including those that are accidental. The guiding principle is whether the incident has the potential to undermine the integrity of the examination Common Types of malpractice Copying or collusion Copying between candidates is usually detectable by one of the following: i. identical unusual errors ii. identical wording, often with identical unusual grammar or vocabulary iii. numerous identical corrections by a group of candidates. In cases where copying is suspected, please indicate where possible who has copied from whom and which passages are affected. If it appears that both candidates have been willing participants, the offence should be described as collusion. However, please note that memorising is sometimes evident in the scripts of weaker candidates. This can lead to an unjustified suspicion of copying in essay-type answers where different candidates write what are virtually identical answers of similar length. However, careful comparison may reveal a number of minor differences in grammar or vocabulary, which could almost certainly be attributable to faulty memory. It is likely that these differences would be beyond the ability of weaker candidates. Similarly, the reproduction of a memorised answer in a script by a single candidate does not constitute dishonesty. Memorising is often self-defeating if the candidate work lacks freshness, originality and (sometimes) relevance. Do not report memorising. Inappropriate or offensive material in scripts As an examiner you are the judge of what is offensive in a candidate s script. As a guide if it offends you, report it. The following should be regarded as malpractice: obscenities, offensive comments aimed at a member of staff or the examiner INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 19

22 racist remarks, lewd comments and drawings material which suggests that the candidate is disturbed or gives rise to other reasons for concern However, the following does not constitute malpractice: mildly expressed criticism of the examination by candidates political statements In the case of text written in a foreign language, it would be helpful if the examiner could provide a translation of the offensive material. Scripts containing material which is offensive or obscene should be marked as usual, and then submitted with a Suspected Malpractice Report (Asset Languages) (LEX004) form to Asset Languages, 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU for the attention of the Qualification Leader/Qualification Manager for the language Procedures Please report all suspect candidate work immediately using the following procedures. a) Suspect scripts must be marked, and the marks entered onto the mark sheet in the normal manner as if no suspicion has arisen. b) Examiners must then send the marked script(s) in question to their Team Leader/ Principal Examiner immediately with a report of the reasons for their suspicions written on the Suspected Malpractice Report (Asset Languages) (LEX004) form, which can be found on the Assessors area on the OCR website. (Examiners without a Team Leader should send the report to the Principal Examiner.) The report should identify what the suspected malpractice is, referring, where possible, to the rubric, the specification or guidelines which have been issued. Most importantly, clearly identify the evidence. Suspected Malpractice Report INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 20

23 c) Remember that if the incident you report goes to the Malpractice Committee or Regulations Committee, your comments will in all likelihood be read by the centre, so keep your comments factual and do not use emotive language. d) Do not enclose the report, or other communications, in the script packet. e) The Team Leader/Principal Examiner should then consider the case and add comments before sending the suspect scripts and the Suspected Malpractice Report (Asset Languages) (LEX004) form to Asset Languages, 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU for the attention of the Qualification Leader/Qualification Manager for the language. f) A report should be made even if you think the candidate is a clear failure. It is the evidence of malpractice that is relevant and that must be dealt with if the integrity of the examination is to be maintained. Routine checks in other languages may follow upon a report of suspected malpractice to discover whether the offence is more widespread. g) Any communication from a centre found in the script packet and relating to an examination irregularity should be forwarded via the Team Leader/Principal Examiner to Asset Languages. A Suspected Malpractice Report (Asset Languages) (LEX004) form and supporting evidence should be sent with the communication from the centre. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 21

24 12 MARKING THE SCRIPTS OF CANDIDATES WHO HAVE ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS Candidates who have Access Arrangements include candidates of all levels of ability. For each arrangement the centre should have completed a Notification of Access Arrangements form (see the form below). The form gives details of the Access Arrangements allowed. The centre should have attached the form to the front of the script. Please do not detach the Cover Sheet from the candidate work as the marking cannot be checked without this information. Please ensure you mark all scripts in the usual way. Notification of Access Arrangements form INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 22

25 12.1 Access Arrangements available for Asset Languages writing tests The following Access Arrangements are available to centres for Asset Languages writing tests: A3 enlarged paper centres create their own A3 enlarged paper from the A4 paper supplied immediately prior to the beginning of the test. Coloured paper centres photocopy the A4 paper supplied onto the appropriate coloured paper immediately prior to the beginning of the test. Coloured overlays centres may permit candidates to use coloured overlays which are normally used by the candidate and which do not have any bearing on the assessment. Braille the centre makes an application to OCR for Braille materials. Extra time this is awarded at the centre s discretion, in accordance with the candidate s normal way of working in the classroom. Word processor a word processor is permitted where a candidate s handwriting is illegible or the candidate is unable to write with a pen/pencil. The word processor must be used as a typewriter. Scribe a scribe writes exactly what the candidate dictates, without discussion and without any form of correction. A scribe is permitted in writing tests on condition that any words in the foreign language are spelt letter by letter. Transcription of script a transcript may be produced where a candidate s handwriting is illegible or so difficult to read that it would be beneficial for an examiner to be able to refer to a transcript of the candidate s work for clarification. The transcript must be word for word an exact copy of the candidate s script. No corrections can be made to the spelling. If only a partial transcript is necessary, this should be provided on a photocopy of the candidate s script, not on the script itself. The candidate s script must be attached to the transcript in all cases. Reader the reader must not explain the question or describe any pictures but must read exactly what is printed on the question paper. A Word Processor Cover Sheet, Scribe Cover Sheet or Transcription Cover Sheet should have been provided by the centre if any of these has been granted as an Access Arrangement. The appropriate Cover Sheet should have been attached to the back of the Notification of Access Arrangements form before being attached to the front of the script. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 23

26 Word Processor Cover Sheet Scribe Cover Sheet Transcription Cover Sheet INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 24

27 13 PAYMENT 13.1 Fees You will be informed of the current fees when you are invited to mark for a series. OCR is required by HM Revenue and Customs to deduct tax from all fees paid to examiners. Keep the remittance advice in a safe place in case of enquiries from HM Revenue and Customs. OCR makes an annual return to HM Revenue and Customs detailing all fees paid and tax deducted at the standard rate for the current tax year. Examiners must include the fees paid by OCR on their self-assessment return How do I get paid for my marking and expenses for a series? Fees OCR will pay you for marking your scripts. Fees are paid automatically on the basis of the number of scripts you have marked, according to receipt of mark sheets. This is an automatic payment. If you are a Team Leader or Principal Examiner, your supervision fee will be paid automatically, according to the number of people you have supervised. Fees are paid approximately one month after the deadline for scripts and mark sheets to be returned to OCR. Expenses You need to submit a claim for expenses (eg postage and phone calls) once all marking is complete and scripts and marks have been despatched. The claim form for expenses will be sent to you in your Asset Examiner pack. Staple all receipts to the form and use the envelope provided to send it to the Finance Office in Cambridge. Once you have submitted your expenses claim, allow 15 working days after arrival of the form in Cambridge before chasing your payment Expenses for attending standardisation and other Assessor-related meetings With regard to expenses, OCR has obtained dispensation from HM Revenue and Customs in respect of reimbursing examiners travel and subsistence expenses incurred in the course of carrying out their duties. This in effect means that there is no requirement for examiners or OCR to include these payments on any selfassessment returns and no requirement to deduct income tax from these payments, as long as the following criteria are met. Travel Rail fare tickets should be attached. Car mileage claimed at the rates shown on the relevant claim forms. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 25

28 Car parking will be reimbursed when supported by receipts. Accommodation and subsistence expenses Expense claims for overnight accommodation are normally allowed only if, in order to attend the meeting without an overnight stay, you would have to leave home before 6.30am or would arrive back after 11pm. If you need an overnight stay, you should use the accommodation booking form or a recommended hotel list for booking accommodation. Actual expenses (supported by receipts) will be reimbursed up to the maximum figures quoted on the relevant expenses form. Please staple all receipts to the form. It is recognised that it is not always possible to obtain receipts for small incidental expenses, so Finance staff will not request receipts for incidental expenses where the amount involved is less than 3. Please note, however, that all other expenditure will in general require a receipt. Once you have submitted your expenses claims, please allow 15 working days after arrival of the form in Cambridge before chasing your payment. If you have any queries relating directly to Finance please contact Examiner Payments by sending an to Examiner.pmts@cambridgeassessment.org.uk. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 26

29 14 TEAM LEADER INSTRUCTIONS The Team Leader must do the following: contact all Assistant Examiners within their team before marking begins be available to support the Assistant Examiners throughout the marking period supervise the capacity of one or more Examiners, ensuring that each Assistant Examiner is applying the Assessment Criteria accurately and consistently ensure that the Assistant Examiners provide feedback on the series to the Principal Examiner report any major issues with Assistant Examiners to the Principal Examiner and OCR Provide feedback on the series to the Principal Examiner Queries directed to the Team Leader Problem 1. An Assistant Examiner in your team pulls out of marking. Action Advise them to contact the Assessor Support line on Ensure that OCR is contacted. 2. An Assistant Examiner is not contactable. Contact the Asset Senior Assessor support address with the Assistant Examiner s creditor number, the language and stage. 3. An Assistant Examiner within your team is confused by how to mark using the Assessment Criteria. It is your responsibility to ensure that guidance is provided through or the telephone. If this is an ongoing issue, contact your Principal Examiner for advice. 4. An Assistant Examiner is confused by a particular script, eg cannot decipher the handwriting. The Assistant Examiner should be advised to send this script to you. If you also are unable to resolve this, contact the Principal Examiner. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 27

30 5. An Assistant Examiner contacts you as they think they may not be able to complete their marking on schedule. Advise them to contact the Assessor Support line on Ensure that OCR is contacted. 6. An Assistant Examiner contacts you with a case of suspected malpractice. Advise them to follow OCR procedure fill out a Suspected Malpractice Report and send this to you alongside the scripts. Consider the case and add your comments to the report. Then send this to Asset Languages, OCR, 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU. You should also contact the Asset Senior Assessor support address assetseniorassessor@ocr.org.uk stating that a malpractice report form is on its way. 7. An Assistant Examiner contacts you regarding to the marking of a script of a candidate with an Access Arrangement. Advise them to mark this in line with the Assessment Criteria. It should not be treated any differently from any other script. Reporting on the Performance of Examiners Immediately after the marking period, please complete a Team Leader s Report on the Performance of an Unsatisfactory Examiner form (available on the website) for all Assistant Examiners who you feel have not met OCR requirements. This should be forwarded to assetseniorassessor@ocr.org.uk. If the Assistant Examiner has met OCR requirements then no action needs to be taken. You should be aware that under the Freedom of Information Act, copies of Performance Reports may be requested by assessors; therefore, a professional and sensitive approach needs to be taken when completing the report. All comments must be objective, constructive and based only on evidence. A grade T should be awarded if there is evidence that the marking gave cause for concern or if the administration was inaccurate and hampered the assessment process. A grade S should be awarded where the marking, administration or conduct has put the integrity of the assessment process at risk. Awarding this grade will result in the assessor being excluded from assessing this unit/component/qualification in the future. In certain circumstances the assessor may be excluded from all future assessment activities across OCR. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 28

31 15 PRINCIPAL EXAMINER INSTRUCTIONS It is the responsibility of the Principal Examiner to ensure that all examiners have a well-founded and common understanding of the requirements of the Assessment Criteria and can apply them reliably and consistently. The Principal Examiner must do the following: contact all Team Leaders within their team before marking begins be available to support the Team Leaders throughout the marking period* supervise the capacity of Team Leaders ensuring they are applying the Assessment Criteria accurately and consistently, and that they are passing on this uniform standard report any major issues with a Team Leader or Assistant Examiners to OCR via the Assessor Support line or the Senior Assessor address complete the Principal Examiner s Report Form (see below), which can be found on the OCR website, by the deadline shown on the Key Dates for Examiners (LEX010) document. This should then be forwarded to assetseniorassessor@ocr.org.uk. For further guidance on this please see Appendix 2 on page 37. *Please note, in small teams where there are no Team Leaders, the Principal Examiner is directly responsible for all of the Assistant Examiners. Principal Examiner s Report form INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 29

32 15.1 Queries directed to the Principal Examiner Problem 1. A Team Leader in your team pulls out of marking. Action Advise them to contact the Assessor Support line on Ensure that OCR is contacted. 2. A Team Leader is not contactable. Contact the Asset Senior Assessor support address assetseniorassessor@ocr.org.uk, with the Team Leader s creditor number, the language and stage. Ensure that you give as much guidance as you can to Assistant Examiners in the Team Leader s team until the issue is resolved. 3. An Assistant Examiner within your team is confused by how to mark using the Assessment Criteria. The Team Leader has reported this to you as an ongoing concern after telephoning and ing the Assistant Examiner with guidance. You should request a sample of the Assistant Examiner s material and confirm the marking is to the standard. If not, please contact OCR urgently on the Asset Senior Assessor support address assetseniorassessor@ocr.org.uk, with the Assistant Examiner s creditor number, the language and stage. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 30

33 4. A Team Leader has passed you a script that they cannot decipher. You also cannot decipher the script. Ensure that the decipherable parts of the script are marked according to the Assessment Criteria as best they can be. Ensure a mark is provided. If this is zero, then please ensure it is annotated on the script and the mark sheet. Contact the Asset Senior Assessor support address assetseniorassessor@ocr.org.uk, with the candidate s details, centre details and what the issues were. 5. A Team Leader contacts you with a case of suspected malpractice. They have been passed this but are unsure as to what to do next. Advise them to follow OCR procedure they should add their comments to the malpractice form, then send this on to OCR. If they would like some reassurance, you could offer to look at the script for them. Reporting on the Performance of Team Leaders Immediately after the marking period, please complete a Principal Examiner s Report on the Performance of an Unsatisfactory Team Leader form (available on the OCR website) for all Team Leaders who you feel have not met OCR requirements. This should be forwarded to assetseniorassessor@ocr.org.uk. If the Team Leader has met OCR requirements then no action needs to be taken. You should be aware that under the Freedom of Information Act, copies of Performance Reports may be requested by assessors; therefore, a professional and sensitive approach needs to be taken when completing the report. All comments must be objective, constructive and based only on evidence. A grade T should be awarded if there is evidence that the marking gave cause for concern or if the administration was inaccurate and hampered the assessment process. A grade S should be awarded where the marking, administration or conduct has put the integrity of the assessment process at risk. Awarding this grade will result in the assessor being excluded from assessing this unit/component/qualification in the future. In certain circumstances the assessor may be excluded from all future assessment activities across OCR. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 31

34 APPENDIX 1: DEALING WITH ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS RECEIPT OF ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS Problem 1. Materials are missing from one or more of the despatches. Action Contact the Assessor Support line on RECEIPT OF SCRIPTS AND MARK SHEETS Problem 1. You have not received a script packet from a centre. 2. Individual scripts are missing from a script packet. 3. You receive scripts for the wrong assessment/ component. 4. You receive scripts from a centre that is not on your apportionment list. 5. You receive individual scripts for a different stage from that indicated on the mark sheet/register. 6. You receive packets of scripts for a different stage. Action See Section 4.2 on page 8. Report missing packets by telephoning OCR Customer Contact Centre on See Section 4.1 on page 7. Fill out an Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts form (LEX005). You must contact the Assessor Support line on You must contact the Assessor Support line on Remove the script from the packet and return the individual scripts to OCR using the Recorded Signed For service. Write on the original script packet and on the attendance register the details of scripts that have been removed. You must contact the Assessor Support line on Ensure you put an Unmarked Script label on each packet of scripts. Return the scripts to OCR using the Recorded Signed For service. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 32

35 7. You receive a letter from a centre. 8. You receive a damaged packet of scripts. Disregard all correspondence. Forward the documentation to Asset Languages, OCR, 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU. Please ensure it is clear which centre, candidate and assessment code are involved. Report this to the Data Capture Team on Mark what you can of the script. If the script cannot be marked, Data Capture will advise you on what to do. 9. Candidates have been added to the Attendance Register. 10. You do not receive mark sheets for all of your candidates. If you have their scripts, mark them and add the details to the end of the mark sheet. If not, report them as missing following the procedure in Section 4.1 on page 7. Use the supplementary mark sheet if possible. If there are a large number of mark sheets missing contact the Assessor Support line on INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 33

36 MARKING OF SCRIPTS Problem 1. You think you may not be able to complete your marking on schedule. 2. Script gives rise to suspicion of malpractice or contains material that you consider offensive. 3. You cannot decipher the writing on a script. 4. The candidate appears to have had access arrangements and you are unsure on how to proceed. Action Contact your Team Leader and Assessor Support line ( ) at once. Do not delay sending in those scripts that you have marked, completed mark sheets and claim forms in the normal way. If you have to return unmarked candidate work, see Section 3.2 on page 5. See Section 11 on page 19. Every effort should be made to try to understand what has been written, but on no account should the candidate be given the benefit of the doubt. For further guidance contact your Principal Examiner/Team Leader. See Section 12 on page 22. MARK SHEETS Problem 1. There is a discrepancy between the name and number of a candidate printed on the mark sheet and that written on the script. 2. The name on the script does not match any name on the mark sheet. 3. You have some other problem completing the mark sheet. Action Ensure that the mark of the candidate concerned is entered against the correct name on the mark sheet. Allocate the mark to the candidate number given and enter the details as a supplementary candidate according to the instructions on the mark sheet. Contact the Principal Examiner/Team Leader. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 34

37 MEETING ATTENDANCE Problem 1. Can my school claim expenses if I have to attend meetings (eg standardisation or award meetings) in termtime? Action If you are currently employed as a teacher, OCR will pay your school or college a teacher release fee for any time that you will be out of school for an OCR assessment-related task. You will not be paid a fee in addition to this. 2. Can I claim expenses? OCR will pay travel and subsistence costs for any meetings that you are required to attend. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 35

38 APPENDIX 2: PRINCIPAL EXAMINER/PRINCIPAL MODERATOR REPORT FORM It is the responsibility of the Principal Examiner to ensure that a Principal Examiner s Report Form is completed for every session. This must then be forwarded to assetseniorassessor@ocr.org.uk. This form is designed to provide centres with guidance and support and is integrated into the annual Report to Centres on External Assessment document, which can be found on the Asset website. The Report should be as positive and helpful as possible. Criticism should be constructive and reference should be made to examples of both positive and negative practice. Please see the exemplar below for further guidance on how to fill in the Report. * *Please note that Principal Examiners may find it beneficial to write up their Report initially using Word. The Report can then be copied into the PDF version of the Form. This will allow for the use of different fonts and/or texts. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 36

39 EXEMPLAR PRINCIPAL EXAMINER REPORT FORM Purpose This form is designed to help you produce your report for centres. It should do the following: 1. inform centres of the candidates overall performance in the Version(s) 2. inform centres on the performance of candidates on specific tasks/parts within the Version(s) 3. provide centres with advice on how to improve. Session Session 1 November Session 2 March Session 3 May Session 4 June Language Exemplar Skill Writing Stage(s) Preliminary Content of the Report The purpose of the Report is to provide guidance to teachers who are preparing candidates for future examinations. It should be as positive and helpful as possible. 1. General good practice (a) (b) Reports should not be written in the first person. For example, There was an improvement in should be used instead of I was pleased to see an improvement in.... No reference should be made to specific centres or parts of the world, and direct criticism of teachers should be avoided. 2. You should not include the following in your report: (c) (a) The word candidate should be used rather than pupil or student, and centre instead of school. references to shortcomings in the question papers, criticism of the specification, OCR or its Committees; (b) lengthy references to candidates mistakes or large numbers of statements concluding in exclamation marks; (c) emotive and technical language. INSTFOREXAM ASSET WRITING TESTS LEX001/1Y11 37