How To Pass An Exam In Africa

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1 6 IBAT College Assessment Standards (HETAC) 6.1 Student Assessment (HETAC) The purpose of assessment is to provide a measure of the extent to which the learning outcomes of the programme and individual modules have been achieved and to provide a basis for the determination of the award. 6.2 Assessment Strategies (HETAC) The assessment strategy for the HETAC programme reflects both the programme learning outcomes and the individual module learning outcomes. This requires the use of a wide range of assessment methods involving an appropriate balance of continuous assessments and end of term examinations. The assessment schedule gives a detailed breakdown of the various assessment methodologies for each module. 6.3 Assignments (HETAC) Assignments, both written and in other forms are an integral aspect of the assessment strategy for the HETAC programmes. Students are required to submit assignments by the due deadline using the submission requirements specified for that assignment. It is each student s responsibility to organise themselves to submit assignments by the due date in the prescribed manner. Students should retain a copy of all assignments. Assignments submitted after the due date will attract a marking penalty unless an extension has been granted. Students should submit a hard copy of each assignment to reception where they will receive a confirmation of submission from staff. All soft copies of assignments will need to be submitted through Turnitin software (available on Moodle) prior to final submission. Full training on this will be provided to students at Induction. Requests for late submission will be supported only in exceptional circumstances. All submissions should include the IBAT College Dublin Cover Sheet available from reception or the Student Portal on Moodle. 6.4 Examinations (HETAC) IBAT College Dublin s examinations regulations deal with the processing of marks, award classifications and the process for appeals and rechecks. Examination dates will be published on the student notice board and on the student portal in Moodle. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are familiar with the up to date times and locations for examinations. 25 P age

2 6.5 Examination Results (HETAC) All assessment and examination results are published on the student portal - dates and times of publication will be issued in advance. Results are uploaded onto Moodle where students can log in securely and view their individual results. Students are made aware that results at this stage are provisional. Confirmed results are not released until the external examination board meeting is held and results are confirmed by the relevant external examiners. Students will subsequently be informed of examination results by post. 6.6 Assessment Structure (HETAC) A stage is a rung on a progression ladder. It may comprise a set of modules at a similar level. Typically, the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) level of the intended learning outcomes of constituent modules increases as a learner progresses through successive stages of a programme. Even where modules are not taken in parallel, the stage concept is important for grouping modules with the same level (NFQ) of learning and requiring a similar level of maturity in the relevant discipline. Full-time learners study all the modules in a stage in parallel, while part-time learners may study as little as one module at a time. Where programmes are organised in stages, a learner, to be eligible to progress to a particular stage, is normally required to demonstrate achievement of the minimum intended learning outcomes of all the preceding stages. Award (Stage) Credits Required Higher Certificate A minimum of 60 credits at level 6 Ordinary Bachelor s Degree A minimum of 60 credits at level 7 Honours Bachelor s Degree Master s Degree A minimum of 120 credits, at least 60 of which are at level 8 A complete programme 26 P age

3 6.7 Assessment Grading and Awards (HETAC) The following tables describe the classifications available for major awards (made by HETAC or by recognised institutions under delegated authority) in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Classification of Higher Certificates (Level 6) and Ordinary Bachelor s Degrees (Level 7) PPA boundary values Distinction 70% Indicative descriptor: Achievement most respects is significantly and consistently beyond this Merit Grade 1 60% Indicative descriptor: Achievement many respects is significantly beyond this Merit Grade 2 50% Indicative descriptor: Achievement some respects is significantly beyond this Pass 40% Definitive descriptor: Attains all the minimum intended programme learning outcomes Classification of Honours Bachelor s degrees (Level 8) and Higher Diplomas (Level 8) PPA boundary values First-class honours 70% Indicative descriptor: Achievement most respects is significantly and consistently beyond this Second-class honours Grade 1 60% Indicative descriptor: Achievement many respects is significantly beyond this Second-class honours Grade 2 50% Indicative descriptor: Achievement some respects is significantly beyond this Pass 40% Definitive descriptor: Attains all the minimum intended programme learning outcomes 27 P age

4 6.8 Marks and Grades For Subjects (HETAC) IBAT College provides both a percentage grading system and alphabetic grading system for all of its assessments and exams. The minimum mark required to pass a subject is 40% with the exception of compensation Percentage mark Percentage point value (PPV) Passing marks 40 >= and =< >= ppv =< 100 Compensation 35 >= and =< >= ppv =< 39 Outright failing marks 0 >= and =< 34 0 Alphabetic Credit Grades are defined by the following table. Alphabetic Grade Result Passing Grades A Passed Subject B+ Passed Subject B+ Passed Subject B Passed Subject B- Passed Subject C+ Passed Subject C D Passed Subject Passed By Compensation Outright failing grade F Failed Subject 28 P age

5 Non-Credited Grades (Students with a grade of 'EF' will need to contact the college) Grade Relevance F Fail Repeat Exam and/or Coursework EF Exam Failed Repeat Exam I Deferral of Result Result Withheld due to Personal Circumstances Absent / Not NP Present for Exam Repeat Exam and/or Coursework W Withdrew Withdrew from Course X Exception Subject Passed by Exception YEAR 1 - Higher Certificate/Bachelor Degree (Year 1) of Higher Certificate or Bachelor Degree has only a PASS award regardless of overall grades. GRADE PASS EXE FAILED WDRW Pass Passed one or more subjects but failed others or NP some exams Failed all subjects/no exams/failed repeats (Failed the Year) Withdrew from Course YEAR 2 - Higher Certificate (Year 2) - AWARD STAGE GRADE DIS Distinction MER1 Merit Grade 1 MER2 Merit Grade 2 PASS Pass EXE Passed one or more subjects but failed others or NP some exams FAIL Failed all subjects/no exams/failed repeats (Failed the Year) WDRW Withdrew from Course YEAR 3 - Bachelor Ordinary Degree (Year 3) - AWARD STAGE GRADE DIS Distinction MER1 Merit Grade 1 MER2 Merit Grade 2 PASS Pass 29 P age

6 EXE FAIL WDRW Passed one or more subjects but failed others or NP some exams Failed all subjects/no exams/failed repeats (Failed the Year) Withdrew from Course YEAR 4 - Bachelor Honours Degree (Year 4) - AWARD STAGE GRADE H1 First-Class Honours H21 Second-Class Honours Grade 1 H22 Second-Class Honours Grade 2 PASS Pass EXE Passed one or more subjects but failed others or NP some exams FAIL Failed all subjects/no exams/failed repeats (Failed the Year) WDRW Withdrew from Course 6.9 Pass By Compensation (HETAC) Pass by compensation Grades which are greater than or equal to 35% but less than 40% in the percentage system or a D grade in the alphabetic system are awarded when a learner has nearly (but not quite) demonstrated attainment of the relevant minimum intended learning outcomes for a particular assessment task. Performance at the first attempt in modules in a given stage (of at least 30 credits) may be used to compensate in the same stage, provided no module in the stage has been failed outright. A pass earned in this way is referred to as a pass by compensation and is credit bearing. Where a candidate is just below pass in each of a string of independent modules in the same stage, the results are reinforced. Consequently, it is justifiable to limit the number of independent modules that may be passed by compensation in a stage. Because modules can have different sizes, it is reasonable to express such a limit as a proportion of the total available credit rather than the number of modules. This latter point assumes that the confidence in the grade is increased in larger volume modules owing to compensation processes operating within the module. In a programme based on stages, subject to conditions 1-4 specified below, a module can be passed by compensation (using passes in other modules from the same stage) unless this is specifically precluded in the programme assessment strategy and approved programme schedule. Compensation can be applied automatically. Accordingly, the programme and module assessment strategies should take this into account. Specifically, they should further ensure that compensation is consistent with the requirement that minimum intended programme learning outcomes are achieved before an award is recommended. 30 P age

7 In the programme assessment strategy and approved programme schedule, certain modules may be designated as not passable by compensation. Compensation can only be applied in the following circumstances: 1. The learner has been assessed for all stage modules and no module in the stage has been failed outright (F or below 35%). 2. The results of all modules in the stage are from first attempts. 3. In the case of full-time learners, the results are from the same sitting (session). 4. The overall Alphabetic Grade Point Average is at least 2.0 or the stage-aggregate of creditweighted excesses of percentage marks (over 40) is greater than or equal to twice the stageaggregate of credit-weighted deficits of marks (under 40) and the potentially compensatable results account for no more than one-third of the credit for the stage: i.e. 20 credits in a 60- credit stage or 10 credits in a 30-credit stage. Compensation may be applied only to enable a learner to pass a stage (at the award stage, a learner who passes by compensation remains eligible for honours etc.). Compensation does not change the result of the modules passed in that way. When reporting module passes by compensation (on the Europass Diploma Supplement), the actual result is returned, e.g. 37% or D, along with an indication that the module pass has been granted by compensation Exceptions (HETAC) Exemption from Studying a Module For the purpose of this section, exemption means exemption from parts of a programme. (Note that the term exemption is also used in a different sense to indicate satisfactory completion of a module.) Exemption procedures must be consistent with the necessity for learners to demonstrate the learning outcomes required to qualify for an award. Exemption allows those learning outcomes to be achieved and/or demonstrated in alternative ways. It also recognises that the learning outcomes may have been achieved prior to enrolment in the programme. In principle, exemptions are permitted at any stage of a programme, subject to the relevant programme and constituent module assessment strategies. Where the result of the module is required for calculating an award classification, the provider should, where feasible, establish a fair, consistent and transparent process for grading the learner s achievements in respect of the exempted module s learning outcomes. Where this is not possible, the award can only be recommended without classification Recognition of Prior Learning - Uncertified Learning (HETAC) A learner may be exempted from participating in a module if he/she has already attained the minimum intended module learning outcomes. The demonstrable prior learning should be a sufficiently good match to the minimum intended module learning outcomes to justify exemption from the module in the context of the overall programme. 31 P age

8 In the particular case where the relevant prior learning is uncertified (e.g. prior experiential learning), the provider should assess the learner using the regular module assessment instruments and/or by an alternative assessment arrangement. Learners who are assessed to have demonstrated the required learning are granted the available credit for the module and are exempt from the module. Furthermore, a grade (percentage mark or alphabetic grade) should be available in principle. However, providers may choose not to grade if the assessment arrangement might not provide grading which is consistent with the regular assessment instruments. If the module is one which contributes to the award classification, prior learning achievement must be graded in order for the award to be classified. Otherwise, an unclassified award should be made. Where the module does not contribute to the award classification, the prior learning achievement does not need to be graded. When a grade is not assigned, the result for learners who demonstrate the required learning should be returned as Exemption Granted. Where a grade is awarded, it can be used in compensation etc., as with any regularly passed module. Where grading is not feasible, there may be circumstances in which a learner might be advantaged by waiving a right to exemption to enable award classification. The provider should foresee and provide for such situations, and should also ensure that learners are aware of any such consequences. Recognition of Prior Learning Certified Learning 6.12 Recognition of Prior Learning - Certified Learning (HETAC) There are two scenarios of prior certified learning. Scenario 1 The learning is certified by an awarding body in the form of a major award (e.g. a higher certificate or bachelor s degree) or is included as part of such an award. Exemption may be granted for a module if the learner demonstrates the minimum intended module learning outcomes. For learners who demonstrate the required learning, the result should be returned as Exemption Granted. The learner should not be granted any ECTS credit because credit has already been granted in the prior qualification. If the module is one that would normally contribute to the award classification, such exemption should only entitle a learner to an unclassified award unless it is feasible to recognise, or award, a grade. Any grade awarded/recognised should be consistent with the prior award classification and the module grades in the associated Europass Diploma Supplement. Scenario 2 The learning is certified by an awarding body in the form of a minor, special-purpose or supplemental award or it is certified in respect of a period of study, and24 the relevant credit has not already been used to meet the credit requirements for a major award. 32 P age

9 This case of prior certified learning can be handled in the same way as prior uncertified learning with one exception: the provider should not require the learner to undergo assessment provided that the attainment of the minimum intended module learning outcomes can be demonstrated. However, where there is a need for a grade to be assigned e.g. where it contributes to an award classification assessment may be necessary. The learner may transfer his/her credit. A grade is available in principle, but providers may choose not to grade if consistency with the grading in regular assessment instruments cannot be assured. For learners who demonstrate the required learning but are not graded, the result should be returned as Exemption Granted Carrying a module (HETAC) Before progressing to the next stage, learners are required to pass all modules identified as essential prerequisites for progression, as specified by the programme assessment strategy and approved programme schedule. The presumption here is that the stages are substantial, e.g. 30 or more credits, and the programme is for a major award. A provider may, however, allow learners to be permitted, on a case-by-case basis and under exceptional circumstances, to carry a failed module while progressing to the next stage, provided the module is not a prerequisite for any module in this stage and provided this is consistent with the requirements of the relevant programme assessment strategy. Normally, learners are required to pass a carried module in the stage into which it is carried. As a general guideline, the normal maximum missing credit should be 16% of the credit for the stage, e.g. 10 credits per 60-credit stage Reassessment Regulations (HETAC) For HETAC Level 6-8 programmes, a student is not admitted to a second or subsequent examination year (except in exceptional circumstances) without first having passed all examinable modules for the previous year. If a student is unsuccessful in the assessment of some or all of the modules the student is normally permitted a further attempt at the unsuccessful assessment(s) at the next available opportunity. A candidate who does not avail of a first or subsequent attempt at an examination is deemed to have exhausted one such attempt for each missed session (except in extenuating circumstances, in which case an application for a deferral should be made by the candidate). Reference Section 4: IBAT College Dublin Policy on Deferral below. A candidate who is unsuccessful in a reassessment may be required to repeat attendance of the year of the course prior to reassessment, subject to the approval of Academic Council Reassessment Regulations at Award Stage (HETAC) Where reassessment is undertaken for an award, successful candidates are eligible for an award with pass classification only. 33 P age

10 The award for the Higher Certificate in Business and the ordinary Bachelor of Business degree may be a Pass, Merit 1, Merit 2 or Distinction. The award for the Bachelor of Business (Honours) degree may be made at Pass, Second Class Honours (Grade 1) Second Class Honours (Grade 2) or First Class Honours. Where students do not pass all final examinations in one sitting and at first attempt, or where reassessment is undertaken for any element of continuous assessment or coursework, (except in the case of extenuating circumstances where a deferral has been granted) successful candidates is eligible for a Higher Certificate in Business or Bachelor of Business award with a pass classification only Reassessment Regulations for Continuous Assessment (HETAC) Students who fail to submit work in respect of a continuous assessment element of a module (and have not sought or been granted a deferral) are not automatically given an opportunity to be reassessed if the overall grade achieved in that module is greater than 40%. Students who fail an element of coursework and subsequently fail the module are normally permitted a further attempt at the unsuccessful assessment(s) at the next available opportunity. Any student who satisfies the requirement for the award by availing of a reassessment opportunity for any part of the continuous assessment (or final examination) is eligible for the award at a pass classification only Appeals In all cases, both the accused student and the lecturer making the allegation may appeal the outcome of the process investigating the violation of academic standards. This appeal must be submitted in writing. Where an appeal is made, the merits of each case are weighed by the Academic Council, which determines the penalty accordingly. Where either party requests that a specific member of staff not hear the case, this request is honoured. Documentation of previous violations of academic integrity form part of the record in subsequent cases and appeals. During the hearing of the appeal, the lecturer who made the original allegation provides information and answers questions. The student may be accompanied and advised by another person, who may provide information and answer questions. Decisions are based on a preponderance of the evidence and reasons are provided in writing to all parties. The Academic Council has the right to reverse the decision of the earlier Academic Committee hearing or to uphold the original decision if no new evidence has been presented, if no evidence has been shown to have been overlooked, and/or if no procedural errors have been shown to have occurred. The resulting decisions of the Academic Council may be appealed only if new evidence has been found or if the original hearing overlooked specific evidence or committed procedural errors. All documents relating to the case are placed on file in the office of the Registrar, where they are retained in a secure manner until the student's academic record file is destroyed one year after the student graduates. 34 P age

11 The date for the issuance of results (both provisional and final) is indicated on the annual academic calendar. All examination results are subject to final confirmation by the awarding body. Results are formally communicated to students after the relevant meetings of the awarding body. Students are advised of their results online and an individual transcript of results is also issued to the postal address provided by the student. The College does not issue results in the case of any student whose result is in dispute, indeterminate or the subject of an enquiry Appeals Procedure Candidates should have access to fair and reliable assessment in which s/he plays a full part. If this access opportunity is to be meaningful the candidate must have the right to appeal against assessment decisions that are unclear or seem unfair. The Appeals Procedure is required to provide an appropriate audit trail of the process and be clearly logged with concise detailed information at each stage. If a candidate is dissatisfied with an assessment decision then they must have a right of appeal. An Internal Moderator is appointed by the Programme Coordinator as someone not directly involved with subject delivery. The Internal Moderator reviews all evidence and assessment records in order to consider the appeal. A decision should be made within 5 working days and the candidate and Assessor must be informed orally and in writing. If the candidate is dissatisfied with the decision, the appeal proceeds to the final stage. The third and final stage involves the right of appeal to an Assessment Appeals Panel. The Internal Moderator passes all records to the Programme Coordinator. The Programme Coordinator convenes an Appeals Panel consisting of, for example: The Programme Co-ordinator An Alternative Assessor An Independent Assessor/Internal Moderator Both the candidate and Assessor are invited to make their case to the Panel. The Panel reaches its decisions within 10 working days. Results of the appeals panel are final. If the College s appeals procedure has been exhausted and the candidate is still dissatisfied, s/he can make a final appeal to the relevant external accreditation/quality body (HETAC or University of Wales, as appropriate). 35 P age