Controlled assessments
Last updated on: 13/11/2009
Controlled assessments are part of the newly published GCSE criteria.
Controlled assessments will be introduced with the new GCSE specifications, with first teaching in September 2009.
- Controlled assessments will be taken under supervised conditions and will either be set by the awarding body and marked by teachers or be set by teachers and marked by the awarding body.
- Controlled assessments may involve different parameters from those used in traditional written examinations. They may, for example, allow access to sources such as the internet, but under supervision.
- Coursework for science will remain unchanged until September 2011 when new specifications will be introduced.
The new GCSEs will contain the following proportions of controlled assessment:
| 0% | In the following subjects there will be no controlled assessment: classical Greek, economics, Latin, law, mathematics**, psychology, religious studies, sociology. |
|---|---|
| 25% | Subjects with 25% controlled assessment: business studies, classical civilisation, English literature*, geography, history, humanities, statistics, Welsh literature* and Welsh second language*. |
| 60% | Subjects with 60% controlled assessment: applied business, art and design, citizenship studies, construction and the built environment, dance, design and technology, drama, engineering, English*, English Language*, expressive arts, health and social care, home economics, hospitality and catering, ICT*, leisure and tourism, manufacturing, media studies, modern foreign languages, music, physical education, Welsh* and Welsh second language (applied)*. |
*For these titles, new specifications with controlled assessment rules will come into effect with first teaching in September 2010
** New specifications for mathematics come into effect with first teaching in 2010. Mathematics contains no controlled assessment
Ofqual published a report, Controlled assessments, which includes an explanation of the process of developing controlled assessment. It should be read in conjunction with the revised GCSE criteria. The development of controlled assessment and related topics are described in more detail in the independent report, Improving GCSE: internal and controlled assessment.
GCSE controlled assessment regulations can be found at:
http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_16010.aspx
Changes to GCSE including controlled assessment information document can be found at:
http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_22419.aspx
Controlled Assessment for Independent/Private Candidates
Controlled assessment is necessary to provide external confidence in the authenticity of the evidence of a candidate's performance, fairness for candidates and to ensure the rigour of the assessment process. Regulations for controlled assessments need to be applied fairly and consistently to all candidates. The new GCSEs that include controlled assessment will have particular implications for private candidates since these candidates will need to find a centre at which to sit their controlled assessment.
Finding a Centre
If you are a private candidate you should make sure that you have found a centre at which you can complete your controlled assessment before beginning to study for a particular GCSE. The type of controlled assessment you will need to sit and the length and number of sessions you will need to attend will vary according to the subject you are studying and the awarding body providing the qualification.
Here are some suggestions that may help you find a centre:
- A good place to get more information about how to find an exam centre (usually a school or college) that will accept private candidates is the website of the awarding body that offers the qualification(s) that you want to study for. Some of these websites provide lists of suggested exam centres for private candidates to approach (although there is no guarantee that these centres will accept you).
- A school/college is more likely to accept a private candidate if he/she is known to the staff, and so your previous school or college (if in the UK) is a good place to start, especially if it is not long since you left.
- There are also commercial centres that accept private candidates. Many of these are private tutorial colleges.
- Find out more information about exam centres in your local area.
If you are a private candidate you should check the awarding bodies' websites about the qualification(s) that you wish to study for further information.
You may also find it helpful to look at the list of accredited qualifications on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ). This site can also provide information about alternative qualifications that do not require controlled assessment.
Below are links to the awarding bodies' websites:
The QCA website also has information about controlled assessments:
http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_22419.aspx
Links to the DirectGov website, which has general information about qualifications:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/ .../GetLearning/DG_4016408
http://www.direct.gov.uk/ .../Courseworkandexams/DG_10034387