Marking and reviews
Markers ensure national curriculum tests are marked consistently and according to the Mark scheme. All markers receive training and have the support of their supervisor throughout the marking period.
The marking process
Markers attend training to learn how to apply the Mark scheme accurately and consistently to the national standard. They then must pass a standardisation exercise before they begin marking pupils' test scripts. Marking is also regularly checked throughout the marking period to check that each marker is still marking accurately and consistently to the national standard.
Markers:
- are allocated to a team and a team leader who mentors and supports them throughout the marking period
- must pass two benchmarking exercises to ensure quality of marking remains accurate and consistent.
At the end of the marking period, pupils' total marks are converted to a national curriculum level using the level threshold tables. These tables will be published on this website from Tuesday 6 July 2010.
Changes to reviews in 2010
Requests for reviews must follow the procedures set out in the 2010 key stage 2 Reviews guidance for schools. Several changes have been made to the reviews service for the 2010 test cycle following feedback from schools and local authorities.
The group reviews service has been discontinued to simplify the services offered and to prevent inappropriate selection of this service by schools.
The individual pupil review service will involve a review of the entire pupil test script (at component level for English) to ensure review outcomes provide an accurate reflection of a pupil's work.
The cost of an individual review will increase to £9.00 per pupil, per subject (or component for English) to reflect the additional time required to review an entire test script. The cost of a clerical review will remain unchanged at £5.00. Schools will only be charged for a review if it does not lead to a change in a pupil's level.
Full details of all changes can be found in the 2010 key stage 2 Reviews guidance for schools.
The reviews process
This year the reviews process has changed. There are now two services available – clerical review and individual pupil review. Schools can apply for a review if it would change a pupil’s or pupils’ level(s) in:
- English reading
- English writing
- English overall
- mathematics.
Clerical review
A clerical review involves the correction of clerical errors identified by schools on either pupils’ test scripts or the online pupil results, for example due to a transcription error or error in the addition of marks. Schools should only apply for a clerical review where a change to the marks will result in a national curriculum level change for the pupil(s).
Individual pupil review
An individual pupil review involves checking that the published Mark scheme was applied to a pupil’s test script to the national standard. It also includes a clerical check of the addition of marks on all papers submitted for review.
To request a review, schools must submit an application form, original test scripts and a copy of the online pupil results by Friday 16 July 2010. Schools will be sent the outcome of their review application from Monday 13 September 2010, and reviewed test scripts will be returned separately by Friday 17 September 2010.
Key dates
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6 July 2010
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Pupil's results published on the Pupil results section of the NCA tools website
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16 July 2010
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Review application deadline – requests received after this date will not be accepted
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From 13 September 2010
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Review outcomes sent to schools
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By 17 September 2010
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Reviewed test scripts returned to schools
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Last modified: 23 Jun 2010
