Ofqual has today (27 November 2017) launched a consultation that
proposes changes to non-exam assessment in GCSE computer science
given evidence of widespread rule breaches.
Non-exam assessment in computer science is intended to test
students’ programming skills and is worth 20% of the overall 9 to
1 grade. However, there is evidence that some of this year’s
tasks have been posted to online forums and collaborative
programming sites, contrary to exam board rules. Detailed
solutions have been provided in many cases, and some of these
posts have been viewed thousands of times.
The apparent extent of malpractice in this qualification leads us
to believe that it is no longer possible for exam boards to
ensure that grades awarded next summer will fairly reflect the
ability of all students unless changes are made to the assessment
arrangements.
We are asking for views on alternative assessment arrangements
that would apply to students sitting exams in 2018 and 2019. Our
preferred option is to retain the need for the non-exam
assessment task to be completed by students, but for it not to
contribute to their overall 9 to 1 grade. We continue to believe
that there is significant value in students completing
programming tasks and they will be required to do so. It is our
expectation that teachers will want to provide feedback to
students on their completed task as preparation for their exams,
which include the assessment of computational thinking and
programming, though they will not be required to formally provide
marks for each student to their exam board.
Julie Swan, Executive Director for General Qualifications, said:
It is with great reluctance that we are proposing to change a
qualification for which students are already studying. However,
we must take immediate action to address these issues and the
potential impact on public confidence in relation to this
qualification. Subject to the consultation responses, we
believe our preferred solution will deliver fairer and more
reliable results than would otherwise be the case. It will also
allow us to be confident, that standards will be set
appropriately.
The
consultation will run until 22 December 2017. It
includes a discussion of the need to consult in due course on a
longer-term solution for non-exam assessment as part of this
qualification. Responses will be reviewed over Christmas and a
decision announced in the week beginning 8 January 2018.
