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HEA Grade Point Average (GPA) Programme 2013-15. September 2013. Professor Philippa Levy, DCE (Academic). Overview. GPA P rogramme 2013-2015
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HEA Grade Point Average (GPA) Programme 2013-15 • September 2013 • Professor Philippa Levy, DCE (Academic)
Overview GPA Programme 2013-2015 National discussion on potential introduction of a GPA classification system and associated assessment issues in UK HE, and support for development Including pilot implementation by a representative group of 20-25 UK HE providers (incl. CBHE and private) Nov 2013 – June 2014 • HEA-facilitated, with national Advisory Group chaired by Professor Sir Robert Burgess
GPA Pilot 2013-14 • Anticipated outcomes and outputs: • For the HE system: a) a recommended national GPA system that provides a consistent and transparent approach for the benefit of key stakeholders; b) enhanced awareness and understanding of issues relating to its introduction and use, and associated resources • For piloting institutions: informed decision-making and planning in relation to full institutional implementation (alongside degree classification system) potentially from academic year 2014-15 • 20-25 UK HE providers supported to explore introduction and use of the GIU proposed GPA scale • Investigating a range of specific questions/issues
Pilot selection criteria • Invitations to: a) selected representative sample of institutions already known to be working on/interested in GPA; b) all other HE providers • Institutional commitment and capacity to conduct proposed institution-wide pilot activities during 2013-14 • Diversity of institutional contexts to ensure representation of the range of UK HE providers wrtdiversity of mission, size and student body • Strong senior championing and leadership, and commitment of working group incl. student/SU member
Pilot questions and issues (1) • Pilots explore and report back on questions in these areas: • Acceptability of proposed scale in relation to institutional provision and its robustness in comparison with current system • Implications for marking practice in qualitative and quantitative subjects • Preferred institutional approaches to progression weighting with GPA • Operational issues relating to marking, moderation, exam boards, appeals and systems requirement s for reporting of student results, and dual running of GPA alongside degree classification • Issues arising that relate to institutional assessment policy and practice • Guidance provided by HEA on conduct of pilots, including addressing of these issues
Pilot questions and issues (2) • Institutions will be able to look at the issues associated with conversion of current module grades/percentages to the GPA • Institutions will be asked to model the use of the GPA scale retrospectively in comparison with degree classification system • No prescribed approach to progression weighting - an opportunity to investigate issues relating to different approaches and potential for unified UK-wide approach
Pilot process and support • Institutional working groups of c5 people, incl. a student and/or student rep, senior manager, academic staff, others e.g. employer rep • 4 HEA-facilitated meetings, to be attended by 2 working group members (one a student and/or student rep) • Online tools to facilitate support and exchange of learning • Piloting institutions will be asked to share lessons learned and their experiences for the HEA’s dissemination activities • Institutions present updates and provide a short report for July 2014, using templates and guidance; HEA to capture , synthesise and report on experiences and learning • HEA will develop astructured approach to evaluation and dissemination - recommendations based on the pilot work and related research reporting from autumn 2014
Deadlines • Deadline for acceptances/expressions of interest: • Monday 21 October 2013 17:00 • Outcomes of selection process communicated on Monday 28 October 2013 17.00 • Please address any enquiries about participation in the pilot to: gpa@heacademy.ac.uk or by telephone +44(0)1904 717500
Wider programme • HEA will co-ordinate a broader programme of information-sharing, support, research and events to support and inform wider debate around GPA and developments in institutions beyond the pilot group • Including a focus on engagement with students and employers • This wider programme of activity will extend throughout 2014-15 to provide further, on-going support for UK-wide development and debate • Literature synthesis and research will complement the pilot and inform the work that will extend beyond it • To express initial interest in participating in this wider programme, please email gpa@heacademy.ac.uk
For more information: Email: gpa@heacademy.ac.uk Website: www.heacademy.ac.uk/gpa The Higher Education Academy, Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5BR, United Kingdom