HN BUSINESS GRADED UNIT

2. HN BUSINESS GRADED UNIT Feedback from Verification

3. Background to Verification Verification covered all 3 HN Business Graded Units Important to remember that most centres were being verified for the first time for Graded units 2 and 3. Centres are developing their practice successfully – but the Graded Unit is still a learning experience

4. Conclusions from Verification: 1 Most centres are coping well with the challenge of all 3 Graded Units in HN Business Those involved at centres deserve great credit for the time and effort which they have put in – especially given the very tight timescales

5. Conclusions from Verification: 2 • Staff can mark to the requirements of SCQF Levels 7 and 8 • Centres are able to prepare candidates for the Graded Units • Candidates can provide work which meets the demands of the Graded Units

6. Conclusions from Verification: 3 There is considerable evidence of development across the sector as a whole. Graded Units are bringing credibility to HN Business awards and helping to bring together the various parts of HN courses. • Candidates find the Graded Units a significant challenge – preparation is vital • A minority of centres are still coming to terms with applying marking standards appropriate to the relevant SCQF Level

7. Overall Good Practice [examinations and investigation] • Marks only awarded when there is justification e.g. valid reason • Careful cross marking • Individual marking sheets – including space for comments • Rigorous application of IV procedures

8. Good Practice [examinations – GU1 and GU3] • Different coloured pens to distinguish between first and second marker • Clear indication on scripts where marks had been awarded • Individual marking sheets – including space for comments • Rigorous application of IV procedures

9. Good Practice [investigation – GU2] • Marking sheets for each of the 3 stages – helpful for additional marks • Comments on why marks had been awarded Planning stage is critical to a good investigation

10. Further development • Adopting good practice • Avoiding pitfalls which lead to inappropriate standards being applied

11. Development: Standards [examinations – GU1 and GU 3] Clear distinction in standard GU1 and GU 3 [SCQF Level 7 and SCQF Level 8] Case study is more complex and course material is at a higher level but . . . . . also requires a higher standard of response Address command words such as ‘assess’ and ‘evaluate’

12. Development: Marking [examinations – GU1 and GU3] • Award marks for answering the question asked • Adhere to ‘cap’ on marks for theoretical concepts • Mark in accordance with the marking guidelines • Do not award marks for vague or imprecise statements • Do not give marks twice for the same point • Marks cannot be given for identification only • Development marks only warranted where there is clear development of a point

13. Development [investigation – GU2] • Marking should reflect fact that Unit is at SCQF Level 8 – previous points on marking apply • Follow format suggested in Graded Unit exemplar • Minimum requirements – cannot proceed beyond planning stage unless score 10/20 but must meet minimum requirements for all 3 stages to pass the investigation

14. Centres have risen to the challenge of the Graded Units in HN Business All indications are encouraging and positive – progress is continuing to be made

15. THANK YOU and goodbye!