GCE Software Systems Development AS Agreement Trial November 2015

Agenda Welcome and Introduction – Summer 2015 Administration Considerations Specification Overview The AS2 Assessment Criteria with sample extracts Exemplar 1 - show quiz on screen Lunch Other issues – look on screen at another example Alternatives to quiz, Games example Extra support A2 reporting update Recruitment

Summer 2015  Second Cohort AS award  Work was submitted from 17 centres  Language used by all candidates C#

Administration Considerations Files for assessment must be submitted on CD CD must include the executable program, the project files and the report (1 document) CDs must be thoroughly tested prior to submission Imperative that centres indicate with comment and specific page numbers where candidates were awarded credit (Example of good practice)

Specification Overview UnitAssessment Method Unit AS 1: Introduction to Object Oriented Development External Assessment 2 hour Question Paper Unit AS 2: Event Driven Programming Internal Assessment Development of interactive game/quiz Software solution and portfolio of evidence Unit A2 1: Systems Approaches and Database Concepts External Assessment 2 hour Question Paper Unit A2 2: Implementing Solutions Internal Assessment Based on pre-release material Software solution and Portfolio of evidence From 2017 AS 40% A2 60%

The AS2 Assessment Criteria

AO1 – Level 4 “Candidate demonstrates an excellent knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the system. This is evidenced by the provision of a comprehensive statement of the requirements of the application.”

AO1 – Level 4 An opening section outlining the background to the task This is followed by an exhaustive, detailed list of user requirements. (Extract Sample 1)Extract Sample 1 The language used is important and it is unlikely that the client will use specific technical vocabulary e.g. Splash Screen, Drag and Drop etc. However, terms like menu or avatar would be acceptable. User Requirements are such that it will be clear that they will carry through to the Test Plan and Evaluation.

AO1 – Level 4 “Candidate demonstrates an excellent knowledge and understanding of the design process. This is evidenced by the provision of a highly detailed storyboard that relates specifically to the design process and acknowledges and addresses modifications as required.”

AO1 – Level 4  From 2014 PM report; “Storyboards were well developed on the whole but to aid evidence of the development process it would be of benefit to begin with some outline drawings of the proposed solution which then can be scanned as pdf to include in report.” 2015 Excellent examples of hand written story boards with additional detail. Extract Sample 2

AO1 – Level 4 “Candidate demonstrates excellent knowledge and understanding of the development and implementation of the solution by providing an appropriate, valid explanation of the event driven application. This is evidenced by an explanation showing a highly detailed understanding of triggers, multiple forms and menus and how the application is linked to simple files in the solution.”

AO1 – Level 4 Form Design with controls labelled appropriately Detailed Control property tables with correct use of standards for naming of various controls Functionality explained through algorithm or pseudo code (no need for code) Link back to user requirements Designs should be of sufficient quality that they could be given to a programmer for implementation – third party implementation! To reduce documentation a standard template for Form Style (e.g. font, background colour, placement of controls e.g. navigation buttons, logo)

AO1 – Level 4 “Candidate shows excellent knowledge and understanding of the need for a robust and dependable system. This is evidenced by the inclusion of a comprehensive test plan that tests all navigation and data capture.”

AO1 – Level 4 The test plan, where appropriate, should use specific values for test data and for expected output It would also be beneficial if students listed a test for a correct current username and password to enable moderators to access the program as a current user Test should be driven by the user requirements Tests for navigation and data capture Suggested structure by form Extracts Sample 4, 5 and 6456

AO2 – Level 4 “Candidate demonstrates excellent application of knowledge and skills with regard to the use of GUI objects in an event driven application. This is evidenced by the provision of a relevant detailed event driven application with a comprehensive range of relevant screen shots and graphics.”

AO2 – Level 4 “Forms show excellent understanding of the requirements of the application.” “Forms are logically ordered and clearly fit for purpose as a consequence of thorough user evaluation. This is evidenced by the accuracy, layout and organisation of the forms.”

AO2 – Level 4 “Candidate shows excellent application of knowledge and skills in relation to the solution to the problem. This is evidenced by an excellent solution that meets all user requirements in terms of screen navigation, data capture and output produced. This is evidenced by a comprehensive range of screenshots and by detailed reference to the code produced.”

AO2 – Level 4 “Candidate shows excellent application of knowledge and skills in relation to testing the solution. This is evidenced by a comprehensive range of screenshots demonstrating the implementation of the test plan. The screenshots show all navigation and all data capture being tested.”

AO2 – Level 4 If testing is comprehensive and meets the needs of the user requirements then all relevant screenshots should be included Moderators will run the game in advance and view the code used A variety of methods of interaction should be explored for enhanced user participation Binary files should be considered for the permanent storage of records and text files for questions and answers Program code should include relevant comment relating to each method, class etc. Extract Sample 3

AO3 – Level 4 “Candidate demonstrates an excellent analysis and evaluation of the outcomes of the testing procedures and the results obtained.” “Candidate comprehensively evaluates the solutions in the final report with comprehensive reference to initial user requirements, features and functionality of the solution.”

AO3 – Level 4 Candidates should list the user requirements and link to the testing to show evidence of how these were met or what corrective action should be taken.

AO3 – Level 4 “Candidate comprehensively evaluates their own performance in terms of time management and development of personal skills. Candidate comprehensively identifies how their own performance could be improved.”

AO3 – Level 4 It would be beneficial if students carried out some beta testing and recorded evaluations by perspective end users – Completed questionnaires in Appendix at end of report, do not disrupt the flow of the report This feedback from users would highlight limitations and areas for improvement Extract Sample 7 and 8Sample 7 8

AO3 - Level 4 “Relevant material is succinct, well organised and presented with a high degree of clarity and coherence.” “Use of specialist vocabulary and spelling, punctuation and grammar is excellent.”

AO3 – Level 4 Portfolios should be presented appropriately It would be beneficial if all centres provided a table of contents with page numbers to assist the moderation process One folder per candidate, containing solution and report (in one document)

Exemplar and Other Support Exemplar 1 Material Marking Online Solution to Exemplar 1 jsmyth123 Passw0rd Another Quiz Geography – create new user Alternatives to quiz, Games example, Battleships, Snakes and Ladders Other support – Forum, AllState, 028Educate A2 reporting update, C2k issues

Examiner recruitment

AllState Pilot Forum