Accounting and Finance Verification Group 266 Verification Feedback Session 2006/2007 Kim Tree Senior Verifier

Visiting Verification Majority of visiting verification took place towards end of session 2006/2007 Some issues relating to second year HND Units were raised – these covered specialist subjects such as Taxation Graded Units 2 and 3 were normally discussed during visits Development visits undertaken at centres request

Central Verification 5 days in June 2007 Team of 5 verifiers Verification of Graded Units 1, 2 and 3 Centres worked hard to meet the deadlines for the events Centres are developing their practice with the Graded Units and should be commended for this – well done

Central Verification – General Issues Centres should: ensure that copy of assessment instrument and detailed marking scheme used is submitted for each Graded Unit being centrally verified submit full range of grades (A, B, C, fail/not achieved) within sample if possible, include copy of Internal Verification record submit results sheet for ALL candidates entered for each GU to allow EVs to see range of grades awarded

Graded Unit 1 Criteria for central verification: centres offering award for first time + random sample of other centres Centres coping well with this Graded Unit Still some evidence of consequential marking not being employed

Graded Unit 2 - Project Many centres delivered GU2 for the first time in session 2006/2007 Evidence that centres are preparing candidates well for project Evidence that centres are delivering Unit early in session to allow candidates sufficient time to complete tasks Assessors must refer to minimum requirements when marking each stage of project

Graded Unit 2 – Areas for Improvement Budget information should be logical and be based on scenario given in question Only allocate marks to budget calculations if work makes sense Ensure figures follow through Candidates must pass planning stage before continuing with project

Graded Unit 3 - Exam Information must be kept up-to-date Current standards and tax rates should be used in the assessment of all HN Accounting Units Assessment instruments should be amended to incorporate current rates Ensure candidates are not given information relating to notes to accounts or narrative topics prior to assessment

Graded Unit 3 – Part 1 (Computational) Apply consequential marking to the assessment Ignore extraneous items Assessment conditions should be adhered to Candidates should not complete assessment in pencil

Graded Unit 3 – Part 2 (Narrative) Evidence of clear identification of marks awarded Centres should discourage the use of bullet points in the solutions to narrative questions Do not award marks for repetition of information within same question

Graded Units - Good Practice Use of 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

Graded Units Centres have risen to the challenge of the Graded Units and progress is continuing to be made