National Council for the Training of Journalists Essential Public Affairs Workshop May 2014

welcome and introductions Helen Condron head of examinations, NCTJ Karen Dugdale NCTJ public affairs board member & lecturer at City College Brighton Ken Eaton NCTJ public affairs board member & lecturer at Harlow College

exam administration  exams calendar  Essential Public Affairs exams will take place on Fridays in  Essential Public Affairs exams start at 2pm

the aims  to review the revised syllabus and new format assessment  what markers should be looking for when marking the exam

the programme of study  50 guided learning hours  up-to-date and relevant - less focus on detail  emphasis on practical application of PA knowledge  Four study units:  Controlling power  Holding government to account  Controlling money  Key services

the programme of study  Subjects removed:  Utilities  Business and industry  Highways and transport  Ministry of justice  Environmental health and licensing  Home Office and trading standards  Libraries and leisure

the programme of study  Depth of knowledge required:  Explain  Outline  Recognise/be aware of

the exam  exam – one hour and 45 minutes  150 marks in total  Eight compulsory questions – no sections  6 x 20 mark questions  2 x 15 marks questions; (each with a choice of three from five 5 mark questions)

Essential public affairs  No longer a requirement for a compulsory PA news feature in the e-portfolio

tutor resources  three new format sample exams and marking guides  guidance note for tutors  POS  PA board welcomes comments and questions from tutors

the marking  exams marked by centre-based PA tutors  marks must be submitted to the NCTJ within 2 weeks of the exam  moderated by NCTJ examiners  moderation will be completed within 2 weeks unless there are issues/concerns  the NCTJ aims to issue results to centres within 4 weeks  centres must distribute confirmed results to candidates  candidates can access results in the student logon area

sample marking exercise Led by Karen Dugdale, PA exam board member Ken Eaton, PA exam board member

Essential public affairs Open Forum