Learning, assessment, and appeals policy

Purpose

This policy:

  • applies to all InspireU learners
  • will ensure that appeals made regarding internal assessment and learning strategies are dealt with fairly and consistently

An outline of the procedures contained within this policy is provided at the end of this policy.

Assessment

  • all learner assessment methodology:
    • is valid and reliable
    • does not advantage or disadvantage any group of learners or individuals
  • learners should have acquired the necessary underpinning skills and knowledge prior to assessment
  • learners should not be denied access to assessment on the basis of attendance alone
  •  learners should not face additional demands beyond what is needed to meet the required criteria
  • there is accurate and detailed recording of assessment decisions
  • individual support will be arranged for candidates with learning difficulties and disabilities and, or speakers of other languages. This is provided that they do not compromise the required outcomes
  • the assessment procedure:
    • is open, fair and free from bias
    • meets all awarding body standards

Learning

  • through induction, learners should clearly understand the purpose of the various learning strategies used throughout a programme
  • regular individual learning plans should ensure the appropriate learning is taking place
  • additional learning support will be made available to the learner if required
  • provision locality teams will ensure that appropriate action is taken to review learning strategies during tutor meetings

Principles

  • all appeals must be dealt with fully and promptly. All persons involved must be given the opportunity to state their points of view
  • all appeals will be handled confidentially
  • any person involved will have the right to be accompanied by another person. They may be another learner, their tutor, or a further member of teaching staff.

Procedures

Informal procedures

When a learner wishes to make an appeal, they should first discuss the matter with the assessor. Attempts should be made to resolve the matter.

If the matter remains unresolved, the student may request a meeting with the senior lead for their local area or where appropriate, the exams officer. This interview should be arranged within five working days of the submission of the request. The learner may be accompanied by another person.

Members of the locality team, or the senior lead will take action to resolve the issue. If the student is still dissatisfied,  they may request that formal procedures be actioned.

Formal procedures

All relevant documentation shall be sent to the head of centre. Within 10 working days, they will convene an appeals committee comprising:

  1. assessment appeals committee
    senior lead responsible for qualifications and exams
    head of centre
    senior lead of local area if different from above
    internal verifier, assessor or tutor
     
  2. learning appeals committee
    senior lead responsible for qualifications and exams
    head of centre
    senior lead of local area if different from above
    internal verifier, assessor or tutor

The learner who may be accompanied by another person shall be asked to attend this meeting.

The appeals committee will review all the information and documentation. They will then make the final decision.

Re-assessment

Where re-assessment is agreed, this must be carried out within ten working days of the decision being made (whether by the informal or formal procedure). This will include internal verification of the re-assessment decision.

Appeal to the awarding body

Where assessment contributes to a programme, under the jurisdiction of an Awarding Body, learners are entitled to make an appeal to the Awarding Body. This will be via the team leader responsible for quality, who will liaise with the relevant staff. The right to appeal to the awarding body only exists after conclusion of the formal procedures.

Right to appeal

  • learner wishes to appeal against assessment or learning decision
  • informal procedure discussion with assessor – matter resolved
  • informal procedure interview with senior lead and exams officer - matter resolved
  • formal procedure appeals committee meeting – learning appeals committee – decision
  • or
  • formal procedure appeals committee meeting – assessment appeals committee – decision – assessment decision upheld or reassessment of candidate evidence. If assessment decision is upheld – appeal to awarding body