Performance descri ptors Student feedback asked for better clarity of assessment criteria. The new marking scheme includes performance descriptors so you can better understand the level at which you are working and where you need to improve to raise your marks. Examples of the new performance descriptors Percentage Performance Descriptor Example grade (%) 90-100%
60-69%
50-59%
Exceptional level of analysis, showing deep critical engagement with a comprehensive range of contextual material. Demonstration of independent thought resulting in highly original or creative responses to the assignment. Answers most if not all detailed aspects of the question. Content mainly relevant and accurate. Good knowledge and understanding of relevant theory and concepts and application of theoretical models. Evidence of a developing appreciation of contextual issues. Identifies main issues and relevant theory. Coverage of most of assignment issues. Competent application of relevant theory and states obvious links to practice.
The performance descriptors also give you immediate feedback on your assessment with further detailed and personal feedback to follow. The new performance descriptors for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes will be published at our dedicated webpages: www.wlv.ac.uk/newmarkingscheme
Why are we making these changes? Students asked us to: • Improve the clarity of assessment criteria. The new performance descriptors will allow you to better understand what level of your own work makes the grade. • Improve feedback and marking procedures. By using a percentage grading scheme, your marker can provide you with refined assessment of your performance within each percentage band. • Make the transcript more meaningful. Marking in percentages means that you and employers will be able to better understand your assessment performance. • Make it simpler to understand degree classification. Marking in percentages will make it easier for you to understand where you are and how to improve your classification performance. Recognising excellence. We want to ensure every student receives a fair assessment of the quality of their assignments. By using a percentage grading scheme we are not only able to refine assessment we can also better reflect and recognise excellent achievement across the full marking scale.
A summary of the changes • From September 2013 all marking will be conducted in percentages – aligned with the new performance descriptors. • For returning students, any existing (pre-September 2013) awarded grades are “in the bank” and unaffected by these changes (where a module was registered before Sept 2013 and still incomplete, it will still be graded using the old scheme). • Your transcript will show the grades you were awarded – in the format they were awarded. • The algorithm for Honours Degree classification will remain the same; grades will be converted by rule to fairly establish the classification – as is the case now.
Your guide to the new University marking scheme.
• A detailed communication campaign will keep students and staff informed about the impact of the changes. • There will be a thorough evaluation of the impact of the changes. • Students on Foundation Degree and HNC/D programmes are able to achieve awards “with merit” and “with distinction” – the criteria for each is available at our webpages and within the relevant academic regulations. For more information and details as they are published visit our dedicated webpages at: www.wlv.ac.uk/newmarkingscheme
www.wlv.ac.uk/newmarkingscheme
Why is the marking scheme changing?
The pre-September 2013 marking scheme.
The new marking scheme from September 2013.
Feedback from students has suggested that the previous scheme (using an alpha-numeric scale from F0 to A16) makes it difficult for you to work out how well you are doing, and what your final classification will be. We also discovered that employers find it unfamiliar and hard to understand.
Returning students will be familiar with the following marking scheme, which is being replaced.
When marking your work academic staff will first identify which one of ten bands broadly reflects the standard of your work. They will then identify the specific standard of your submitted work within that band and award a mark based on their expert, professional and academic judgement.
Grade
Description
Grade
Description
To make things clearer, we are changing to a percentage-based marking scheme, used at many other universities.
A16
Outstanding/ Excellent
#E4
Pass by compensation
A15
Outstanding/ Excellent
E4
Compensatable fail
Who will the changes affect?
A14
Outstanding/ Excellent
F3
Uncompensatable fail
B13
Very good
F2
Uncompensatable fail
B12
Very good
F1
Uncompensatable fail
B11
Very good
F0
Uncompensatable fail
C10
Good
0NS
Assessment not submitted
C9
Good
C8
Good
D7
Satisfactory
D6
Satisfactory
D5
Satisfactory
The new marking scheme will affect all new and returning students from September 2013 on all undergraduate (including Foundation Degrees & HNC/D) and taught-postgraduate programmes.
Applies to Undergraduate students Applies to Postgraduate students
Level 4 students will be familiar with grading using the A-F scale only.
New marking scheme – example for undergraduate programmes. Percentage Degree Grade description (%) classification 90-100 1st Class Passing grade, equivalent to an A grade – Outstanding 80-89 Passing grade, equivalent to an A grade – Excellent 70-79 Passing grade, equivalent to an A grade – Very good 60-69 2.1 Passing grade, equivalent to a B grade – Good 50-59 2.2 Passing grade, equivalent to a C grade – Competent 40-49 3rd Passing grade, equivalent to a D grade 30-39 Failing grade, may be compensated at upper end 20-29 Failing grade 10-19 Failing grade 0-9 Failing grade
New marking scheme – example for postgraduate programmes. The same change to marking by percentage will be applied to all postgraduatetaught programmes. Percentage (%)
Grade equivalent
Description
70-100%
A
Pass with Distinction
60-69%
B
Pass with Merit
55-59%
C
Pass
50-54%
D
Pass
40-49%
E
Fail
0-39%
F
Fail
Postgraduate programmes of study have a higher achievement expectation and the new performance descriptors for postgraduate level study will reflect this.