Access to Fair Assessment Policy Statement of Intent StreetVibes Academy (SV) is committed to providing fair access to assessment for all learners/students on qualification-based programmes. Assessment practice will be open and consistent within the codes of practice and regulations laid down by the relevant awarding and validation bodies. Students are made aware of the existence of this policy and have open access to it on paper from their tutor or on the SV student intranet and website. All SV teachers are made aware of the contents and purpose of this policy. This policy is reviewed annually and may be revised in response to feedback from students, teachers and external organisations. Principles of Fair Assessment All assessment must be conducted rigorously and accurately and, where appropriate, in accordance with the awarding body’s published criteria and standards. Formative assessment/coursework designed by SV staff must be conducted by reference to open and defined standards/marking/assessment schemes, covering the required skills, knowledge and understanding. Assessment evidence will be judged according to the principles of: • Reliability: consistent performance to the required level over a period of time • Validity: method of assessment and evidence should be appropriate and relevant to the syllabus/standards • Fit for Purpose: assessment arrangements should be affordable, practical and flexible. The chosen format and method of assessment must be appropriate to the qualification and any conditions specified by an awarding body. • Currency – evidence should prove that the student is competent now • Transparency: Assessment materials should be presented in a way that makes the criteria and the methodology by which learners work is being judged clear to students, staff and external verifiers • Authenticity – evidence must reflect the knowledge/skills/understanding of the candidate. The work of another person must not be submitted as that of the candidate. Other sources can be used in certain circumstances as long as the student references these. Appeal Procedure If a student feels that they have not been assessed fairly then they should use the Complaints Procedure to appeal the assessment decision of their teacher. However, the first step is always to discuss the situation with the teacher concerned, the second step is to involve the Internal Verifier and SV Head of Learning. ___________________ This policy was last revised August 2016.
