Exams Officer Update
14 March 2024 |
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Welcome to this week’s Exams Officer Update.
We will be sharing more 'essential information' articles with you in future editions of this update. |
| Exams Officer Update | live sessions |
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Throughout the event, we will walk you through the latest news, updates, and upcoming processes for the weeks ahead, providing you with the opportunity to pose any questions you may have. You can view recordings of previous events on our Pearson Development Hub. |
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| Date |
Description |
| 20 March |
Restricted release of results to centres
BTEC Firsts & Nationals
January 2024 |
| 21 March |
Release of results to candidates
BTEC Firsts & Nationals
January 2024 |
| 22 March |
Deadline to make entries
BTEC Firsts, Nationals, Tech Award 2017, Technicals
June 2024 |
| 29 March |
Entry deadline for re-entering learners who sat BTEC assessments in the January 2024 series
BTEC Firsts, Nationals,Tech Awards 2022
June 2024 |
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We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new online tool, our VQ learner tracker. This is a new module within our Pearson Progress platform, which you can use to ensure learners are on track to receive on-time results in August 2024. We’ve designed this with you in mind after listening to feedback about your experiences of learner tracking last year.
Accessing the VQ learner tracker
Exams officers will have received an invitation to access the VQ learner tracker.When you receive it, you can follow the link in the email invitation, use your Edexcel Online credentials and multi-factor authentication code to access the Progress platform and select the VQ learner tracker module.
VQ learner tracker features
Once logged in to the VQ learner tracker, you’ll be able to:
- access learner registration tracking data, updated daily
- have a single view of all your learner registrations
- identify missing external assessment entries
- export data and share with colleagues
- search or use filters to view learners by subject, completion year, UCAS status and more.
Find out more
We’re excited to share the VQ learner tracker and want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. We’ll be hosting webinars where we can walk you through the different functions and make sure you’re set up for success.
If you’re unable to make it, we’ll share a recording on the Pearson Development Hub.
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You should have been contacted by your Standards Verifier (SV), if not, please get in touch to let us know via the customer support portal
Just a reminder to withdraw old, unclaimed registration numbers. If a learner has been registered and is not going to complete any assessments they must be withdrawn.
The deadline to complete sampling activities is 31 July 2024. Deadline to claim certificates for 2023-24 is 31 August 2024. |
22 March entry deadline for BTEC Firsts, Nationals and Technicals
We are now looking towards the 22 March deadline for making external assessment entries. To help you with this activity, we sent a report to your Edexcel Online mailbox last week detailing learners we’ve identified as requiring external assessment entries. You can also use our new VQ learner tracker once you’ve received your access invitation.
Access our bitesize training module on the Pearson Development Hub for a full walkthrough of how to make entries.
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We have released a new version of our Onscreen Testing Platform (POP).
The new version numbers are: |
- 7.0.5985.2 - Pearson Offline Platform (PAD)
- 7.0.5986.2 - LAN (Exam Centre Service, Administrator/Invigilator Dashboard, Test Player)
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The update is not mandatory, but we do recommend you update as soon as it is convenient.
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The latest module in our BTEC exams officer training series is now available on the Pearson Development Hub.
- BTEC Bitesize Module 8: Question Paper Security (2023/24)
This training module gives you an opportunity to understand question paper security and provides guidance on best practice following JCQ and Pearson guidelines when delivering series-based exams.
- Bitesize Training - Pearson Onscreen Platform (POP Classroom LAN) (2023/24)
This module covers how to install the POP Classroom (LAN) software, how to access and deliver your tests, how to upload responses back to us and where to locate further support on this topic.
- Bitesize Training - Pearson Onscreen Platform (POP Offline & Online) (2023/24)
This module covers what software is needed for running online and offline tests, how to access and deliver your tests, how to upload responses back to us and where to locate further support on this topic.
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Understanding your results options
Ahead of the release of the January series results on 20 March, we've contacted all Tech Award centres to explain the options around certification claims, the terminal assessment rule and post-results services.
Monthly update
We sent our monthly BTEC Tech Awards newsletter last week, featuring details on the January series, moderator reports, where to access PSAs and external assessment materials for May/June, and much more.
The index contains direct links on support covering the following topics:
- Registration & Entry processes
- Access Arrangements & Modified Papers
- Internal Assessment & Learner Work Transfer (LWT)
- Quality Assurance
- Results
- Certification
We'll add to this support throughout the year, so please bookmark the page to see our latest articles. |
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| Date |
Description |
| 21 March |
Entry deadline
Project Qualifications, International GCSE
June 2024 |
| 21 March |
Deadline to request Transferred candidate arrangements
GCSE, AS and A Level, AEA, Edexcel Award in Maths, L3 Maths in Context
June 2024 |
| 21 March |
Deadline to request Access Arrangements
International GCSE, GCSE, AS and A Level, AEA, Edexcel Award in Maths, L3 Maths in Context
June 2024 |
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We are pleased to announce that Ofqual have approved our proposed amendments to the Edexcel GCSE History assessment model, for first examination in Summer 2025. If you offer Edexcel GCSE History in your centre, we'd be grateful if you could forward this email to relevant staff to ensure they are aware of these changes. This update includes details of the changes we are making and outlines the guidance that is available.
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Oral materials for Modern Foreign Languages and Pre-Release Material for GCE Music (9MU0/02) are due to be delivered to centres from Tuesday 19 March onwards. Tracking information will be available via Edexcel Online. |
The deadline for ordering modified papers for the Summer 2024 exam series has now passed.
If you were unable to meet the deadline, please place your late order on AAO/PAAO as a matter of urgency and then contact us by way of email on additional_requirements@pearson.com, quoting your order number and centre number. We will then be able to advise you if it will be possible to supply a modified paper.
Please be aware the deadlines for ordering modified papers are as follows |
- 4th October - January Series
- 31st January - Summer series
- 20th September - November series
These do not change each year.
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Models for use with summer 2024 Mathematics modified papers
Please be aware that we no longer automatically supply 3D models with the modified large print Maths papers.
Please note that these will still come as standard with all orders for UEB Grade 1 and Grade 2 braille. You do not need to order these if your candidate uses braille.
If your centre has placed an order for modified large print papers for Maths, please complete this form to order your candidate 3D models.
Failure to respond will result in no models being sent to your centre.
If you require any further information regarding this, please contact the Modified Formats Team at additional_requirements@pearson.com.
For further information on modified papers, access to past modified papers and answers to FAQs, please go to the modified formats page on our website. |
Accessing electronic copies of question papers
After consultation with Awarding Organisations, JCQ have now revised their timings for when electronic question papers are made available to centres, either by Secure File Transfer or Secure Download Service.
This has now been increased from 45 to 60 minutes before the published exam start time.
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We are currently reviewing our onboarding process for new Exams Officers, as well as how we support those more established within the role.
To assist with this, we are currently gathering insights from Exams Officers on the average time in post and training availability / options for newer members of the centre staff that work with us. This is also an opportunity to have your say and share any feedback you may wish to provide on the training we currently offer.
We would appreciate your assistance by completing a short survey (8 questions) which should only take a few minutes to complete. You can complete this by scanning the QR code below, or of you would prefer you can access the form using this link. |
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On 2 February the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) published their updated JCQ guidance on AI Use in Assessments.
The guidance is designed to help students and teachers to complete NEAs, coursework and other internal assessments successfully, giving students the chance to demonstrate skills which cannot be assessed in exams.
Please do share the latest version of the guidance with senior leaders, teachers and assessors in your school or college. This guidance should inform school policies on AI use, so schools and colleges can provide staff and students with clear information.
A summary of the key updates is available on the JCQ website. They've also produced a poster for students on the use of AI and assessments and an information sheet for teachers along with PowerPoint presentations for teachers and students.
Read all the information on JCQ blog and download the updated guidance and support materials. |
We introduced app-based multi-factor authentication for all users of Edexcel Online in December, to protect your data and maintain the integrity of our assessments. This replaced the existing web based multi-factor authentication, and became mandatory on 5 December. All users will require access to a smart phone device to receive a verification code to access Edexcel Online.
Based on feedback received since this was launched we have also created a short 'Did you know?' graphic to answer some of your immediate questions.
Please share this information with your teaching and IT staff and anyone else who may have missed these communications but needs to access Pearson systems.
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If you are running examinations in 2024, it is important for you to stay up to date with the official exam regulations.
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We want to ensure you have all the help and support you need at your fingertips; that’s why we’ve got a library of support articles hosted on our Customer Support Portal. Each article contains answers, detailed information, step-by-step guides, instructional videos, and general advice. Articles require no special access, are easily searchable by keywords in their title, and are available 24/7, 365 days a year. And for good measure, we also have the portal user guide.
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Don't forget we have a dedicated Pearson Exams Officer Support page on Facebook. This provides you with a quick and convenient way to stay up to date with our latest news and live updates from the team.
Important and informative announcements will be posted on the page daily and messages will be monitored 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday by Charlie, Emma and Seren; our dedicated Social Media Team. Message them with for help with your queries throughout your working day. |
Sign up to receive these updates
If you would like to sign any of your colleagues up to receive these updates, you can do so here. You can view previous editions of the EO Update on our support portal. |
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