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Original poster

A level admin errors?

31 replies

cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 13:54

DD got an A in AQA drama, she was predicted an A star, but happy with an A because A2 drama theory marking is a unbelievably unpredictable.

The rest of her class all dropped 1-2 grades because of v low marks in the written, Es and Us for top students.

The school say that the board have got DD's paperwork wrong. Everyone else’s is fine. The school have questioned about hers as if it’s an indication of a general cock up. We’re stressing that it could go down and we haven’t given permission for a clerical review but they’ve contacted AQA anyway.

If it just a casual chat with the board, and not an official EAR could her mark go down, she's right on the borderline?

OP posts:
PhilODox · 18/08/2017 13:58

Which borderline? (A/A* or A/B?)
I didn't think they could request papers without student's permission?

Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 14:02

A/B sadly, she got a D in the written, so bad but not as bad as everyone else. She thought it went really well too!

I think they got the score breakdowns and it looks like she has answered a question on a different play from the others, which she didn't. So they've asked why.

I just don't want them picking up a problem and downgrading her. I'm paranoid and so is she, in NO way have we given consent.

OP posts:
northcoastmum · 18/08/2017 14:02

What do they mean by paperwork? Is it the written paper, or documentation related to coursework/practical elements of the course?

Some exam boards (I think including AQA) can let schools see the papers v quickly and at no cost, because of online marking, have the school looked at her paper?

Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 14:05

I mean the individual mark breakdowns of the paper. Not the actual paper. They haven't seen her paper and I'm not really sure why they even care, because she's happy with her result. She was told it was being done for the good of the rest of the cohort.

OP posts:
northcoastmum · 18/08/2017 14:05

That makes sense, but could be a simple error, e.g. if she didn't write the question number on the paper and the marker either put the wrong number or scribbled it in a hurry. Or, the mark could have been entered in the wrong box.

There is a clerical check that schools/candidates can request, which is not an actual remark, but just checking the adding up etc.

How close is she to the grade boundary?

northcoastmum · 18/08/2017 14:07

It sounds like they're not happy with the results and are thinking of querying the marking of the whole centre. Evidence of careless marking or clerical errors could help them build a case with the exam board.

BizzyFizzy · 18/08/2017 14:07

If she is happy with the grade, don't agree to anything.

Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 14:09

But we don't want a clerical check because she is 2 UMS above a B and they can go down now, even if the whole cohort is checked.

OP posts:
Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 14:10

Northcoast I agree, that's exactly what's happening. We haven't agreed to anything but they've made an 'informal enquiry' -just stressed that could lead to problems.

OP posts:
Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 14:12

Please excuse my paranoia, thanks so much for all your input. Much appreciated.

OP posts:
northcoastmum · 18/08/2017 14:13

That is close, in that case I wouldn't agree without knowing what the raw score grade boundaries are - the school should be able to tell you this. If she's 7/8 raw marks above the boundary (not likely, but depends on the paper) then maybe, but if the raw marks are similar to the UMS then I agree it seems too much of a risk. In this case if the school really want to do something, getting her paper to look at first would be the safest option.

Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 14:15

I think it's 2 raw marks. I've said they can get her paper, they can't do anything without permission can they?

OP posts:
northcoastmum · 18/08/2017 14:25

No, they have to have your permission for anything else. Has she accepted her place at uni? If so, I'm not sure she would lose it even if you did agree to a remark and then she dropped a grade.

LIZS · 18/08/2017 14:29

If the pupil is over 18 they can give permission, ask to recall the script or request a remark. Be very careful what your dc has agreed to.

Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 14:34

No, she's taking a year out. I feel better that we haven't signed anything and I'm totally happy for them to look at papers, it is all rather weird. But still, the chances of going up a grade are minuscule for her.

OP posts:
Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 14:36

She hasn't given permission- and even if they try and twist her words verbally it's seem clear that consent has to be by e-mail or in writing.

OP posts:
BizzyFizzy · 18/08/2017 15:03

Permission is always in writing - the old fashioned type on paper with a signature.

Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 15:09

Grin Bizzy I'm imagining a scroll with a wax seal!

OP posts:
twelly · 18/08/2017 15:14

Student needs to give permission. Also once a grade is issued by the exam board it can be downgraded unless there is request for remake, clerical check. I would call for paper which needs to be done by next Thursday

SoupDragon · 18/08/2017 15:18

They might just get a copy of the scripts which won't trigger a review. They would be able to see from that what happened I would have thought.

I already have the ones for one of DS1's exams where he needs one single mark to go up a grade and get his first choice uni place. He had to sign a form requesting the copies ( and the review I need his case).

Original poster
cathyandclare · 18/08/2017 22:03

Twelly do you mean it can't be downgraded?

I'm so glad I did sciences and maths, all these arty subjects are so ridiculously subjective. This is my last dc through the system and once she's all sorted I will be v v v relieved.

OP posts:
twelly · 20/08/2017 07:11

IT can't be downgraded just by asking for the paper but if you request a remark or admin check it can. I would request a paper before going to remark, some schools push for a profits remark due to university offer but this means they run the risk of Mark going down without having seen paper . The othe thing to bear in mind is that if there is more than one paper and you go for a remark on say two papers one could go up the other down, he seems by seeing the papers first you can decide which has been marked harshly

FreedaDonkey · 20/08/2017 07:17

God no don't let them risk her A.

I'd be emailing the exams officer to tell them you son not give permission and that if necessary you'll contact AQA yourself to refuse permission. 2 UMS to a B is wayyyyy too close on a drama paper.

Original poster
cathyandclare · 20/08/2017 08:35

I think the drama department are telling all the other pupils that they've mis-marked the whole cohort and the only reason DD has got an A is because they've given her the wrong person's results! This is pure speculation- DD had the top mark in AS and practicals, so her coming out higher than the others by a few UMS is not freakish.

I've put in writing to all and sundry that we refuse a review/remark/clerical check, we are tempted to order the paper just to shut everyone up, but then what do we do if there has been a massive cock up!?!?

OP posts:
Icouldbeknitting · 20/08/2017 08:59

I am a people pleaser, I'll put everyone else's needs in front of my own every time. In this case I would have no trouble at all with taking the A and walking off into the sunset. Your daughter has nothing to gain and a grade to lose. If there has been a massive cock up then that has nothing to do with you or her.

Do you work at the school or have other children there? If your relationship with them has ended with her leaving then there's no need for you to remain on any sort of good footing. You/she can be as blunt as you like.

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