By Gavin Mackintosh-
Dissatisfied A level students can appeal for a remark for subjects where they believe the mark was wrong.Different exam boards have different re-marking and appeals process which allow students to access their exam papers to be remarked. Appeals for remark are not many, but schools that believe a student has performed well below their potential , leading them to believe an error in marking may have occurred, can apply for a remark.
This is known as “access to scripts”, and is often used by schools when weighing up whether or not to ask for a re-mark. Academic publication, School Week, have provided information to assure recent A level pupils and parents who feel they have not received a mark that reflects their true performance that they can be given a fresh look at their exam paper by examiners, and even get to see their exam paper, if they so wish.
Electronically marked papers for Pearson/Edexcel exams can be downloaded by schools for free. Teachers can request downloadable copies of their students’ answers and how the mark scheme was applied, through the exam board’s “free access to scripts services”.
This availability is to help teachers work with their students to understand how they performed in the exam, and consider whether a review of marking is an appropriate course of action. School teachers are in the best position to estimate whether a pupils exams needs a second look, but because of the high standard required for good A level marks, it remains quite possible for normally high performing students to underperform in the final exams even where they may have got A grades for their mock exams.
Predicted A level grades given by most schools usually provide a reasonable indication of what to expect from a student, but there have been several examples of students who have performed below or above their predicted grade. This is because predicted grades are an estimate, but the exact questions in an exam cannot be predicted, especially for A level exams.
The challenge of fully absorbing various aspects of highly intellectual A level materials requires dedication, focus, and intelligence. Different students will require different levels of commitment to a subject to do well, but all students will need some commitment over the two years of their A level studies, or in the final year of those studies. A student still has the right to question or doubt the accuracy of their grades, and those who are doubtful enough, and have the support of their school who share their doubts, can appeal.
Academic researchers for School Week say students with a pending university place can apply straight for a priority re-mark rather than waiting for a marked paper
Known as “enquiries about results”, these enquiries can involve several different approaches, all with different fees., The Eye Of media.Com understands. These fees are generally charged only if a review does not result in a change in mark.
A check on how the marking procedure has been applied to a particular paper. These can be requested from August 16, the deadline is September 20 and schools can expect a response within 10 calendar days.A full remark can also be requested, involving a full review of all the marks given for a paper. The deadline is September 20 and responses are issued within 20 calendar days. A priority remark is the same The same as a full re-mark, but carried out earlier and quicker. The deadline is August 23, and schools get their response within 15 calendar days.All students should be aware that a review can result in marks going down as well as up.