BTEC International Level 3 Internal Verification Policy

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is

•  To ensure that assessment is accurate, consistent, current, timely, valid, authentic and to BTEC standards

•  To ensure that the assessment instruments (assignment briefs) are fit for purpose

•  To quality assure the assessment of all BTEC programmes delivered by ICS Addis Ababa

•  To enable an audit trail of learner achievement records

•  To provide feedback to inform centre quality improvement.

Definitions/Terminology

Internal Verification: a quality assurance process which assures the assessment against the BTEC unit grading criteria. It ensures that assignments are fit for purpose.

Standards Verification: an external verification process used by Pearson to check that assignments, assessment decisions and internal verification processes are reaching the required standard.

Responsibilities

Quality Nominee: 

The Quality Nominee ensures that centre internal verification and standardisation processes are operating effectively. They act as the centre coordinator and are the main point of contact for Pearson. The Quality Nominee ensures Pearson quality assurance reports are monitored and any required action is carried out.

Lead Internal Verifier:

 The Lead Internal Verifier is a member of the programme team who oversees the implementation of an effective internal verification centre system in their subject area.

Internal Verifier: 

The Internal Verifier is a member of staff able to verify assessor decisions and validate assignments. The Internal Verifier records findings, gives assessor feedback, and oversees required action.

Assessor:

An Assessor is anyone responsible for the assessment of learners. 

Aims:

The key aims of this policy are to detail to processes and procedures that need to occur in order to ensure:

1. That there is a Lead Internal Verifier in each principal subject area for Level 1-3 qualifications.

2. That Internal Verification is valid, reliable and covers all Assessors and programme activity.

3. That the Internal Verification procedure is open, fair and free from bias.

4. That there is accurate and detailed recording of Internal Verification decisions.

Procedures:

1. Under this policy, the Quality Nominee will ensure that: 

• The following roles are filled by appropriately qualified personnel are appointed for each principal subject area for BTEC International Level 1-3 Qualifications:

  • Lead Internal Verifier

  • Internal Verifiers, and

  • Assessors

• The designated personnel are aware of the requirements of their role as outlined in the BTEC International Quality Assurance Handbook.

2. The Quality Nominee will ensure that: 

• Designated BTEC International Level 1-3 staff are briefed and trained in the requirements for current Internal Verification procedures in accordance with the BTEC Centre Guide to Internal Verification.

•  Internal Verification is promoted as a developmental process between staff and time is made available for staff to engage in the Internal Verification process.

3. The Quality Nominee will ensure that: 

• An annual Internal Verification schedule, linked to assessment plans, is in place.

• Lead Internal Verifiers are using the following standardised templates to document the verification plan and process.

  • BTEC Internal Verification Plan Template

  • BTEC Internal Verification Assignment Brief Template

  • BTEC Internal Verification of Assessment Decisions Template

  • BTEC Guidance for Completing Observation Records

•  All centre assessment instruments (assignment briefs) are verified as fit for purpose

•  An appropriately structured sample of assessment from all programmes, units, sites and Assessors is Internally Verified, to ensure centre programmes conform to the required standard

•  Secure records of all Internal Verification activity are maintained

•  The outcome of Internal Verification is used to enhance future assessment practice.

This policy will be reviewed every 2 years by The Office Of Learning.