Access to Fair Assessment Policy 2024 to 2025

 Statement of Assessment 

• We aim to provide a variety of qualifications which provide all learners with the opportunity to achieve their full potential by the most appropriate and direct route. 
• Our Assessment Policy is based on the concepts of equality, diversity, clarity, consistency, and openness. 
• We will endeavour to ensure that the assessment processes are implemented in a way which is fair and non-discriminatory. 

Access 

• Learners are made aware of the existence of this policy and have open access to it. It can be found on our website at: https://adultlearning.cumbria.gov.uk/
• All tutors 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 learners, tutors, and external organisations. 

What learners can expect from us 

• We aim to ensure that all assessment of work is carried out fairly and in keeping with the awarding body’s requirements. 
• All portfolio-based work will be assessed fairly against the qualification standards and tutors / assessors involved will be fully trained. 
• Internal assessments will be carried out fairly and according to awarding body instructions. 
• Externally marked tests and exams will be according to the requirements of the awarding body. 

Learners can also expect: 

• To be fully inducted onto a new course and given information that can be shared with parents and carers. 
• Learning outcomes, performance criteria and other significant elements of learning and assessment to be made clear at the outset of the course and when assignments are set. 
• To be given appropriate assessment opportunities during the course with feedback provided on the quality of the work. 
• Where equivalents and exemptions can be applied, we will ensure this is pursued with the relevant awarding body. 

Cheating and Plagiarism 

A fair assessment of learner’s work can only be made if that work is entirely the learners own, therefore learners can expect an awarding body to be informed if: 

• They are found guilty of copying, giving, or sharing information or answers, unless part of a joint project 
• They use an unauthorised aid during a test or examination 
• They copy another learner’s answers during a test or examination 
• They talk during a test or examination. 
• All allegations of cheating and plagiarism will lead to a full investigation under our service policy which will also follow the guidance of the relevant awarding body. 
• If a learner feels (applicable pronouns) has been wrongly accused of cheating or plagiarism, they should be referred to the Council’s Complaints Policy. 

Extenuating Circumstances and Reasonable Adjustments 

• Adult Learning ensures that no learner is unnecessarily disadvantaged because of a disruptive personal or professional circumstance, or as a result of a declared special educational need or disability, which may negatively impact their ability to successfully complete an assessment. 
• Learners could request an extension beyond the submission deadline should they have an extenuating circumstance (Where applicable). 
• Evidence is required for this purpose and learners are required to submit such requests in accordance with the guidance provided within the ‘Extenuating Circumstances Request Form’ (Where applicable).  
• If a learner has a special educational need or disability, Adult Learning will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to support their successful completion of an assessment in line with appropriate awarding body guidance and / or tutor and ALS coordinator guidance.