To assess students' academic progress accurately and fairly, BBSI, our highly-accredited Business and English Language College in Britain, employs a system of continuous assessment that has been developed as a rigorous alternative to a formal examination system, and is designed both to support study and to contribute to the motivation of students. Assignments are set regularly to assess the achievement of learning outcomes. These assignments may be in the form of written essays, reports, or case studies; progress tests; research and analysis projects; preparation and delivery of presentations; business simulations; or portfolio work. To ensure grading is consistent and fair, careful guidelines are set and double marking is standard procedure to meet BBSI and NCFE quality management requirements.
To ensure grading is consistent and fair, careful guidelines are set, and double marking is conducted to meet BBSI, NCFE and the requirements of other national awarding bodies. For example, up to 1000 words per term of written work must be submitted, which must be of a professional standard and meet set deadlines. All work is assessed on the basis of the quality of its presentation, content and language. The following are also taken into account: general ability and performance, assimilation, participation and motivation, punctuality and attendance, and overall academic progress. Grading criteria are as follows:
| GRADING |
GRADE RESULTS |
SKILLS |
ATTENDANCE |
FOUNDATION TARGETS |
| DISTINCTION |
> 80% |
high level of communication &
fluency of expression |
> 90%
|
foundation grade sought by top 10 universities |
| DISTINCTION |
> 80% |
high level of communication &
fluency of expression |
> 90%
|
foundation grade sought by top 10 universities |
| CREDIT |
65-79% |
ability to apply professional practice skills |
> 90% |
foundation grade sought by most traditional universities |
| PASS |
50-64% |
ability to communicate clearly in the relevant discipline at a professional level |
> 80% |
minimum foundation sought generally by universities |
| FAIL OR REFERRAL |
< 49% |
lack of coherence
in work, and inability to sustain an argument level |
< 70% |
|
Each trainee's performance is monitored closely by means of continuous assessment. Where required by sponsors, detailed training reports are submitted on a regular basis, which cover the following:
- IELTS levels and progress in all areas of study
- attitude to studies, ie motivation, effort and participation
- quality and submission of assignments
- attendance and punctuality
- major strengths and weaknesses, and any remedial action required
- any known welfare or social problems
- study skills demonstrated
Sponsored Trainees. Special reports are submitted in the case of sponsored trainees whose conduct, effort, motivation or aptitude raise doubts as to their suitability to continue their study programmes.