GCSE Specifications
Instructions for the Conduct of the Examinations
June 2017 Examinations –– Version 1.0
These instructions apply to GCSE examinations in:
Chinese (Mandarin)
4670
French
4655
German
4665
Italian
4630
Spanish
4695
Urdu
4645
• IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT STAFF CONDUCTING THE MODERN LANGUAGES TESTS READ
THESE INSTRUCTIONS WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE EXAMINATION.
• One copy of these Instructions, together with a copy of the JCQ documents Instructions for
conducting examinations and Instructions for Conducting controlled assessments, must be
available in each testing room.
4600/TN
AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England
and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.
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Contents
Page
General instructions
3
Unit 1 Listening
4-6
Unit 2 Reading
7
Unit 3 Speaking
8-11
Unit 4 Writing
12
Appendices
13-14
This document has been updated to reflect the introduction of e-Submissions (e-Subs) system to submit
marks electronically for 2016 onwards.
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General instructions
• These instructions must be read in conjunction with the JCQ document Instructions for conducting
Examinations which apply to all AQA examinations and the JCQ document Instructions for conducting
controlled assessments.
• Two tests will be available in each of Units 1 and 2: Listening and Reading. All tests will be set and
marked by AQA.
• The Listening Tests and Reading Tests are timetabled in the same session (except Chinese). It is
intended that, in accordance with the published timetable:
-
the Foundation and Higher Listening Tests should be conducted simultaneously
-
the Foundation and Higher Reading Tests should be conducted simultaneously
However, if centres wish to conduct the Foundation and Higher Listening Tests consecutively, they
may do this without seeking prior permission from AQA. Centres must ensure that the security of the
Listening examination and of any other examination in the same session is maintained and that full
supervision is guaranteed throughout the session, particularly bearing in mind that some of the
examination material is common to both Tiers.
• Candidates who take an examination later than the published starting time shown on the timetable
must be kept under the direct supervision of centre staff from 30 minutes after the published starting
time for the paper concerned until the time when those candidates begin their examination.
• It should be noted that the timing given for the duration of the Listening Tests is approximate.
• Full details of the tests and entry requirements are given in the specifications.
• In the Listening Tests, unforeseen problems may occur during the conduct of the tests. The
instructions therefore incorporate references to the most common problems which have been
encountered in the past and the action which should be taken. The underlying principles throughout
are:
-
be familiar with the instructions for the conduct of the tests
-
take prompt and appropriate action calmly
-
where directed to do so, inform AQA immediately after the tests, in writing, of the action which
has been taken.
• Speaking and Writing tests can be carried out at any time during the course.
• Candidates are not allowed to use a dictionary in the Listening or Reading Tests or in the Speaking
controlled assessment.
• Candidates must have access to a bilingual dictionary in the Writing controlled assessment.
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Listening tests - foundation and higher requirements
Requirements
1
Materials required •
•
•
•
•
2
CD and CD player
candidates’ Question and Answer Books
transcript of the recording
a copy of these Instructions
a copy of the JCQ document Instructions for conducting examinations
The tests will be provided on CD with the pauses built in to the recording. The Foundation tier and
Higher Tier recordings will be on separate CDs.
Preparation
3
Each centre will be supplied with copies of the recordings as follows –
Number of candidates
1-75 candidates
76+ candidates
Number of copies
3 copies
6 copies
After receipt of your initial dispatch, if further copies are required of CDs please contact the
Confidential Despatch Department at AQA.
4
The Listening Test recordings and Transcripts must be treated as confidential examination
materials and should be stored in accordance with the JCQ document Instructions for the
Conduct of Examinations. The recordings must not be checked prior to the examination.
5
In order to ensure that the quality of playback is not impaired, centres should ensure that CDs are
kept
• out of direct sunlight
• away from magnetic sources such as a television or computer
• away from sources of direct heat
6
The machine(s) which will be used to play the CDs for the tests should be checked and serviced.
Particular attention should be given to ensure clear sound reproduction.
It is important that the CD should be played on a dedicated CD player or on an uncluttered PC due
to the amount of memory and RAM needed to play a CD on a PC.
7
Checks should be made on rooms to find those most suitable for Listening Tests. The following
points should be considered • external speakers for the CD player (or headphones if the test will be played in a language
laboratory)
• curtains or carpets to reduce echo
• no outside noise
8
Spare CD players/PCs should be available in case of emergency.
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9
The equipment should be set up and tested at least 30 minutes before the start of the tests.
Digitising listening tests
10 The use of headphones is permissible in situations where the listening material has been
downloaded onto a centre’s computer network and is controlled directly by the invigilator who will be
listening to the recording during the test, for example in a language laboratory. Students must not
under any circumstances have individual control of the recording and invigilators must ensure that
this regulation is met.
Storing Listening Tests on a centre’s computer network or language laboratory.
•
For the purposes of digitising the Listening Tests on a centre’s computer network, centres may
have access to the confidential Listening material up to 1 working day before the
examination. Prior permission does not need to be sought from AQA.
•
Wherever possible, it is recommended that a member of staff from the centre’s ICT department
or the Examinations Officer undertakes this task. The material must be downloaded to the
secure part of a centre’s network, ie the part of the network which is only accessible to ICT staff
and not to students.
•
Once the Listening material has been downloaded the examination room/area must not be left
unsupervised or unlocked. Access to the internet, data stored on the hard drive or any portable
media such as floppy disks, CDs or memory sticks is not permitted during the examination.
Conduct of the tests
11 A transcript of the recording is provided for the information of the teacher and may be opened not
more than 30 minutes before the start of the test.
12 Because all candidates are answering the same questions at the same time, there is a particular
need for close invigilation in this examination. Centres are reminded of the following regulation
which can be found in the JCQ document Instructions for the Conduct of Examinations. “The seating
arrangements must be such as to prevent candidates from overlooking, intentionally or otherwise,
the work of others; in particular, the minimum distance in all directions from centre to centre of
candidates’ chairs must be 1.25 metres.”
13 Supervising teachers should note that the time taken to conduct the Listening Tests will vary. It is
expected that the Foundation test will be completed in approximately 35 minutes and the Higher
test in approximately 45 minutes.
14 At the start of the test, candidates should be asked to complete the details on the front cover of the
Question and Answer Book.
15 When all candidates have completed the details on the front cover of the Question and Answer
Book, they should be told that they may not open their books until instructed to do so on the
recording. The CD should then be started. The instructions on the cover of the Question and Answer
Book form the recorded introduction to the CD. Candidates should be given the opportunity to ask
any questions before the 5 minute reading time is played.
16 The 5 minute reading time is pre-recorded on the CD, in common with all other pauses. There
should be no reason for the CD to be stopped at any time during the test, except in an emergency. A
tone on the CD will indicate the end of each item.
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17 No part of the recording should be replayed. Any problems with the conduct of the test should be
reported in writing immediately after the test.
18 For candidates granted additional time under Access Arrangements, the invigilator must manually
pause the CD on hearing the bleep, to give candidates extra time to write their answer. The
invigilator should allocate the extra time across the paper as a whole.
Problems
19 If the test is interrupted, for example by external noise or by the illness of a candidate, the test
should be allowed to continue in accordance with the instructions unless the circumstances are
exceptional. No part of the recording should be replayed. If it is considered that candidates have
been disadvantaged, an Application for Special Consideration should be submitted. If there is no
disadvantage to candidates but the recording has been stopped, AQA must be informed of the
incident in writing.
20 If the CD player/PC breaks down during the test, candidates must be supervised in silence and must
not be allowed to write. The CD should be transferred to the standby machine and the test
continued. AQA must be notified of the incident in writing.
After the tests
21 The Question and Answer Books should be collected, arranged in the order shown on the
Attendance Lists and dispatched, with the Attendance Lists, using the label(s) provided.
22 After completion of the tests, the CDs may be retained by the centre.
Note: Listening and Reading Tests
Centres should note that because the Listening and Reading Tests are conducted in one single session
(except in Chinese), the Listening question papers must be collected in BEFORE the Reading test
papers are distributed. Under no circumstances may candidates have access to both question papers at
once. If a centre decides that all or some candidates will do the Reading exam first, then the Reading
papers must be collected in before the Listening papers are issued. Where the Listening and Reading
tests are taken in one single session, candidates must be supervised between the Listening and
Reading tests to ensure that the confidentiality of the tests is not put at risk.
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Reading tests – foundation and higher
Requirements
1
Materials required –
•
•
•
one Question and Answer Book for each candidate
a copy of these Instructions
a copy of the JCQ document Instructions for conducting examinations
Conduct of the tests
2
Candidates should be asked to complete the details on the cover of their Question and Answer
Books before starting the test.
3
At the conclusion of each test, the scripts should be arranged in Attendance List order and
dispatched with the Attendance List, using the label(s) provided.
Note: Reading and Listening Tests
Centres should note that because the Listening and Reading Tests are conducted in one single session
(except in Chinese), the Listening question papers must be collected in BEFORE the Reading test
papers are distributed. Under no circumstances may candidates have access to both question papers at
once. If a centre decides that all or some candidates will do the Reading exam first, then the Reading
papers must be collected in before the Listening papers are issued. Where the Listening and Reading
tests are taken in one single session, candidates must be supervised between the Listening and
Reading tests to ensure that the confidentiality of the tests is not put at risk.
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Controlled assessment – Speaking
1
Candidates may undertake any number of assessments during the course, but for the purposes of
moderation, centres must select two tasks for each candidate and submit the marks to AQA for
those two tasks. One task must be recorded, marked by the teacher and submitted to AQA for
moderation. The other task must be marked by the teacher. The marks for both tasks must be
submitted to AQA on the Candidate Record Form.
2
Each task should last 4 – 6 minutes. They can be carried out at any time during the course.
3
When carrying out the task, candidates should only have access to:
-
the task sheet (in English)
their Task Planning Form
4
Teachers should remind candidates that they must not have access to any unauthorised material
such as books, papers, mobile phones or any electronic devices during the recording of the task.
5
Checks should be made on rooms to find the most suitable room for conducting the recording. The
following points should be considered:
-
using a small room with carpets/curtains
no outside noise
the positioning of the microphone on a padded surface, pointing at the candidate (not sideways)
the removal of posters/wall charts etc, if these provide additional resources
The equipment should be set up and tested before the start of the recording.
Extreme care needs to be taken in all technical aspects of the recording of the tasks to ensure that
performances are not rendered wholly or partially inaudible.
Centres are responsible for ensuring that an audible recording is available for each candidate.
Failure to do so may result in a mark of zero being awarded where no audible recording is available.
6
The teacher should announce at the start of each candidate’s recording:
-
GCSE (language)
centre number
candidate number
candidate name
task title
7
The task must be recorded without stopping/pausing the recording during the task. It must be stored
securely within the centre until it is sent to the moderator.
8
Centres can send recordings on audio CD, data CD or memory stick. Centres must use a separate
CD/memory stick for each language. It is not possible to record Spanish and French, for example,
on the same CD/memory stick. However, it is possible to use more than one medium for one
language, so for example, the work of one Spanish group could be recorded on CD and the work of
another group on memory stick. Centres submitting memory sticks must ensure that the memory
sticks are virus free. Centres should follow the instructions below. Please note that cassettes are
no longer accepted.
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Audio CDs with a card insert for each CD containing the following information:
-
the track number and name/number of each candidate on the CD (eg Track 1 0041 Michael
Stipe)
component code (eg 46553)
centre number
teacher-examiner’s name
In addition, the centre number and component code should be written on the CD with an indelible
pen. Do not use a sticky label.
Data CDs with a card insert for each CD containing the following information:
-
the number and name of each candidate on the CD
component code (eg 46553)
centre number
teacher-examiner’s name
Individual candidate recordings should be saved as .mp3 files. The file name must contain the
component code, centre number and candidate number
(eg 46553_55217_0041_.mp3).
In addition, the centre number and component code should be written on the CD with an indelible
pen. Do not use a sticky label.
Memory Sticks with the following information securely attached to the memory stick on a tag (or
attached on an additional sheet if it is not possible to write all of the required information on the tag):
-
the number and name of each candidate on the memory stick
component code (eg 46553)
centre number
teacher-examiner’s name
If an additional sheet is used, it should be placed in a plastic envelope, together with the memory
stick.
Individual candidate recordings should be saved as .mp3. The file name must contain the
component code, centre number and candidate number (eg 46553_55217_0041_.mp3).
Centres may like to consider using digital voice recorders which are available at approx £30-40.
They are the size of a mobile phone, automatically record in mp3 format, produce very clear
recordings and do not need an external microphone.
Centres must ensure that they check all recordings have been saved as mp3 files before
dispatching them for moderation.
If centres do a group discussion as a Speaking task, ie if two or more students are involved in a
discussion and the centre chooses to record this task for the moderator, the centre must submit a
DVD (sound and pictures), with each student involved clearly identified by a card with their name in
front of them. The parent/guardian/carer of each student must give informed consent for the DVD to
be recorded.
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9
For each task centres should enter the mark awarded out of 30 marks for each candidate for both
the recorded and the unrecorded.
10 For the recorded task, a copy of the task sheet, as given to candidates, should be sent to the
moderator with the candidates’ work. The unpredictable bullet point(s) used with the task must be
included on a separate sheet to the task sheet. The unpredictable bullet points can be in either
English or the target language.
The following summary lists what to send to the moderator:
-
A recording of the Recorded Task for all candidates in the sample
A recording of the recorded task for any candidates flagged by your centre as ‘PAR’, ‘PRI’ or
‘EDE’
A completed and signed Candidate Record Form for all candidates in the sample
The Centre Declaration Sheet (signed)
The Task Sheet for all recorded tasks used by any candidate in the sample. (If all candidates
have used the same Task Sheet it is sufficient to send one copy)
A copy of the unpredictable questions for all tasks used in the sample, on a separate sheet to
the Task Sheet
The Task Planning Form for the recorded task for each candidate in the sample (if used)
A note of any candidates in the sample with a disability who have been given additional time to
complete the task
11 CDs and memory sticks will be returned to centres after moderation.
Problems
12 If the candidate details have not been recorded and the omission is discovered during or
immediately after the recording, the teacher must record the candidate’s details at the end of the
task with the words ‘That was the recording of candidate number ... (name of candidate)’. If the
omission is discovered after the recordings have been completed, the teacher must ensure that the
candidate is shown in the correct place on the insert/tag and include a note with the recording
stating the name and number of the candidates before and after the candidate whose details have
been omitted
13 The recording must not be stopped or paused and the recording must not be interrupted until the
end of the candidate’s task, except in an emergency. If an emergency arises which makes it
necessary to interrupt a test, a note of explanation must be included with the recording.
If the task is interrupted by external factors, such as noise or someone entering the room, the
teacher must continue with the recording if the interruption is unlikely to obscure the candidate’s
recording. Otherwise, the recording should be allowed to run but the task should not be continued
until the interruption has ceased. The recording must not be stopped unless the interruption is
lengthy or very disruptive. If the recording is stopped, a note explaining the circumstances must be
included with the recording.
14 If candidates need extra time, you must make the application through Access Arrangements online.
All extra time must be applied for in this way, including applications for up to 25% extra time. For any
other issues about Access Arrangements, please email: [email protected]
15 The only circumstances in which a candidate can repeat exactly the same task are:
• the task has not been recorded or is inaudible
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• a candidate’s task is lost through over-recording
• there is a technical malfunction during the recording
AQA will not normally consider an error in the conduct of the task on the part of the teacher as
justifying an application for special consideration.
16 As soon as all the recordings are completed for each language, they must be placed in secure
storage until the arrival of the moderator labels.
17 If a candidate has been given up to 25% extra time, the Communication mark is not affected and the
assessment criteria are applied in the normal way. If the moderator chooses such a candidate as
part of the sample, the centre should enclose a note to say that extra time was allowed.
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Controlled assessment – Writing
1
Candidates must complete two tasks, to be submitted to an AQA examiner for marking.
2
The final version of each task should be completed in one single assessment session lasting no
more than 60 minutes.
3
When producing the final version of each task, candidates must be directly supervised.
4
When producing the final version, candidates should have access to:
-
the task sheet (in English)
their Task Planning Form (TPF) (if used)
a bilingual dictionary (electronic or hard copy)
5
Teachers should remind candidates that they must not have access to any unauthorised material
such as books, papers, mobile phones or electronic devices (except electronic dictionaries).
Teachers must remove from the testing room posters/wall charts etc, if these provide additional
resources.
6
It is not necessary for candidates to write on examination stationery. Candidates must write the
following information on each piece of work:
-
7
centre number
candidate number
candidate name
component code (eg 46954)
task title
Task 1 or Task 2 as appropriate. Task 1 is the earlier task.
The following items must be sent to the AQA examiner by 7 May 2017:
-
candidates’ work (two tasks per candidate), clearly labelled Task 1 and Task 2
the task sheets
Candidate Record Forms (both sides completed)
Task Planning Forms (TPFs) (if used)
Completed Attendance List
A full version of the checklist for teachers is attached in Appendix 2 of these Instructions.
If Candidate Record Forms and/or TPFs are photocopied as two sides of one single sheet, it is not
necessary to complete the candidate details on the reverse side, as these will appear on the front.
Please note that it is not permissible to submit work electronically to the AQA examiner.
8
AQA will not return the candidates’ work to centres. Centres may request the work after publication
of results through Access to Scripts (ATS) services.
9
At the time of publication of results, centres will receive the total mark out of 60 for Unit 4 as well as
the UMS score for the unit. In order to access the breakdown of the mark out of 60 (ie the mark out
of 30 per task and the mark awarded for each assessment criterion), centres must register with eAQA and use the Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA).
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APPENDIX 1
GCSE Modern Foreign Languages
Controlled assessment (Speaking)
CHECKLIST FOR DESPATCH OF SAMPLE TO MODERATOR
You must send to the moderator (within five working days) the following items. Please tick each item
when you have included it and return the checklist, with each item ticked and included, to the Moderator.

A recording of the recorded task for all candidates in the sample
A recording of the recorded task for any candidates flagged by your centre as ‘PAR’,
‘PRI’ or ‘EDE’
A completed and signed Candidate Record Form for all candidates in the sample
The Centre Declaration Sheet (signed)
The Task Sheet for all recorded tasks used by any candidate in the sample (if all
candidates have used the same Task Sheet it is sufficient to send one copy)
A copy of the unpredictable questions for all recorded tasks used in the sample, on a
separate sheet to the Task Sheet
The Task Planning Form for the recorded task for each candidate in the sample (if
used)
A note of any candidates in the sample with a disability who have been given
additional time to complete the task
•
Ensure that the recordings are clearly labelled (see Instructions for the Conduct of the
Examinations – June 2017).
•
If any of the above items are missing, moderation cannot take place.
AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England
and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.
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APPENDIX 2
CHECKLIST FOR TEACHERS PREPARING MATERIALS FOR DESPATCH OF UNIT 4
(MFL WRITING CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT)
ALL MATERIALS MUST BE SENT TO THE AQA EXAMINER BY 7 MAY 2017
• Pieces of Work
Each candidate has submitted two tasks
(if, for exceptional reasons, a candidate is only submitting one task, please make this clear to the
examiner so that a piece of work is not assumed to be ‘missing’.)
Each task has the following information clearly written on the answer sheet:
Centre Number
Candidate Number
Candidate Name
Component Code (eg 46954)
Task 1 or Task 2 as appropriate
The title of the Task – which is the same as that on the task sheet
• The Task Sheet – i.e. The title and bullet points suggested for each of Task 1 and Task 2*
(if the same task has been attempted by all candidates, there is no need of a separate copy for each
candidate, but one copy for the Centre per task is essential)
• Candidate Record Form – One per candidate (not per task) required:
(Please note – generic information [language, centre number etc.] may be entered on a form and copied
before specific information [candidate number, candidate signature etc.] is subsequently added.
Page 1
Centre Number
Centre Name
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Candidate’s signature
Teacher’s signature
Dates
Page 2
Candidate Name
(on one side only if copied doublesided)
Candidate Number
(on one side only if copied doublesided)
Confirmation of the submission of tasks to accompany candidate’s work
Indication of the use of Task Planning Forms
• Task Planning Form (if used) for each of Tasks 1 and 2, with this information:
(Please note – generic information [language, centre number etc.] may be entered on a form and copied
before specific information [candidate number, candidate signature etc.] is subsequently added.
Page 1
Centre Number
Centre Name
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Teacher’s signature
Date
Page 2
Candidate Name
(on one side only if copied doublesided)
Candidate Number
(on one side only if copied doublesided)
Task Title
Plan (containing no pictures, symbols or conjugated verbs)
Accurate word count
• Attendance List – with an indication of any absences/candidates entered but not submitting
work to be assessed
* Please note that the bullet points are not compulsory.
AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England
and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.
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
AQA can be contacted at the following addresses:
Devas Street, Manchester, M15 6EX
31 – 33 Springfield Avenue, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2HW
Stag Hill House, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 5XJ
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