Hi everyone,

 

I hope your first week of teaching is going ok.

 

Most people are giving learners their diagnostic tests next week (Week 2).

 

We need to standardise our marking systems before we mark certain activities of the Speaking and Writing tests. This is so everyone is marking to the same standard. It's a City & Guilds requirement. 

 

Listening and Reading and Writing Activity (Grammar) tests are ok to mark. But we need to do a standardisation exercise on the Speaking discussion (Activity 3) and Writing (Activity 3). Level 1 & 2 should also assess the Presentation (Activity 2). 

 

We need to return to the original format where tutors agree a date and time to meet (in person) rather than via Teams. As a group you need to come to an agreement about the mark(s) you would award.

 

The groups according to level are:

 

Entry 1 – Susie, Helen M, Valentina, Katie.

 

Entry 2 - Helen H, Gordana, Carlos.

 

Entry 3 - Gosia, Maryam, Leanne.

 

Level 1 - Emma, Lucy, Hilary.

 

Level 2 - Danny, Vivien.

 

The tutor's name in bold is the team leader. Their responsibility is as follows:

 

• Liaise with the team members in their group and arrange a date/time for a face-to-face meeting. During the Staff Meeting last week we agreed Thursday, 22^nd September at the end of the afternoon teaching session – finish your classes a little early if necessary.

• select 3 pieces (1 x high level pass, 1x fail or very low level, 1 x borderline) of writing work from their recent class diagnostics. This should be photocopied - 1 copy per group member. Additionally, blank marks sheets are to be provided - sufficient copies per group members.
•  
• select 3 audios or videos (1 x high level pass, 1x fail or very low level, 1 x borderline) for the appropriate Speaking activity*from the Speaking and Listening exams in February 2022 (held in the ESOL Skills Drive). Make sure you have sufficient blank marks sheets for tutors.
• Please note that some of the new tutors (or tutors new to that level) would like to see/assess/standardise both the Speaking Presentation as well as the Discussion.

• Team Leaders should then return the group's verdicts on the standardisation form (see attached) to me.

Let me know if you have any problems.

For Pre-Entry tutors, whilst you are not doing exams, you may find it useful to meet up when you have completed your Diagnostic Tests and check class levels.

 

Hope next week is a bit more settled.

 

Regards,

 

 Vivien

 

  

Vivien Heywood-Hill

Adult Learning & Skills C-ordinator (ESOL)

 

Newcastle City Learning

Children, Education & Skills Directorate

Westgate College

West Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE4 9LU