Principal Learning Assessment

Each unit of Principal Learning will be separately assessed and graded. Principal Learning will be assessed via a combination of internal and external assessment. The form of the assessment for each unit is tailored specifically to suit its aims and content and will be described in the Diploma qualification specification. Further detail of each assessment process is below:

Internal Assessment

Principal Learning specifications require a range of techniques, which are designed to preserve the experiential and applied nature of the Diploma. Centres have the freedom to relate internal assessment to local opportunities and resources whilst ensuring that robust, reliable and valid assessment is maintained. It is recommended that assessment for some units in some lines of learning is linked together to create a unified, focused and economical approach across a level. Controlled assessments must bring together the learning outcomes for a unit into a coherent activity that would be seen as meaningful to employers/professionals working in the sector(s)/industries covered by the Principal Learning.

Controlled Assessment

Controlled assessment is the process for internal assessment that now applies to all Principal Learning qualifications. Controls are established for:

  • task setting
  • task marking
  • task taking

To help our centres understand controls and how they apply to Principal Learning, we have produced a set of FAQs and a detailed guidance document.

There is further guidance available on controlled assessment on the QCDA website at www.qcda.gov.uk

View the Diploma Principal Learning Units - Internal Assessment and Moderation.

External Assessment

All Diplomas have external assessment and a variety of approaches will be used across each level. External assessments will be timetabled and available in January and June. In some instances, there will be a requirement for learners to carry out preliminary work in advance of the test and then to use this data or experience to inform answers in the external assessments. Results of external assessment will be available on GCSE and GCE results day in August.

For more information about Principal Learning please click here.