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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee the assessment of A Level Religious Studies, ensuring quality and standards.
- Company: Join Pearson, the UK's largest awarding body, committed to innovative learning solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a modernising team that shapes the future of education and assessment.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree and a UK recognised teaching qualification; experience in assessment is essential.
- Other info: This role requires strong IT skills and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Welcome to Elevate
As we continue to transition to a digital environment, we know that it’s essential to revisit and update our approaches to assessment delivery. Our aim is to create a more modern assessment delivery system that sets us up for the future, supports our Senior Associates better in their role by building associate capacity across the system, further supports our customers, and delivers the best outcomes for learners.
As part of a programme of modernisation, we are taking the opportunity to update our senior associate roles and responsibilities, across our qualifications.
We would like to offer you the opportunity to apply for one of these roles.
Principal Examiner (Traditional) – A Level Religious Studies (9RS0)
About Pearson
At Pearson we’re committed to a world that’s always learning. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology, and each other to surpass these boundaries, we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global. We are the UK\’s largest awarding body and offer qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in a range of General and Vocational courses.
Purpose
The Principal Examiner is there to ensure that the standards of an externally assessed unit(s)/module(s)/component(s) are maintained and are consistent with the unit specification and assessment criteria. The Principal Examiner should oversee the standardisation of Examiners.
Core Services and Expectations
When carrying out your role, please be mindful that you represent Pearson and that you should always maintain your professional integrity. Therefore, it is essential that you:
Act at all times in a way which will not bring Pearson, its employees, and its representatives into disrepute.
Read all Pearson policies and guidance prior to undertaking contracted activities.
Respect the confidentiality of centres and learners.
Attend any and all meetings or training sessions provided, relevant to your role, where requested by Pearson.
Adhere to deadlines given by Pearson and ensure that all work is carried out to the best of an individual’s ability.
Remain respectful and advocate for others to ensure and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in a professional manner when carrying out services on behalf of Pearson.
Have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson software, relevant malware, appropriate virus protection software, a suitable internet connection, and a personal, secure email account.
Communicate with Pearson and its centres in a timely manner when carrying out all designated responsibilities.
Raise any concerns if you suspect or are made aware of any malpractice, maladministration, and/or Safeguarding issues.
Role Specific Services and Expectations
As well as Pearson’s core services expectations, there are also role-specific services and expectations that you must consider and be able to provide. These include:
Ensuring the timely delivery of your contracted unit(s)/module(s)/component(s).
Updating the mark scheme/guidance before the pre-standardisation meeting, taking into account actual candidates’ responses and feedback from supervisors/Examiners.
Leading meetings such as pre-standardisation and standardisation and participating in others such as appeals against results and post-series reviews. You may also be asked to represent Pearson at board hearings for examination appeals.
Selecting and marking items for validity as agreed at the pre-standardisation meeting.
Marking an allocation of live candidates’ responses, to quality assure as part of a supervisory role, where required.
Preparing and collating materials for standardisation.
Supporting supervisors and Examiners.
Sampling supervisors/Examiners\’ initial marking and backreading responses, as directed, using the appropriate Pearson marking system to target backreading and correct specific problems.
Monitoring the progress of supervisors/Examiners.
Reviewing responses for clarification.
Acting as a senior point of escalation across the quality assurance process.
Providing support across several versions of the paper, including all those introduced previously, and any versions introduced during the contractual period.
Monitoring and reporting to the Assessment team after standardisation and completion of marking, submitting a completed feedback form for each supervisor/Examiner as directed.
Supporting in awarding activities by writing reports to the Awarding Committee, recommending grade boundaries, participating in the awarding activities, and other areas where required.
Completing the Senior Assessment Associate review process reflecting on your own challenges and successes and attending a follow-up meeting with the assessment team where required.
Submitting reports on the series/candidate performance.
Providing support and written responses to complaints where required.
Skills and Competencies
As the Principal Examiner, you will be expected to demonstrate the following skills and competencies:
Required
Experience and knowledge of quality assurance and assessment practice.
History of moderation and/or marking a regulated qualification.
Excellent communication skills.
Proven ability to provide and co-ordinate training such as standardisation and other standards-related activities.
A comprehensive knowledge of the specification for your specialist sector, including internal and external requirements.
Provide examples of when you were asked to lead/support essential quality assurance activities.
Desirable
High level of IT proficiency.
Leadership experience in delivering qualifications.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance and requirements.
Report writing within a regulated industry.
Experience and Qualifications
Qualifications required to apply for your chosen role at Pearson will depend on the qualification you are delivering. Please contact Pearson ahead of your application if the requirements are not clear.
General Qualifications ( GCSE/A LEVEL)
Degree.
A UK recognised teaching qualification.
Please note upon successful application Pearson may ask you to provide proof of the qualifications required.
Application Information We have a number of opportunities available for teaching professionals to join our growing teams of examiners, moderators and verifiers.
Closing date: 16 October 2024 at midnight
GCE A Level - Religious Studies (2016 Specification) - Principal Examiner employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land GCE A Level - Religious Studies (2016 Specification) - Principal Examiner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Pearson's assessment practices and the specific requirements for the GCE A Level Religious Studies. Understanding their approach will help you align your experience and skills with what they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Principal Examiners to gain insights into the role and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that may not be publicly available and could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend relevant workshops or training sessions related to assessment and quality assurance. This not only enhances your skills but also shows your commitment to professional development, which Pearson values highly.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlighting these experiences during interviews can demonstrate your capability to oversee examiners and maintain standards.
We think you need these skills to ace GCE A Level - Religious Studies (2016 Specification) - Principal Examiner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Principal Examiner for GCE A Level Religious Studies. Familiarise yourself with the job description and the skills required to ensure your application aligns with Pearson's expectations.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in quality assurance, assessment practices, and any leadership roles you've held. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet the role's requirements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that outlines your passion for education and assessment. Mention your understanding of Pearson's mission and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for the Principal Examiner position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Principal Examiner role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with Pearson's assessment practices and the specific requirements for the GCE A Level Religious Studies specification.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in quality assurance and assessment practice. Be ready to provide examples of how you've led standardisation activities or moderated assessments, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency
Since the role involves using Pearson's software and tools, highlight your IT skills during the interview. Mention any relevant software you’ve used and how comfortable you are with technology in an educational context.
✨Emphasise Professional Integrity
Pearson values professionalism and integrity highly. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in your work, especially when it comes to handling sensitive information about learners and centres.
