At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee the assessment of iAL Chemistry practical units, ensuring quality and standards.
- Company: Join Pearson, the UK's largest awarding body, committed to innovative learning solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy fully remote work, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: A degree and UK teaching qualification are essential; experience in assessment is a plus.
- Other info: This role requires strong IT skills and a commitment to maintaining professional integrity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Principal Examiner for iAL Chemistry (Practical unit)
We are currently recruiting for one Principal Examiners for the following subject and papers.
Chemistry (practical unit)
WCH13_01
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 (e.g. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Examiner - iAL Chemistry (Practical Unit) - Fully Remote employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Examiner - iAL Chemistry (Practical Unit) - Fully Remote
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Pearson's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to educational excellence and innovation will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal philosophy matches theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Principal Examiners if possible. They can provide insights into the role and share experiences that could help you prepare for potential interview questions or scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of quality assurance and assessment practices, particularly in the context of regulated qualifications. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you've successfully coordinated training or standardisation activities. Highlighting these skills will show that you're capable of managing the responsibilities of a Principal Examiner effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Examiner - iAL Chemistry (Practical Unit) - Fully Remote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Principal Examiner role. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for the iAL Chemistry (Practical Unit) to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in quality assurance and assessment practices. Provide specific examples of your moderation or marking experience, especially within regulated qualifications, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this position, ensure that your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've successfully led training or standardisation activities.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to align with Pearson's values and the job description. Mention your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as your understanding of the importance of maintaining professional integrity while representing Pearson.
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 expectations, especially regarding quality assurance and assessment practices, as well as the specifics of the iAL Chemistry practical unit.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant experience in moderation, marking, and quality assurance. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've led training sessions or standardisation activities, as this will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the role effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics related to assessment criteria and educational standards. This will help you convey your expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Having insightful questions prepared shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. Consider asking about Pearson's approach to diversity and inclusion, or how they support their examiners in maintaining high standards. This can also help you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.