Professor Philippa Levy, DCE (Academic) September 2013

HEA Grade Point Average (GPA) Programme 2013-15

GPA Programme 2013-2015

National discussion on potential introduction of a GPA classification system and associated assessment issues in UK HE, and support for development

Including pilot implementation by a representative group of 20-25 UK HE providers (incl. CBHE and private) Nov 2013 – June 2014

HEA-facilitated, with national Advisory Group chaired by Professor Sir Robert Burgess 2

Overview

Anticipated outcomes and outputs:

For the HE system: a) a recommended national GPA system that provides a consistent and transparent approach for the benefit of key stakeholders; b) enhanced awareness and understanding of issues relating to its introduction and use, and associated resources

For piloting institutions: informed decision-making and planning in relation to full institutional implementation (alongside degree classification system) potentially from academic year 2014-15

20-25 UK HE providers supported to explore introduction and use of the GIU proposed GPA scale

Investigating a range of specific questions/issues 3

GPA Pilot 2013-14

Grade StandardGrade Point

UK current descriptor

A+ Excellent 4.25 Top 1st

A Excellent 4.00 Good 1st

A- Excellent 3.75 Low 1st

B+ Good 3.50 High 2-1

B Good 3.25 Mid 2-1

B-Good/

Satisfactory3.00

Low 2-1

C+ Satisfactory 2.75 High 2-2

C Satisfactory 2.50 Mid 2-2

C- Satisfactory 2.25 Low 2-2

D+ Adequate 2.00 3rd

D Pass 1.00 Low 3rd or pass

D- Marginal Fail 0.50 Marginal Fail

F Fail 0.00 Fail

Invitations to: a) selected representative sample of institutions already known to be working on/interested in GPA; b) all other HE providers

Institutional commitment and capacity to conduct proposed institution-wide pilot activities during 2013-14

Diversity of institutional contexts to ensure representation of the range of UK HE providers wrt diversity of mission, size and student body

Strong senior championing and leadership, and commitment of working group incl. student/SU member

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Pilot selection criteria

Pilots explore and report back on questions in these areas:

Acceptability of proposed scale in relation to institutional provision and its robustness in comparison with current system

Implications for marking practice in qualitative and quantitative subjects

Preferred institutional approaches to progression weighting with GPA

Operational issues relating to marking, moderation, exam boards, appeals and systems requirement s for reporting of student results, and dual running of GPA alongside degree classification

Issues arising that relate to institutional assessment policy and practice

Guidance provided by HEA on conduct of pilots, including addressing of these issues

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Pilot questions and issues (1)

Institutions will be able to look at the issues associated with conversion of current module grades/percentages to the GPA

Institutions will be asked to model the use of the GPA scale retrospectively in comparison with degree classification system

No prescribed approach to progression weighting - an opportunity to investigate issues relating to different approaches and potential for unified UK-wide approach

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Pilot questions and issues (2)

Institutional working groups of c5 people, incl. a student and/or student rep, senior manager, academic staff, others e.g. employer rep

4 HEA-facilitated meetings, to be attended by 2 working group members (one a student and/or student rep)

Online tools to facilitate support and exchange of learning

Piloting institutions will be asked to share lessons learned and their experiences for the HEA’s dissemination activities

Institutions present updates and provide a short report for July 2014, using templates and guidance; HEA to capture , synthesise and report on experiences and learning

 HEA will develop a structured approach to evaluation and dissemination - recommendations based on the pilot work and related research reporting from autumn 2014 8

Pilot process and support

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15th November 2013

Start-up facilitated meeting at Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham.

Wednesday 22 January 2014 (tbc)

Facilitated meeting at Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham.  

Wednesday 26 March 2014 (tbc)

Facilitated meeting at Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham. 

Wednesday 18 June 2014 (tbc)

Facilitated meeting at Aston Business School Conference Centre, Aston University, Birmingham. 

Autumn 2014 Dissemination activities. 

Deadline for acceptances/expressions of interest:

Monday 21 October 2013 17:00

Outcomes of selection process communicated on Monday 28 October 2013 17.00

Please address any enquiries about participation in the pilot to: gpa@heacademy.ac.uk or by telephone +44(0)1904 717500

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Deadlines

HEA will co-ordinate a broader programme of information-sharing, support, research and events to support and inform wider debate around GPA and developments in institutions beyond the pilot group

Including a focus on engagement with students and employers

This wider programme of activity will extend throughout 2014-15 to provide further, on-going support for UK-wide development and debate

Literature synthesis and research will complement the pilot and inform the work that will extend beyond it  

To express initial interest in participating in this wider programme, please email gpa@heacademy.ac.uk

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Wider programme

The Higher Education Academy, Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5BR, United Kingdom

For more information:

Email: gpa@heacademy.ac.uk

Website: www.heacademy.ac.uk/gpa