examinations
non-examined assessment
Non-examined assessment (NEA), also commonly known as coursework or controlled assessment, refers to a form of assessment that does not involve a formal written exam. Instead, students are assessed on their performance, projects, investigations, or practical skills in a specific subject.
In some instances, the NEA component does not contribute to the overall grade awarded and/or is not compulsory. We strongly advise that you view the subject specification, prior to commencing study, to identify any NEA assessment requirements you should be aware of.
Typical examples of NEA include Science Practicals, English or Foreign Language speaking tests, Geography or Environmental Fieldwork, English/History A Level coursework and Art and Design practicals.to list the most common examples.
At arc exams, we endeavour to cater for most qualifications/subjects, including those with an NEA component(s), where practicable.
We host all A Level Science exams in centre and, where required, deliver CPACs (Common Practical Assessment Requirement), commonly referred to as A Level Practicals, at our dedicated science laboratory in Birmingham
Where you wish to sit A Level Science exams with us but already hold a valid subject CPAC endorsement issued by a 3rd party, we are able to accept that for certification purposes on the proviso we can satisfy ourselves that the 3rd party has successfully completed a CPAC Monitoring Visit within the last 18 months. Where a candidate is submitting CPAC evidence from a 3rd party, for certificate endorsement, arc exams will charge a nominal fee, per subject and detailed in our Fees List, to cover our administration costs.
All GCSE Science subjects have a practical element. arc exams can host these, but only in exceptional circumstances, where agreed beforehand, and at significant cost to the candidate. We will also host GCSE Science subject exams where the candidate is carrying forward their practical from a previous sitting i.e., one conducted at school.
To avoid the issue of GCSE Science Practicals we would advise you consider studying/sitting an International GCSE, offered by Pearson Edexcel or Cambridge International, as an additional exam paper can be taken as an alternative to the practical.
The NEA (coursework) element accounts for 20% of this subject A Level, irrespective of the Awarding Organisation specification chosen.
If you are studying via one of our ‘partner’ Distance Learning Providers they will ensure your A Level Historical Enquiry/Investigation is appropriate, authenticated and marked. Details of our partner DLPs can be viewed here.
Conversely, if you are not working with one of our partner DLPs, you will need to work with a tutor appointed by arc exams. Additional costs will apply, paid directly to the tutor at an agreed rate, and you will be required to work with this tutor for a minimum of 10 hours tuition, enabling them to authenticate your work accurately.
Please contact us here if you require a tutor for authentication.
The NEA (coursework) element accounts for 20% of this subject A Level, irrespective of the Awarding Organisation specification chosen.
If you are studying via one of our ‘partner’ Distance Learning Providers they will ensure your A Level English Language/Research is appropriate, authenticated and marked. Details of our partner DLPs can be viewed here.
Conversely, if you are not working with one of our partner DLPs, you will need to work with a tutor appointed by arc exams. Additional costs will apply, paid directly to the tutor at an agreed rate, and you will be required to work with this tutor for a minimum of 10 hours tuition, enabling them to authenticate your work accurately.
Please contact us here if you require a tutor for authentication.
The Speaking, Listening and Communication (SLC) component of GCSE English is compulsory. This endorsement is reported as a separate grade (Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified) on your certificate. However, it will not contribute to the final grade awarded.
arc exams will arrange a SLC session with you, during assessment window(s) determined by Awarding Organisations and prior to your first written exam, enabling you to achieve the endorsement on your certificate.
You do have the option of sitting an International GCSE with Pearson Edexcel or Cambridge International, if you wish, to progress without the SLC component. If you are considering this route, we would advise that that you check the qualification requirements of prospective Further or Higher Education establishments or employers as to their specific qualification requirements.
arc exams host the majority of A Level, GCSE and IGCSE languages, detailed in our Fees List, offered by all Awarding Organisations. In order that we can accommodate your assessment, particularly for ‘lesser taught’ languages where assessor availability might be scarce, we would ask that you make your application at the earliest opportunity.
We typically conduct language assessments, carried out in centre by qualified and experienced tutors, during the months of April and May (for examinations held in the summer). Assessment dates, for each language/qualification level, will be notified to you in advance. Please note the dates specified for each language assessment will be fixed, depending on tutor availability etc. In exceptional circumstances we can arrange for an assessment on the day of a candidate’s choosing, providing; It is held within the permitted assessment window, a tutor is available to conduct the assessment and a non-refundable ‘exception’ fee of £150, in addition to initial the examination entry fee, is paid in advance.
To prepare yourself for the language assessment and ensure the best possible outcome, we would urge you to view the assessment requirements as laid down in each subject specification.