Mark Scheme

What is a mark scheme?

For each externally set assessment or question paper there must be a mark scheme that is designed to ensure that all examiners mark the assessment or question paper consistently and reliably. The mark scheme provides the range of expected responses to all the questions in the question paper and indicates how many marks should be awarded to any particular answer. The marks for each question in the mark scheme must exactly match those in the question paper, which normally includes an indication of the mark allocation for each question or sub-question.

All mark schemes are intended to promote positive marking i.e. it is assumed that a candidate starts with zero marks and is awarded marks for whatever achievement is demonstrated, rather than starting with a maximum number of marks and having marks deducted for wrong or incomplete answers.

Who produces the mark scheme?

The principal examiner for the external assessment or question paper is responsible for producing the associated mark scheme and is required to produce it at the same time as the question paper is being drafted. It allows the principal examiner to demonstrate that the question paper is actually testing what it is designed to test in terms of the assessment objectives, assessment criteria and subject content targeted by the question paper.

Mark scheme format

The format of the mark scheme depends on the nature of the question paper and what is being tested. Some mark schemes (or sections of mark schemes) award marks point by point. Candidates are awarded a mark for the correct answer (or for a correct response if there is more than one possible correct answer) and no marks for an incorrect answer. In some cases the principal examiner will list a range of acceptable and unacceptable answers to offer guidance to the examining team.

For a more complex question the mark scheme may allow a range of possible marks, depending on the accuracy and extent of the response. So, for example, a question marked out of 3 may allow 1 mark for a correct response, 2 marks for a correct response plus a simple explanation and 3 marks for a correct response plus a fuller explanation.

Marking extended responses

For an extended response such as an essay or report, the mark scheme may take the form of levels of response. A range of levels is described using descriptors which mirror the objectives which are assessed in the question. For each level there is a range of marks eg Level 1 = marks 1-5, Level 2 = marks 6-10, Level 3 = marks 11-15 and so on. Examiners have first of all to decide which level descriptors best fit the candidate's response and then to decide which mark within the range for that level is the most appropriate.

Quality of written communication

Where appropriate, mark schemes include instructions for the assessment of the quality of a candidate's written communication, which might include spelling, punctuation, grammar, clarity and expression.

Provisional mark schemes

Mark schemes are reviewed and revised in conjunction with question papers throughout the question paper setting process. Provisional mark schemes are then provided to examiners shortly before their standardisation meeting so that they can familiarise themselves with the mark scheme before the meeting and attempt to apply it to a sample of candidates' responses.

Publication of mark schemes

At the end of the standardisation and marking period, mark schemes are made available to schools and colleges, who may use them for marking mock examinations and/or to help their understanding of the requirements of the question paper. In terms of professional development, there can be no substitute for attending the standardisation meeting to hear a full explanation of how the mark scheme is applied.