Principal Examiner BTEC Nationals Computing 31770H

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  31770H - Unit 3 Planning and Management of Computing projects 

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 Moderators.

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.

• Marking an allocation of live candidates’ responses, to quality assure as part of a supervisory role, where required.

• Preparing and collating materials for standardisation and assessment.

• Supporting supervisors and Examiners.

• Sampling supervisors/Examiners initial marking via an accompanied visit and providing feedback on the visit.

• Monitoring progress of supervisors/Examiners.

• Acting as a senior point of escalation across the quality assurance process.

• Undertaking at least two allocated Examination visits.

• Ensuring all Examiner marks and reports, for each allocation, are submitted via the appropriate Pearson system and by the stated deadline.

• 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.

Vocational Qualifications (e.g. BTEC/FS)

• A minimum of one full academic year of teaching experience in the relevant subject area/sector within the last 8 years and/or extensive knowledge and experience in Pearson assessment, quality and processes and national standards within the last 5 years.

• Relevant CPD evidence in the subject area/sector within the last 12 months.

• A UK recognised teaching qualification.

Please note upon successful application Pearson may ask you to provide proof of the qualifications required.