GCE A Level - CHEMISTRY (2016 Specification) - Senior Content Validator

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.

Senior Content Validator (External Assessment)

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 Senior Content Validator (External Assessment) is there to ensure our assessment materials are fit for purpose across the qualifications. This role will oversee the content production process and should make sure they have adhered to key documents such as the writers' guides and assessment strategy.

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 assessment materials comply with the Global Content Policy and fully support accessibility, Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, and sensitivity guidelines.

• Being accountable in ensuring all applicable assessment materials are of high quality and are reviewed for all unit(s)/module(s)/component(s), where applicable and within the qualification, ensuring all units have a comparable level of demand.

• Advising on subject specialist matters throughout the production process and feedback where necessary.

• Ensuring the committee adhere to the production schedules and turnaround requests, keeping Pearson informed of your availability.

• Providing feedback on enhancements from past series or known errors that may impact current content assessment materials and ensure these are implemented.

• Providing feedback when errors are identified/escalated during the production process and support any investigations on how errors were introduced.

• Overseeing, to ensure that all facts (including spelling) within the question paper and support material, are accurate and in context, meeting the level of demand and the questions are clear, fit for purpose, and error-free.

• Complying with the demands of the current specification as far as duration of the paper, reading/preparation time, number of questions/items, and all other aspects are concerned, and that the rubric is clear and reflects these requirements.

• Reviewing, reporting, clearly marking up on comments and ensure all comments have been actioned, as and when required, throughout the production process.

• Providing feedback on drafts at each stage and lead sign-off meeting(s) where required.

• Being accountable in ensuring that all associated materials are updated at each stage throughout the production process.

• Overseeing the final sign-off of the final assessment materials. 

Experience and Qualifications required:

Experience:

As a representative of the company, you will be expected to have experience in, or be able to demonstrate the ability of the following:

• Excellent communication skills.

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the specific content area (e.g., assessments and curriculum development).

• Proven ability to provide and co-ordinate training.

• Proven track record of leading quality assurance activities.

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.