AQA English Language Paper 1 and Paper 2 Diagnostic Mark Scheme

I have used this resource to develop my own understanding of the mark scheme (even though I have been an examiner for over ten years), support my colleagues in understanding the mark scheme, and also to diagnose weaknesses within classes, enabling targeted intervention, differentiation within the classroom and targeted support. Once completed, it gives the teacher a full and clear understanding of what needs to be done to succeed in the exam.

Essentially, it is an audit of skills within a class, looking at either a whole mock paper, or full practice questions in books. Assess the work for each of elements for each question, writing the student initial in each box. This is a little clunky to begin with, but gets much easier after the first few pieces and is very valuable in both focusing your understanding of what is required for each question and knowing where students need attention. The statements have been taken from the mark scheme and also developed from the on-screen software used by examiners.

Your end result will clearly show where the average class strengths and weaknesses lie, which students need more help and in which areas and how you should direct your teachers. This would result in outstanding differentiation. I have completed a sample of three students (whereas usually it would be for a whole class), which shows that this very small group struggle with methods on Q4.

Whole cohorts could be analysed via cutting and pasting several sheets onto one, allowing HODs to oversee weaknesses across the department. These audits could also be used as a basis for conversations in progress meetings and as a monitoring tool.