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22 October 2001, Singapore
What exactly is an "External Moderation by UCLES"?
All modules of the Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies 2000) are validated by the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES), and hence they undergo a stringent external moderation process to ensure that high academic standards are maintained. The term "moderation" is so frequently heard.
So what exactly is "moderation" or "external moderation"? And how does it ensure quality and consistency? Why is a good moderation system critical and beneficial to the students?
Every four months, there are some 50,000-module entries from both DCS and ADCS. All exam scripts are first gathered in Singapore from around the world for marking and internal moderation by Informatics' own team of experienced academics.
The external moderation team from UCLES comprises a mix of senior academics from the most prestigious universities in the UK and some senior professionals from industry and commerce. The academics in the moderation team currently consist of academics from Oxford Brookes University, University of Oxford, University of Queensland, University of London, University of York and Brunel University.
The team visits the Informatics Headquarters in Singapore three times a year to moderate the DCS and ADCS programmes. Their agenda includes investigating and analysing all aspects of the results on the original marking by Informatics internal markers. A random sampling of exam scripts from all centres in all countries are carefully reviewed by the team to ensure that the marking of the scripts are consistent, valid and reliable.
The role of the external moderators from UCLES is to ensure that quality standards are maintained during the internal marking process. Each external moderator works to guidelines developed and tested over the last 10 years. At the end of the intensive moderation week, the moderation team will prepare a report on every module in both programmes, in which they will comment on the quality of the assessment instruments, candidate performance, any deviations from the norm across all centres, and the standard of the marking in the internal moderation processes.
The UCLES team insists on the highest standards of assessment. In cases of discrepancies, which rarely happens, they can ask for a re-marking of a particular paper. The final output is a recommendation for every examined module as to whether the original marks should be confirmed, and whether any scaling and adjustments need to be made. Informatics is bound by its agreement with UCLES to implement the final decisions of the UCLES external moderators.
Mr. Stephen Stocker, UCLES Group Manager, New Assessment Services, stated, "Because UCLES uses only the most respected university and professional moderators, and through the rigorous moderation process, Informatics, and all its candidates at centres across the globe, can be assured that its examinations and assessments are conducted to the highest international professional standards. There are very few other training providers anywhere who can offer such an assurance to its students."
The stringent validation and moderation process guarantees the conformance of academic standards, as such, this leads to a better academic advancement for the students, including a progression to any of the over 40 affiliated Universities who has granted an advance standing for Informatics graduates to proceed to pursue their degree.
For more information on Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies 2000 awarded by UCLES and NCC (UK) please visit http://www.purpletrain.com/hi_edu/adcs_2000.htm
About Informatics Group
The Informatics Group, established in 1983, is a multinational corporation providing training and educational services in information technology and business management. Through its international franchising programme and strategic acquisitions, Informatics presently has a global network of more than 400 centres spanning 33 countries.
The company presently offers five franchise products: Informatics Computer School, Thames Business School, CAL Computer Training Centre, Cambridge Child Development Centre and RACC. For more information, please visit http://www.informaticsgroup.com.
About PurpleTrain.com
PurpleTrain.com is the e-learning service provider which offers a one-stop service for business and IT education programmes, corporate training courses and education-related services.
By combining innovative technology with world-class training content, PurpleTrain.com offers companies and individuals a high value, quality and effective online training solution. Over 300 online courses are available, offering masters, degrees, diplomas and certificates in business and IT programmes. Its e-community now stands at over 42,000 users.
PurpleTrain.com is a 100%-owned venture of Informatics Holdings Limited, a leading training and education provider listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
For more information, please contact :
Cheryl Lee
Marketing & PR Manager
PurpleTrain.com
Email : pr@purpletrain.com
Website : www.purpletrain.com
www.informaticsgroup.com
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their respective owners. Certain of the statements in this press release
are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and
uncertainties. The actual results may differ from those described or contemplated.
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