Untitled - Umalusi

Chapter 5
Moderation of marking
1. Introduction
The moderation of marking is of critical importance as it to a
large extent determines the standard and quality of marking,
and ensures that marking is conducted in accordance with agreed
practices.
maintained across all examining bodies and throughout the
marking process;
• positive marking practices are reinforced;
• all the systems and processes that relate to marking are in place
and effective;
• immediate feedback during the marking process is provided so that
learners are not unfairly advantaged/disadvantaged; and
Umalusi moderates the marking of scripts by deploying external
moderators to marking centres during the marking process, and for
nationally examined subjects this process takes place at Umalusi’s offices
• Umalusi moderators gain an understanding of the standard and
appropriateness of the examination question paper and the
common problems experienced by candidates.
in Pretoria. External moderators are deployed to the marking centres to
ensure that:
Moderators report comprehensively on their findings, so that Umalusi can
evaluate the marking process for the Senior Certificate Examination, and
• the memorandum is correctly interpreted;
• consensus is reached on memorandum interpretation;
• relevant additions and alternatives to be included in the
memorandum are accepted and finalised;
• all markers have a clear understanding of the memorandum
in order to ensure accurate and consistent allocation of marks to
candidates;
• the standard of marking and internal moderation of scripts is
take the necessary steps to ensure the quality and validity of this particular
aspect of the examination process.
2. Approach and scope of the moderation
of marking
Umalusi engages in the following during the moderation of marking:
• Pre-marking/Memorandum discussion session;
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