Cambridge Nationals Engineering: How do I use a Witness Statement correctly?

Witness Statements can be used to support and corroborate things that it is sometimes difficult for the candidate to evidence directly. This includes how independently they have worked, how safely they have worked and the quality of a finished item produced. Witness Statements should only be used to support and corroborate candidate evidence – they should never be used as a substitute for evidence that the candidate can produce themselves.

Appendix A of the Specification Handbooks provide guidance on the correct use of Witness Statements.

Many of the Set Assignments include a Witness Statement for relevant learning outcomes. There is also a blank Witness Statement available on the OCR website. You are free to use a Witness Statement where you think it is most appropriate – and are even permitted to modify it to suit your own needs.  Common examples of modifications include:

• Tick-box checklists confirming level of independence when working
• Checklists confirming what safety equipment and/or tools have been used by the candidate
• Structured questions for candidates to answer

The Witness Statement needs to be signed and dated by the witness and the assessor (who might be the same person).