What is an assessed grade? Is this the same as a centre assessment grade (CAG)?

An assessed grade is different from the centre assessment grades (CAGs) used in summer 2020.

Assessed grades will be produced using the unit results candidates have achieved through completed live assessments. We will do this using the same method we normally use when a student misses an assessment (for example due to illness).

This is why we will issue them at the end of the course when there will be the most evidence to base the grade on. This makes your students’ assessed grades more reliable.

Cambridge Nationals

For Cambridge Nationals, we will use the z-score method, an established process used in special consideration cases when a student missed an assessment.

This method uses the marks (UMS) achieved by the candidate in other units for the qualification, and estimates a mark for the missing unit. It does this by comparing performance in the units taken with the general performance for the missing unit and not historical individual centre performance.

For Cambridge Nationals, the performance of candidates generally on a unit is calculated from a bank of all previous series for that unit. Since there are no marks for summer 2020 units, summer 2020 does not contribute to the bank.

This means that if a candidate performed slightly better on average on the units already taken, then the estimate for the missing mark will be slightly above the general performance on the unit. 

If you are interested in further detailed information on the z-score method, please see the JCQ guide.

Cambridge Technicals

For Cambridge Technicals, we will use the proportional method. This method is used because the moderated units are grade based (candidates are not awarded marks, only grades). 

The average grade achieved in other units is calculated (grades are converted to a numeric scale).  Where possible, only moderated units are used in the calculation of moderated unit estimates, and examined units are used in the calculation of examined unit estimates.  If there are no units of the relevant type available, then moderated units would be used to estimate examined units, and vice versa.

This means where possible, performance in the examined units will not affect the assessed grade for the moderated units.