'Moderation' is the process by which SQA ensures that national standards are applied in assessment carried out by centres.

There are two main methods of moderation:

• Visiting Moderation
• Central Moderation

(Details of which Access units are moderated in which way are given in the Rapid Guides)

Visiting Moderation is usually for practical subjects and involves the moderator visiting the centre. This will be carried out prior to completion of the unit.

Central Moderation is the main method of moderation used by SQA. Centres selected for moderation will be asked to collate their evidence and send it to SQA for inspection. Centres will be given feedback after the work has been moderated.

Retention Of Evidence

Centres are advised to retain all candidate evidence:

• for at least three weeks after a moderation decision has been provided by SQA (for centres selected for moderation of a particular unit)

• until at least three weeks after the completion date (centres not selected for moderation)

• for units with completion dates later than March (central/visiting)or May (visiting), until after retrospective moderation processes are complete, i.e. the end of September

Relevant Document

Guide to Assessment and Quality Assurance for Secondary Schools (SQA, August 2003, Ref - AA0840/2).

This document can be downloaded from the SQA website.

Internal Moderation

Internal Moderation is an important part of the assessment process and all schools should have a clear internal moderation policy to guide teachers delivering Access units.