3 General administrative instructions for Examination

3 General Administrative Information

3 General administrative instructions for Examination Officers

2

2 Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) 7

8

4 Entries

4.1 Making Entries: Tutorial CD

4.2 Entry Deadlines

4.3 Entry Fees

4.4 The amendment deadline

4.5 Late entry fees and higher late entry fees

4.6 Pirate entries

4.7 Common Entry Issues

4.8 Deadlines and qualification availability

7

4.9 Private candidate centres and Teaching Institutions

5 Invoices

6 Administration Forms and Edexcel Online

6.1 Attendance Registers

6.2 OPTEMS

6.3 Edexcel Online

6.4 Estimated Grade Forms

Externally Marked Coursework Units

9

8.1 Receipt of Examination Papers

8.2 Curriculum 2000 and GCE 2008 Question Papers

8.3 Access Arrangements and Modified Papers

Materials to be used by Candidates

9.1 Stationery Requirements

9.2 Pencils

9.3 Gel Pens

10 Despatching Scripts

10.1 General

10.2 Despatching Curriculum 2000 and GCE 2008 Scripts and Candidate work

10.3 Despatching scripts when you have no Attendance Register

11 Tracking Script Packages

12.1 Edexcel Timetable Schedule

12.2 The Format of Timetables

12.3 National Holidays

12.4 Timing of Examinations

12.5 Units available only to International Centres

12

13

13

13

16

19

19

20

22

22

23

23

10

10

11

11

12

10

10

10

10

25

29

30

30

30

31

31

32

23

23

23

24

24

24

24

International Information Manual September 2008


13 Candidate Statement of Provisional Results (CSPR)

14 Enquiries About Results

17 CDs and MP3 Files

17.1 Provision of Cassettes, CDs and MP3 files

17.2 Frequently Asked Questions (with Answers)

17.3 How to download live MP3 files from Edexcel Online

17.4 Speaking Tests

18 Subject Specific Information

18.1 Practical Examinations: GCE Chemistry Practicals (specifications

6243/6246) and GCE Physics Practicals (specifications 6733/6735)

18.2 Pre-release material

Appendix : Glossary of Terms

34

34

43

44

38

40

42

42

42

35

35

37

37



3 General administrative information for Examination Officers

This section of the International Information Manual replicates the material in the Handbook entitled, “Making

Your Life Easier” and has been written primarily for new Examinations Officers, or for centres which are entering candidates for Edexcel’s General Qualification examinations for the first time, but it is hoped that even experienced Examination Officers will find it of value.

The flow chart overleaf shows (at a very high level) the General Qualification processes from when entries are made through to Post Results. This section of the International Information Manual highlights some of the issues that can arise at various stages in this sequence of activities.

CONTACTING EDEXCEL

• There will be times when you may wish to contact Edexcel. Please use this URL to discover how you can contact us: http://www.edexcel-international.com/about/contact/

•

On occasions, personnel in different departments will need to contact you, so it is essential that we have accurate contact details. Please use form CA08 (in the Forms section of the International

Information Manual) to advise us of any changes in contact details or the address of your centre. Clearly, if the information in our database is incorrect you may not receive the documents you require for information/examination purposes. Please submit form CA08 as soon as any of your contact details change

• If you have any queries these should be raised in the first instance through Customer Services so that a log number can be assigned and the query tracked through to resolution. Please contact Customer Services via this phone number: +44 (0) 1204 770696

• To ensure that queries are quickly resolved the International team have recently created the new position of International Customer Services Advisor. This position is held by Preia Patel . If you have queries which have not been resolved please contact Preia Patel on Preia.patel@edexcel.com. Preia’s areas of expertise consist of:

Entries and Certification queries, new centres, BTEC – certification/approvals, website queries and general queries about our qualifications

• IGCSE specific queries should be forwarded to IGCSE2009@edexcel.com


Edexcel General Qualifications Procedural Overview

Start

Centre submits estimated entries via Edexcel Online

(EOL)

Centre checks the entries, makes all necessary amendments and re-submits the entry to Edexcel

The candidate(s) sit the exams at the centre

Centre makes actual entries for candidates via

Edexcel Online

(EOL) or EDI

The entry is processed

“automatically” or manually by Edexcel

Edexcel confirms the entry data to the centre

The centre records candidate presence or absence on the

Attendance Register. The address label for the despatch of the candidates’ script/work is attached to the Attendance

Register

The centre dispatches the work to the Allocated

Examiner or Edexcel

Scanning Centre, as specified on the

Attendance Register label

The question papers and administration forms are sent to the centre on specified dates before and throughout each exam series

Exception

Script

Irregular scripts that cannot be scanned for any reason, are extracted and sent to examiners to be marked “traditionally”

Most Edexcel exams are marked online – these papers are scanned by

Edexcel and images made available for examiners to mark online

The allocated examiner receives the work or views the images on Edexcel’s secure website, marks it according to the mark scheme, and advises

Edexcel of the marks for each candidate for the relevant paper

The centre receives the certificates for each candidate

The centre reviews the results for each candidate and with their consent submits requests for Post

Results Services as required

End

Provisional Results are issued to the centre for each candidate on results day

The standard and quality of marking is checked by senior examiners. Grades are then set and results awarded

ENQUIRY

ABOUT

RESULTS

Updated certificates are sent for each candidate with amended results

For traditionally marked papers, the mark is keyed in and results graded and awarded by Edexcel. Marks for Online papers are recorded at the time of marking

Post Results

Services are performed by

Edexcel and results confirmed or amended


1. GENERAL QUALIFICATION EXAMINATIONS

1.1

Each examination period is called an examination series . The General Qualifications which are examined in each series are shown below. The academic year in many countries begins in September, rather than in January. This is why, in the table below, the first examination series shown is November.

Please look at the relevant qualification section in the International Information Manual to see which units are examined in each examination series

JUNE

GCSE

NOVEMBER JANUARY

GCSE (only GCSE in Applied

Mathematics, English

& Science)

Subjects (AGCSE, but sometimes called

VGCSE, or Vocational

GCSE)

MARCH

GCSE (Mathematics &

Science)

IGCSE GCE AS units*

GCE A2 units**

GCE O level

GCSE in Applied Subjects

(AGCSE, but sometimes called VGCSE, or Vocational

GCSE)

IGCSE

GCE AS units

GCE A2 units

GCE O level

Key

GCE = General Certificate of Education

AS = Advanced Subsidiary

* GCE (AS) is valued as half a full A level qualification. It consists of units assessed at the standard expected of a student half way through an A level course. The AS units contribute 50 per cent of the full A level award. GCE (AS) is a stand-alone qualification . A candidate who achieves a pass grade in the AS units in a subject will be awarded a GCE Advanced Subsidiary certificate in that subject. There is no compulsion on any candidate to study a subject to the full A level standard i.e. to take the AS and A2 units

** GCE (A2) is the second half of a full A level qualification. It consists of units assessed at the standard expected of a student at the end of a full A level course. These units are worth 50 per cent of the full A level qualification

• Most AS and A2 units are assessed by written, externally marked examinations, but some are assessed by internal assessment. Details of all the AS and A2 units available can be found in the GCE section of the

International Information Manual

• In the academic year beginning September 2008 new GCE A levels will start to be taught. These new A levels are called GCE 2008 specifications. Students who are already studying A levels will be studying what are termed Curriculum 2000 ( Legacy) specifications. The following table shows when the last

Curriculum 2000 specifications will be examined, and the timetable for the examination of the new GCE

2008 units


Curriculum 2000 and GCE 2008 examinations

1.2

There are five “Unitary Awarding Bodies” offering General Qualifications. These are AQA, Edexcel,

OCR, WJEC and CCEA. The specifications of these awarding bodies have been accredited by Ofqual, the

Examinations Regulator for England. The accreditation of each specification is for a limited number of years so that the content of specifications has to be updated and therefore kept relevant. The following table summarises the assessment situation during the transition from the current Curriculum 2000 (Legacy) specifications to the new GCE 2008 specifications

Examination series Curriculum 2000 (Legacy) specifications New GCE 2008 specifications

January 2009 Only those AS and A2 units that are normally offered in a January series will be available

Certification of AS and A level is possible i.e. candidates can receive a grade for the subject, and not just the scores for units

Those AS units that are shown in the specification as being available in this series will be examined. Please note that not all AS units are offered in the

January series

A candidate cannot obtain an AS level grade in any subject as a result of examinations taken in this series; only the scores for the units taken will be given

The reason why AS grades will not be awarded in this examination series is that it is very unlikely that by this time any student will have studied ALL the units which make up the AS level qualification

June 2009 All AS and A2 units will be available. This will be the final re-sit opportunity for the AS units

Certification of AS and A level is possible

January 2010

June 2010

Externally assessed A2 units are available if notification of intention to enter candidates is given to the Awarding Body. This is the final re-sit opportunity for these A2 units

Certification of AS and A level is possible

No units offered

No certification possible

All AS units are available

Certification of the new AS is possible i.e. a student can obtain an AS grade in a subject if all the relevant units have been taken and passed

Those AS and A2 units that are shown in the specification as being available in this series will be examined

Certification at AS level only is possible.

It will not be possible for any student to obtain an A level grade in any subject as a result of examinations in this series.

Certification at A level standard is only possible in, and after, the June

2010 examination series

All AS and A2 units are available

Certification at both AS and A level standard is possible

Subject

Accounting*

Ancient History †

Arabic

Applied Art & Design*

Applied Business*

Applied ICT*

Art & Design

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Chinese

Design & Technology

Drama & Theatre Studies

Economics

Economics & Business Studies

Engineering*

English Language

English Language & Literature

English Literature

French

General Studies

Geography

German

Government & Politics

Greek

Health & Social Care*

History

Italian

Japanese

Law*

Leisure Studies*

Mathematics**

Media: Communication and

Production*

Music

Music Technology

Performing Arts*

Physical Education

Physics

Psychology

Religious Studies

Russian

Spanish

Travel & Tourism*

Urdu


GCE 2008 UNITS

The table below shows when the last units are available for the current GCE specifications and also shows when SOME GCE 2008 units are examined

• Please note that not all the GCE 2008 units are available in the first January series (2009). PLEASE

ENSURE THAT YOU LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE GCE SECTION OF THE INFORMATION MANUAL WHICH

CLEARLY SHOWS THE AVAILABILITY OF EACH UNIT

• Please note that the last availability of Curriculum 2000 coursework units is June 2009

GCE UNIT AVAILABILITY

Curriculum 2000

(CURRENT)

GCE 2008

(NEW)

Last AS Availability please see overleaf please see overleaf

June 2009 please see overleaf please see overleaf please see overleaf

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009 please see overleaf

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009


June 2009

June 2009


Last A2 Availability please see overleaf please see overleaf

January 2010 please see overleaf please see overleaf please see overleaf

June 2009

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010 please see overleaf

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010


January 2010

January 2010

January 2010 please see overleaf please see overleaf please see overleaf

First examination series for

PARTICULAR AS units ***

First examination series for PARTICULAR A2 units *** please see overleaf please see overleaf


June 2009

January 2009

January 2009

January 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

January 2009


January 2009

January 2009

January 2009

January 2009

January 2009

January 2009

January 2009

January 2009


January 2009

June 2009

June 2009 please see overleaf please see overleaf please see overleaf please see overleaf please see overleaf


June 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

June 2010

June 2010

June 2010

January 2010


January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

June 2010

January 2010

January 2010

June 2010

June 2010


January 2010

June 2010

June 2010 please see overleaf please see overleaf please see overleaf please see overleaf

June 2009


June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009



January 2010


January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010

January 2010



June 2009


June 2009

January 2009

January 2009

January 2009

June 2009



June 2010


June 2010

January 2010

January 2010

June 2010

June 2010


June 2010



KEY TO ABOVE TABLE

* There is no change to the existing specification, or unit availability, for these subjects

** Mathematics is neither a Curriculum 2000 nor GCE 2008 subject - please see the relevant section of the

International Information Manual for unit availability

*** Please note that NOT ALL UNITS ARE AVAILABLE. Please see the Information Manual for unit availability

† Ancient History is last examined in June 2010

2. JOINT COUNCIL FOR QUALIFICATIONS (JCQ)

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) represents the five Awarding bodies accredited by the

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (see section 1.2 above). On behalf of these five Awarding Bodies the JCQ has drawn up some common “Instructions for Conducting Examinations”

These Instructions can be found on the JCQ website using this URL: http://www.jcq.org.uk/attachments/published/898/JCQ%20ICE.pdf

This booklet will give you advice on a range of topics which are listed below, and it is good practice for

Examinations Officers to become familiar with its contents. The “Instructions for Conducting

Examinations” booklet is updated every year, so please ensure that you use the edition of the booklet which is relevant to a particular examination series

Contents of the “Instructions for Conducting Examinations” booklet:

Preparation for the examination

1. Keeping question papers and other examination material secure

2. Timetabling of examinations

3. Using calculators

4. Resources for examinations

5. Accommodation

6.

Invigilation arrangements

At the beginning of the examination

7.

Identifying candidates

8.

The people present

9.

Question papers, stationery, materials and other equipment

10.

Starting the examination

During the examination

11.

Supervising the candidates

12.

Candidates who arrive late

13.

Completing the attendance register



14.

Leaving the examination room

15.

Malpractice

16.

Emergencies

At the end of the examination

17.

Finishing the examination

18.

Collecting scripts

After the examination

19.

Packing scripts

20.

Sending scripts

21.

Unused stationery

22.

Applications for special consideration

3. ESTIMATED ENTRIES

• From 1 September 2008 we will be collecting estimated entries for the January and June 2009 examination series

• You will be able to submit your Estimated Entries via Edexcel Online

• We do not require estimated entries for each specification, but we do need advance information for particular subjects/papers, and these are the ones that will be listed on the Estimated Entry screens

Why you should submit estimated entries

• The submission of estimated entries is particularly important with the introduction of the new GCE 2008 units for which we have no historic entry data. Estimated entries will ensure that you receive the support and materials you need to deliver this new qualification successfully

How to submit estimated entries

• When you log-on to Edexcel Online you will see some information relating to Estimated Entries on the

Welcome Page:


• When you click on the GCE tab you will see this information:


• To submit your estimated entries select “Candidates” from the left hand menu

• From the menu which appears select “Estimated Entries”

• You will then be asked to select the session (January 2009, June 2009 etc) for which you wish to submit Estimated Entries

• Once you have selected the session you will be presented with a list of specifications against which you can enter your estimated entry figures. The codes which appear will be identical to those quoted in the International Information Manual

• You will be able to sort the data by subject code, subject title and paper title. This facility will make the submission of estimated entries quick and easy



4. ENTRIES

4.1 Making Entries:Tutorial CD

• In January 2008 a CD was issued to all international centres entitled, “Edexcel Online Entry Submission

Tutorial”. Please use this CD when making your entries as the instructions on it are still valid. Please contact your local Edexcel representative if you require another copy of this CD

4.2 Entry deadlines

• In section 1.1 we saw that examinations were available in different series: November, January, March and May-June. For each of these series there are different entry deadlines. The situation is complicated by the fact that for a particular examination series there may be more than one entry deadline e.g. IGCSE and GCE examinations are both available in the May-June series, but the entry deadlines for these two qualifications are different. Please look carefully at the Key Dates section of the International

Information Manual, and at the relevant sections of the International Information Manual dealing with specific qualifications (such as GCE) to ensure that you are familiar with the entry deadlines

• To show you these deadlines there is an International Key Dates Calendar which contains all the dates listed in the Key Dates section of the International Information Manual. If you require additional copies of the Key Dates Calendar please contact your local Edexcel office

4.3 Entry fees

• The fees (and late fees) you pay for each subject/unit//paper or cash-in entry are available from your local Edexcel representative. You will not find these fees in either this Handbook or in the International

Information Manual. The normal entry fee i.e. where no penalty charges have been incurred is simply called “the entry fee”

• You are advised to make your entries as soon as you have been provided with all the relevant entry information as connectivity issues may mean that you are not able to submit your entries at the first attempt . By submitting your entries as soon as possible you will be able to make amendments without incurring any additional fees

4.4 The amendment deadline

• Even though you have submitted your entries for a particular examination series correctly, circumstances sometimes change meaning that you may have to amend the entries made for a particular candidate. An amendment is a tier or option change to an entry already submitted.

• There is a short period of time in which you can make amendments without incurring any charges. This period of time is called the amendment period.

• There is a published date when the amendment period ends called the amendment deadline . The amendment deadline date for each examination series is published in the section of the International

Information Manual dealing with a specific qualification (e.g. GCE).

• There is no fee for amending personal candidate details prior to certification i.e. name change, date of birth, UCI number

4.5 Late entry fees and higher late entry fees

Late entry fees and higher late entry fees are charged for new entries (i.e. subject, unit and cash-in entries) made after the amendment deadline.

Please note that the entry deadline, the amendment deadline, the late fee date and the higher late fee date varies from qualification to qualification . Please do not assume that the dates relating to

IGCSE are the same for GCE, even though both qualifications are examined in the May-June series



The following table summarises the level of fees imposed:

Entry deadline

Amendment

Date

Type of change required

Late Fee charge

Higher late

Fee charge

Has passed Has passed

Has passed

Has passed

Has passed

Has passed

New unit, or subject, for a new candidate

New unit or subject for an existing candidate

Change of option (e.g.

Double entry fee

Double entry fee

Normal Fee

Triple entry fee

Triple entry fee

Double Fee from Foundation to

Higher) for a candidate for whom an entry has already been made for the subject

Has passed Has passed Request for a subject award (a cash-in) so that a candidate obtains a grade for the subject

Late Fee

(indicated in the Edexcel price list available from your local

Edexcel representative)

Higher Late

Fee (indicated in the Edexcel price list available from your local

Edexcel representative)

4.6 Pirate entries

• Examiners (or the Operations Processing Centre at Hellaby) sometimes receive scripts from candidates who have not been entered by a centre. These candidates are termed “pirate candidates”

• Edexcel is not under any obligation to mark the work of these candidates but will make every effort to do so AS LONG AS YOU MAKE AN ENTRY FOR THIS TYPE OF CANDIDATE . Please ensure that you contact the Entries Department as soon as you realise that a candidate has not been entered, even if this is on the day of the examination

• We will not make an entry for any candidate for whom a script has been received unless we receive authorisation from you to do so . If you do not contact us, we will try to contact you, but if we fail to do so any pirate candidate you have will not receive a result, because no entry will have been made for that particular paper

• Pirate entries are charged a triple entry fee per unit/paper

4.7 Common Entry Issues

During each examination series the Entries team discover a number of common errors made by centres

(schools and colleges) when submitting entries. Please use this list as a checklist BEFORE SUBMITTING

YOUR ENTRIES to ensure that you have not made any of the following mistakes:

• An invalid UCI number has been used; please see the Making Entries section of the International

Information Manual

• An invalid specification option has been used

• A previously used UCI number has been allocated to another candidate

• The layout of the spreadsheet has been changed e.g. the template headings have been altered



• The title of the entry spreadsheet has been changed

• The notation relating to options has not been used correctly e.g. the initials F and H have been used rather than Foundation and Higher

• GCE and IGCSE entries have been made on the same spreadsheet

Please note that:

• A candidate may only be entered ONCE via the multiple entries spreadsheet so please ensure that all known entries are submitted at the same time on the spreadsheet. Additional entries, withdrawals, and amendments for a candidate must be submitted via the “Individual Candidate Entries” function

• Candidates who are to be entered for Applied GCE units must be registered prior to the submission of entries. Any entries for candidates who are not registered will be rejected by the system

• If a candidate has over 40 characters in their name please abbreviate the name and use both of the available name fields

The uploading of entry data via the spreadsheet is immediate. Please check on Edexcel Online for confirmation of receipt

PLEASE LIAISE WITH THE ENTRIES AND CERTIFICATION TEAM AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE

OPPORTUNITY IF ANY ENTRY ERRORS ARE SHOWN, OR IF YOU EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES IN SENDING

THROUGH YOUR ENTRIES. If the Entries team are aware of difficulties they can work with you to resolve them and help you avoid paying late entry fees

4.8 Deadlines and qualification availability

Entries will be rejected if your centre is not authorised to enter candidates for a particular subject, or qualification. If you are unsure whether your centre is authorised to enter candidates for a particular subject, or qualification, please contact your local Edexcel representative

PLEASE REMEMBER : The published entry amendment deadlines refer to changes to EXISTING entry options or tiers .

Any NEW entry for a candidate (i.e. subject, unit and cash-in entries) made after the amendment deadline will incur late fees

4.9 Private candidate centres and Teaching Institutions

• Private candidate centres are centres which cannot enter candidates for coursework units. This is because they cannot verify that the work submitted is that of a particular candidate. Teaching Institutions are able to offer the whole suite of Edexcel general qualifications. The position is illustrated in the following table:

•

Private

Centres

Teaching

Institutions

●

GCE AS

but not

Applied

GCE

● including

Applied

GCE

●

GCE A2 but not

Applied

GCE

● including

Applied

GCE

GCE

Linear A levels

●

●

GCE O levels

●

●

AEA IGCSE GCSE ELC

●

●

●

●

(A)

NO

● ●

DiDA

NO

●

• If you are uncertain about the status of your centre please contact your local Edexcel representative



5. INVOICES

• Following the receipt of your initial entries your centre will be issued with an invoice. Thereafter, supplementary invoices and credit notes will be sent periodically and will show details of the charges made for changes to your entries since the previous invoice or credit note

• Invoices can be viewed on Edexcel Online – please see the Edexcel Online section of the International

Information Manual

• Queries concerning candidate entries on invoices should be referred to Edexcel Customer Services .

Please note that invoice queries SHOULD NOT be sent to the Entries and Certification team. Instead, please contact the Customer Services Department which will log the query so that it can be allocated a log number. The Customer Services team will then forward your query to the Department best able to deal with it. If you have any concerns over the progress of your query please quote the log number. This will enable them to see what has been done to resolve the query and which Department is currently working on it

• If you dispute an invoice please be prepared to forward copies of all relevant documentation so that the matter can be fully investigated

• Queries about the payment of invoices should be referred to the Finance Department at Edexcel

Please note that we are currently reviewing the invoicing system. Details of the changes that occur will be communicated to you in due course

6. ADMINISTRATION FORMS AND EDEXCEL ONLINE

Once your entries have been processed you will receive various types of Administration Forms –

Attendance Registers, Estimated Grade forms and OPTEMS forms. This section looks in turn at each of these types of forms and explains Edexcel Online:

6.1 ATTENDANCE REGISTERS

• Attendance Registers are 3-part Optical Mark Recognition sheets. Please complete these OMR forms in accordance with the instructions on them so that the data you record can be captured when scanned

• Please note that Attendance Registers are not sent in one despatch; but many. This is because of the number of qualifications, and subjects, for which Attendance Registers are required. We have to send a number of Attendance Register files to be printed. The table below is an extract from the

Administration Form schedule for the May-June 2008 examination series. The table shows that 5 separate

Attendance Register files for GCE alone were sent to print. You will see from the table entitled,

“ MAY/JUNE 2008 ADMINISTRATION FORM SCHEDULE” that these Attendance Registers arrived in centres at different times. A similar despatch pattern will exist in 2009


MAY/JUNE 2008 ADMINISTRATION FORM SCHEDULE

ATTENDANCE REGISTERS

GCE/GCE O level/AEA (Home & International Centres)

Entry Deadline

File sent to print

On-time forms to arrive in centres









GCSE/IGCSE/AGCSE (Home & International Centres)



START

21/03/08

FINISH

21/03/08

01/04/08 01/04/08

14/04/08 21/04/08

09/04/08 09/04/08

23/04/08 30/04/08

07/05/08 07/05/08

20/05/08 23/05/08

29/04/08 29/04/08

12/05/08 19/05/08

03/04/08 03/04/08

16/04/08 23/04/08

28/02/08 28/02/08





12/03/08 19/03/08

26/03/08 26/03/08

09/04/08 16/04/08

09/04/08 09/04/08



23/04/08 30/04/08

07/05/08 07/05/08

On-time forms to arrive in centres 20/05/08 23/05/08

• We cannot give a precise date when Attendance Registers will arrive. This is because we operate in 110 countries with distance (and other logistical factors) determining when Attendance Registers actually arrive in centres. All we can work to are windows of time within which Attendance Registers should arrive in centres. These windows can be seen in the above table (i.e. the Start and Finish dates)

• Please note that these windows relate to when the forms for on-time entries will arrive in centres. If any centre makes any late entries we cannot give a date when the appropriate documentation will arrive, but we do run update Attendance Register files each week, and additional Attendance Registers are despatched to centres if late entries are received

• Please note that if you do not receive an Attendance Register for a particular examination you can print off a list of candidates you have entered for each unit from Edexcel Online (EOL) and you can use this as an Attendance Register . Though we won’t be able to scan the Register we will be able to manually process it in order to capture who was present or absent. It is better for us to have this type of

Attendance Register than to not have one at all.

This is how to produce an Attendance Register for a particular unit from EOL:



¾ Key in your centre number and press GO. The following screen will appear:

¾ Select the Session. The above screen shot shows that the June 2008 session has been chosen

¾ Click on Next. A screen will appear listing the subjects for which you have made entries:

¾ Click on the subject and unit for which you require a list of candidates. If you were to click on the top entry in the above screen (6101, BIOLOGY 1) you would find a list of candidates against which you could indicate who was present or absent



6.2. OPTEMS

• Like Attendance Registers (please see 6.1 above) OPTEMS are optically read forms so it is important that the instructions for the completion of these forms are followed

• OPTEMS are used for coursework units where the work is assessed by a candidate’s teacher and the mark is recorded on the form

• If you are a private candidate centre (please see 4.9 above) you do not need to worry about OPTEMS forms since you cannot enter candidates for internally assessed coursework units; but please see section

7 below entitled, “Externally Marked Coursework Units”

• There are deadlines for the submission of completed OPTEMS forms . These deadlines are shown in the Key Dates section of the International Information Manual and on the Key Dates Calendar

• Please ensure that you despatch OPTEMS forms to the address indicated on each form. If OPTEMS forms are sent to incorrect destinations we will have to contact you for the marks of candidates. This will build delay into the processing of coursework marks and may put at risk the publication of candidate results for those units

• If you submit late entries for an internally assessed coursework unit and you do not receive the OPTEMS forms in advance of the submission deadline, or if these forms are delayed or lost in the post, please submit the marks via Edexcel Online (EOL). For details of how to submit coursework marks via EOL please see the following screen shots:

¾ Access the EOL home page. From the left hand menu hover over “Candidates” and click on “Search by

Course”

¾ Choose the exam session for which coursework marks need to be entered. In the screenshot below you can see that the June 2008 session has been chosen:



¾ A list of all the units for which entries have been made will be revealed. Alongside some units an icon

(arrowed) will be found. This is where there is a coursework component


¾ Clicking on this icon will reveal a screen like this:


¾ Clicking on “Candidates” on the screen above will reveal another column in which the words

“Coursework Marks” can be found:

¾ Clicking on “Coursework Marks” will reveal a list of candidates against which the relevant marks can be entered



6.3 EDEXCEL ONLINE

• Edexcel Online is a secure website that is provided free of charge. If you are new to Edexcel Online, or have any queries about it, please call the online support team on +44(0)844 576 0024. Alternatively, you can use the online customer enquiry service entitled “Ask Edexcel” at www.edexcel.com/ask

• You will require a valid email address for your username, and will be given a password (which you can later change). Edexcel Online allows existing users to set up new users with the access rights appropriate to their needs

•

Once you have your username and password you can log into Edexcel Online at www.edexcelonline.co.uk

6.4 ESTIMATED GRADE FORMS

• Like Attendance Registers and OPTEMS forms, Estimated Grade forms are optically read, so it is important that the instructions for the completion of these forms are followed

• There are deadlines for the submission of Estimated Grade forms. Estimated Grade forms must be received by Edexcel before the first written paper for that qualification for that examination series

• The reason why we ask for Estimated Grades is in case a request for special consideration is made on behalf of a candidate. The Estimated Grade for that candidate, for that subject, will be considered alongside other evidence of the candidate’s ability

• Centres which submit their entries by the published deadlines will receive Estimated Grade forms

• If you have received an Estimated Grade form for a particular unit, and then find that it does not list a candidate who was entered after the Estimated Grade form was printed, please write the details of that candidate after the last candidate whose details are printed on the form

• If, for whatever reason, you do not receive an Estimated Grade form please follow this procedure:

Procedure for centres requesting Estimated Grade Forms in the event of non-receipt or loss

Please submit Estimated Grades via EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) in the event of the situations listed below:

1.

you have not received the Estimated Grade forms

2.

you have misplaced the Estimated Grade forms

If you are unable to submit Estimated Grades via EDI please forward them in any legible format (including handwritten) directly to:

Edexcel

Technical Support (Estimated Grades)

One90 High Holborn

London

WC1V 7BH



Please note that:

• the information supplied must include: centre number, candidate number, specification number and the estimated grade

• the information must be supplied before the first written component of the examination

• details of EDI can be found in the International Information Manual

7. EXTERNALLY MARKED COURSEWORK UNITS

• We sometimes receive queries from centres asking for OPTEMS forms for units which prove to be

Externally Marked Coursework Units . These units, despite having the word “Coursework” in their titles,

DO NOT have OPTEMS forms (or other methods of coursework mark collection attached to them) but, instead, have Attendance Registers. The Attendance Registers for these units should be dealt with in the same way as those for scripts. The following are Externally Marked Coursework Units for the January and

June 2009 examination series:

January 2009 examination series

GCE 2008 UNITS

UNIT NO UNIT NAME

PAPER

NO

6FR01

6GN01

6SP01

FRENCH 1

GERMAN 1

SPANISH 1

GCE (Curriculum 2000) UNITS

6106 BIOLOGY 6

6443 FRENCH 3

6444 FRENCH 4

1A

1A

1A

SPOKEN EXPRESSION (TE)



6483

6484

6563

6564

6813

GERMAN 3

GERMAN 4

ITALIAN 3

ITALIAN 4

SPANISH 3

6814 SPANISH 4

June 2009 examination series

GCE (GCE 2008 ) UNITS

6BI03

6CH03

6CN01

6DR02

6FR01

6FR01

6GN01

BIOLOGY 3

CHEMISTRY 3

CHINESE 1

DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES 2

FRENCH 1

FRENCH 1

GERMAN 1

1B

1B

1A

1

1A

1B

1A

15

16

15

16

1

15

INDIVIDUAL STUDY

U3 (TEACH CON/EXT ASS)

16 U4 (TEACH CON/EXT ASS)

2 RES.GLOBAL FUTURES (CSWK)

15

16







PRACT.BIOL.& RESEARCH(EA)

CHEMISTRY LAB.SKILLS(EA)


TEXT IN PERFORMANCE


SPOKEN EXPRESSION (VE)



6484

6484

6563

6564

6701

6702

6GN01

6IN01

6MT01

GERMAN 1

ITALIAN 1

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 1

6106

6133

6342

6345

6443

6443

6443

6444

6PH03

6RU01

PHYSICS 3

RUSSIAN 1

6SP01

6SP01

SPANISH 1

SPANISH 1

6UR01 URDU 1

6UR01 URDU 1

GCE (CURRICULUM 2000 UNITS)

BIOLOGY 6

BIOLOGY SN3



FRENCH 3

FRENCH 3

FRENCH 3

FRENCH 4

1

1

1

1

1

13

15

1


1A

1B

1A

1B

1B

1A



1 PORTFOLIO 1

1 COMPOSING

1B

1A

EXPLORING PHYSICS (EA)






INDIVIDUAL STUDY

VISIT/ISSUE REPORT

TEXT IN PERFORMANCE I

TEXT IN PERFORMANCE II

PREPARED ORAL TOPIC

UNIT 3 (VISITING EXR)


ORAL DISCUSSION OF ISSUES

6444

6444

6483

6483

6483

FRENCH 4

FRENCH 4

GERMAN 3

GERMAN 3

GERMAN 3

14

16

1

13

15



PREPARED ORAL TOPIC



GERMAN 4

GERMAN 4

ITALIAN 3

ITALIAN 4

MUSIC 1

MUSIC 2

14

16

15

16

11

21





SOLO PERFORMING

COMPOSITION TECHNIQUES

6713 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 1 1 SEQ/REC & STRUCT.COMM.

6717

6763

6793

6794

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 5

PSYCHOLOGY 3

RUSSIAN 3

RUSSIAN 4

1

1

15

16

COMPOSING USING TECH

DATA GATHERING EXERCISE




6813

6813

6813

6814

SPANISH 3

SPANISH 3

SPANISH 3

SPANISH 4

6814 SPANISH 4

6814

6823

6824

SPANISH 4

URDU 3

URDU 4

GCE O level

7105 COMPUTING

GCSE UNITS

1241 RUSSIAN

1606 ARABIC

1666 CHINESE

1666 CHINESE

1666 CHINESE

1699 DRAMA

1752 JAPANESE

14

16

15

16

1

13

15

1


PREPARED ORAL TOPIC



ORAL DISCUSSION OF ISSUES





IGCSE UNITS

4348 DRAMA

4385 ICT

4385 ICT

8. EXAMINATION PAPERS

3B CASE STUDY (SET TASKS)

8.1

RECEIPT OF EXAMINATION PAPERS

• Please be aware that centres are not sent all their question papers in one despatch. Question papers are sent in TWO despatches (called period 1 and period 2 despatches). Period 1 despatches are normally in centres by mid April (depending on the timing of the UK Easter holiday) whilst the period 2 papers are due in centres early to mid-May

• Below is an extract from the letter which accompanied the period 1 question papers for the May-June

2008 examination series. A similar letter accompanied the period 2 question papers. Similar letters will accompany the despatch of question papers for the May-June 2009 examination series

THE DATES FOR WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN SENT QUESTION PAPERS WILL BE CLEARLY INDICATED IN EACH

LETTER

Dear Sir / Madam

GCE, GCSE & IGCSE EXAMINATIONS – Period1 (29 April to 23 May)

Please find enclosed question papers for the candidates at your centre who are entered with Edexcel for the GCE, GCSE & IGCSE examinations taking place between Tuesday 29

April and Friday 23 May 2008.

It is essential that you check this delivery immediately to ensure that it is correct. If there is any discrepancy between what you have received and what is advised on your Despatch

Note, please contact Edexcel at www.edexcel.com/ask or on the telephone enquiry……………….



8.2

CURRICULUM 2000 AND GCE 2008 QUESTION PAPERS

• In the January and June 2009 examination series both Curriculum 2000 and the new GCE 2008 units will be examined. A glance at the timetables via this URL: http://www.edexcel-international.org/sfc/academic/timetables/ will show that in the majority of cases the Curriculum 2000 and GCE 2008 units have been timetabled not only on the same day, but also for the same session i.e. morning or afternoon. In order to reduce the chance of candidates being given the incorrect examination paper please note the following:

• we will be despatching the GCE 2008 question papers in red polythene bags , as opposed to the normal blue bags which will be used for the Curriculum 2000 question papers

• the specification codes for the GCE 2008 papers are in a different format to that used for Curriculum

2000 papers. Curriculum 2000 papers all have numeric codes e.g.:

Arabic = 6012

Economics = 6351

Physics = 6731 whereas the codes for the GCE 2008 units consist of both letters and numbers e.g.:

Arabic = 6AR02

Economics = 6EC01

Physics = 6PH01

8.3 ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS AND MODIFIED PAPERS

• Candidates with special requirements are catered for through a range of access arrangements and modified papers. Please see the section of the International Information Manual entitled, “Special

Requirements”

• Please note that there are deadlines for requesting modified papers. These deadlines are indicated in the Key Dates section of the International Information Manual

9. MATERIALS TO BE USED BY CANDIDATES

9.1 Stationery requirements

The following URL on the Edexcel International website leads to the stationery requirements for each examination: http://www.edexcel-international.org/sfc/academic/conduct-exams/

The documents found via this URL show the materials a candidate requires for each examination, within each examination series

9.2 Pencils

We are sometimes asked whether pencils can be used for particular examinations e.g. Geography. If pencils are not listed in the stationery requirements (above) then these are not allowed. The front cover of each question paper carries a heading, “Instructions to Candidates”. Underneath this heading is frequently found these words: Do not use pencil. Use black ink. This should be taken to mean that pencils of any type should not be used. This includes coloured pencils, as well as ordinary, black lead pencils. The use of coloured pencils is not a requirement, even for Geography papers. Please note that many papers are now scanned, and information written in pencil by candidates can often not be picked up by the scanners, hence pencils are prohibited



9.3 Gel pens

Candidates should only write their answers in black ink. Sometimes we find that candidates have used gel pens and written in a variety of colours. Please be aware that the majority of scripts are now scanned and gel ink cannot be detected by the scanners. Please ensure that the Instructions to Candidates (on the front cover of every question paper) are read out, and please bring to the attention of all candidates the fact that they must write in black ink

10. DESPATCHING SCRIPTS

10.1 General

• Please ensure that all the information requested on the front cover of the question paper has been provided before you despatch scripts, as the centre and candidate information is used for recording the receipt of scripts

• Once examination scripts have been received by an examiner (or by the Processing Centre at Hellaby for the scripts to be scanned) a reconciliation is carried out between the scripts received and the information marked on the Attendance Register. In the event of a disparity centres are contacted. There is a very short timescale within which this can occur, so it is essential that examination scripts are despatched on the day, or day after, the examination has been held. The late despatch of scripts may jeopardise the on-time publication of results for particular candidates. As we may have to contact you it is essential that we have accurate contact information (please see the reference to Form CA08 at the beginning of this section of the International Information Manual)

• The despatch schedule for all administration forms is such that all Attendance Registers, Estimated

Grade forms and OPTEMS forms will reach centres in a timely manner. There is no reason why any centre which submits their entries by the published deadlines should not receive these forms well in advance of the examinations. As the examiner address details are shown on the bottom of the Attendance Registers this means that centres can despatch scripts to the correct address

• During the June 2008 examination series a significant number of parcels were wrongly addressed to

Blundell Street ( now closed ) and these scripts had to be forwarded to the examiner, or to the Processing

Centre at Hellaby. Please ensure that all scripts are forwarded to the appropriate address, as failure to do so causes delay in the marking and processing of scripts

10.2 Despatching Curriculum 2000 and GCE 2008 Scripts and Candidate Work

• Please note that in both the January 2009 and June 2009 examination series there are GCE examinations on the same day for both existing GCE specifications and the new GCE 2008 units. Though the examinations are in the same subject this does not mean that the scripts for both specifications will be going to the same examiner . For example, on Tuesday 2 June 2009 we have the following situation:

DATE SESSION EXISTING CURRICULUM 2000

SPECIFICATION

NEW, GCE 2008 SPECIFICATION

2 June

2009

Afternoon 6581 AS Religious Studies Unit 1 6RS01 AS Religious Studies Unit 1: Foundations

The scripts for unit 6581 may not be going to the same examiner as those for unit 6RS01. It is essential that the correct label (on the bottom of the Attendance Register) is used when scripts are despatched. If scripts are despatched to the incorrect examiner there will be a delay in getting the scripts marked, and it may not be possible to publish particular subject results on time



• It is important that when recording speaking tests you do not put information relating to

Curriculum 2000 candidates onto the same cassette or CD as that containing the work of candidates entered for a GCE 2008 unit. The work could be scheduled to be marked by two examiners, so it is essential that the material is recorded separately

• You will no doubt find that you receive a number of Attendance Registers which carry an examiner address label on which are printed the details of the Processing Centre at Hellaby

Even when you know that you are despatching scripts to Hellaby you MUST NOT MIX SCRIPTS for different specifications within the same package. This is because each address label carries a question paper reference number, and when a script package arrives at Hellaby the question paper number indicates where that package of scripts is to be stored. Script packages are not immediately opened upon receipt. We may later be asking you for scripts which you know you have despatched - but we are unable to locate them because we are unaware that you have included them with other scripts in another package

Question paper reference number

• With the introduction of the GCE 2008 units there is an increased number of pre-standardisation, standardisation and awarding meetings. This is because there will be meetings for both the current and the new GCE 2008 units . In order to service the increased number of meetings it is important that we receive your scripts as soon as possible after each examination

10.3 Despatching scripts when you have no Attendance Register

• If, because of late entries for a paper, you do not receive an Attendance Register, you can print off a list of candidates you have entered for each unit from Edexcel Online (EOL) and you can use this as an

Attendance Register – please see 6.1. Though we won’t be able to scan the Register we will be able to manually process it in order to capture who was present or absent. It is better for us to have this type of

Attendance Register than to not have one at all

• You can also use Edexcel Online to find the address details for the examiner to whom the scripts are to be sent. This is done in the following way:



¾ Enter your centre number, and choose the qualification (e.g. GCSE). Then select “Candidates > Search by Course” from the menu on the left of the page

¾ A new window will open with the screen below. Select the relevant session and click on “Next”



¾ Click on “Papers” next to the unit for which you require an Examiner’s Address:

¾ A new window will open with a list of the papers:

¾ Scroll to the right of the page – click on “Assessment Associates”



¾ A new window will open with the details of the allocated examiner’s address:

PLEASE NOTE: If you cannot access Edexcel Online, or locate the address of the Examiner, please forward the scripts to:

Edexcel

Lowton House

Lowton Way

Hellaby

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S66 8SS

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BLUNDELL STREET PREMISES

ARE NO LONGER IN USE BY EDEXCEL

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD ANY MATERIAL TO

BLUNDELL STREET

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD THE SCRIPTS TO EDEXCEL IN

LONDON



11. TRACKING SCRIPT PACKAGES

• The Closure and Completion team based in London sometimes contact centres asking if scripts from a particular examination have been despatched. This is because they begin to contact centres if examiners, or Hellaby, report that they haven’t received scripts from a particular centre. Centres are understandably concerned when they are contacted about scripts which have not arrived. If you are contacted by a member of the Closure and Completion team please do not assume that the scripts are missing . The likelihood is that these scripts are delayed somewhere in the postal/courier system

• To help us track down where particular scripts are we have created a new form called, “ RECORD OF

DESPATCHED EXAMINATION SCRIPT PACKAGES ”. This can be found in the Forms section of the

International Information Manual. Please follow the instructions on the form. The use of this form will reduce the number of calls the Closure and Completion team will have to make to centres and, with the information provided, they will be able to ensure your scripts reach their destination

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SCRIPT PACKAGE CAN’T BE DELIVERED

• The courier you have used to transport a particular script package may contact you to say that they have not been able to deliver it. If you are faced with this situation please ask the courier to disregard what is written on the reverse of the grey envelope in which you have put the scripts. This says: “If undelivered please return to: Edexcel, One90 High Holborn, etc.

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD THE SCRIPTS TO EDEXCEL IN

LONDON but send them to:

Edexcel

Lowton House

Lowton Way

Hellaby

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S66 8SS



12. TIMETABLE ISSUES

12.1

The Edexcel timetables are published according to the following schedule:

EXAMINATION

SERIES

QUALIFICATION PUBLICATION DATE OF THE

PROVISIONAL

TIMETABLE (on the website only)

PUBLICATION DATE OF THE

FINAL

VERSION OF THE TIMETABLE (on the website and in hard copy

IGCSE format)

30 June of the same year November 2008

January 2009 GCSE

31 January of the same year

31 January of the preceding year 30 June of the preceding year

January 2009

January 2009

March 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

June 2009

GCE AS/A2

GCE O Level

GCSE

GCSE

IGCSE

GCE AS/A2

GCE O level

31 January of the preceding year

31 January of the preceding year

31 March of the preceding year





30 June of the preceding year

30 June of the preceding year

30 September of the preceding year





• The provisional and final versions of all timetables can be found on the Edexcel International website via this URL: http://www.edexcel-international.com/sfc/academic/timetables/

• The above URL also shows the timetable for those GCE units which are only available to International centres (please see 2.5 below)

12.2 THE FORMAT OF TIMETABLES

As indicated in section 8.2 above, different formats have been used for Curriculum 2000 and GCE 2008 units. Curriculum 2000 units consist of four numeric digits e.g. 6451, whilst GCE 2008 units consist of alphanumeric digits e.g. 6 GS 01 . Even though Curriculum 2000 and GCE 2008 Units have been scheduled for the same session, on the same day, it is easy to distinguish between them on the timetable since the

Curriculum 2000 units are always listed first. For example on the afternoon of Friday, 15 May 2009 AS

German has been timetabled with AS Psychology.

The timetable shows the following:

Advanced Subsidiary Examinations

6481 AS German Unit 1

6482 AS German Unit 2

6761 AS Psychology Unit 1

6762 AS Psychology Unit 2

6GN02 AS German Unit 2

6PS02 AS Psychology Unit 2



12.3 NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

• The GCSE and GCE timetable slots are common to all the five unitary awarding bodies in the United

Kingdom: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, CCEA and WJEC. These timetable slots are agreed at timetabling meetings chaired by the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications)

• The IGCSE, GCE O level and the GCE timetable for those units only open to international centres are drawn up by Edexcel. Unfortunately, given that Edexcel operates in 110 countries, it is not possible to accommodate all national holidays when these timetables are drawn up. If national holidays were to be taken into account the examining window would have to be brought forward, extended or a combination of both. These are not realistic options

12.4 TIMING OF EXAMINATIONS

• Edexcel operates within 110 countries in 8 different time zones. This, together with the existence of

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and British Summer Time (BST) has sometimes made it difficult for centres to determine when examinations should be sat, and/or the time up to which candidates should be supervised.

For this reason local agreements have in the past been in place in some countries.

• To assist centres Edexcel has standardised its requirements for the timing of examinations. This means that where permission has been granted by Edexcel for centres to start examinations earlier than the published start times (which in the UK are 09.00 for morning examinations and 13.30 for afternoon examinations) candidates should be supervised until at least the following times:

07:00 GMT for morning examinations

11:30 GMT for afternoon examinations

• Whilst under supervision candidates must not be permitted access to the internet, mobile phones, or any other means of communication with individuals outside the centre premises

If you are unclear as to the timing of examinations in your country please contact your local Edexcel office



12.5 UNITS AVAILABLE ONLY TO INTERNATIONAL CENTRES

A number of GCE examinations are available only to international centres and are not listed within the published examination timetable. This information is available on the international Edexcel website but also appears below:

GCE JANUARY 2009

AMENDED REVISED

FINAL TIMETABLE

INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL CENTRES

The timetable for the January 2009 GCE units open only to international centres was published on the website on 30 January 2008. Following requests from some international centres, the timings of some of these units were changed, and a revised timetable was published on the website on June 25. Unit 6736

Physics 6 was changed to 29 June but the document on the website did not show that the session had also changed from morning to afternoon . The table below shows the correct session. The amendment is shown in red

GCE Legacy International–only units

UNIT NUMBER UNIT NAME DATE OF EXAMINATION

6001 ACCOUNTING 12 Jan 2009

SESSION pm

LENGTH

3 hours am 3 hours pm 1h 20 mins

6105/01 BIOLOGY 22 Jan 2009

6 Jan 2009

6106/03 BIOLOGY 28 Jan 2009 pm pm pm

1h 30 mins

1h 20 mins

1h 10 mins am 1h 30 mins 6245/01 CHEMISTRY 20 Jan 2009

6246/01A CHEMISTRY 6 12 Jan 2009

6246/02 CHEMISTRY 23 Jan 2009

6735/01 PHYSICS 12 Jan 2009

5 21 Jan 2009

6736 PHYSICS 29 Jan 2009

GCE 2008 International–only units first examined in January 2009

6BI07 BIOLOGY 2009

6CH07 CHEMISTRY 9 pm am pm am pm am pm

1h 45 mins

1h 30 mins

1h

1h 30 mins

2h

1h 30 mins

1h 15 mins pm 1h 20 mins


6CH07

6PH07


June 2009 Examination Series

A number of GCE examination are only available to international centres and are not listed within the published examination timetable. This information is available on the international Edexcel website but also appears below:

GCE MAY-JUNE 2009 FINAL TIMETABLE INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL CENTRES

GCE Legacy (Current Specification) International–only units

UNIT

NUMBER

UNIT NAME DATE OF

EXAMINATION

SESSION LENGTH

ACCOUNTING 1 02 June 2009 AM 3 hours 6001

6002 ACCOUNTING 2 05 June 2009 AM 3 hours

12 May 2009 PM 1h 20mins 6103/02 BIOLOGY / HUMAN BIOLOGY

3, Paper 02 – W1

9278/01 ANCIENT HISTORY 1 21 May 2009

10 June 2009

AM

AM

3 hours

3 hours 9278/01 ANCIENT HISTORY 2

16 June 2009 AM 3 hours

9345/02 LAW 19 June 2009 PM 3 hours

GCE 2008 International-only units

UNIT

NUMBER

UNIT NAME DATE OF

EXAMINATION

SESSION LENGTH

6BI07 AS Biology Unit 3 (Practical

Biology and Research Skills)

AS Chemistry Unit 3

(Chemistry Laboratory Skills

1 Alternative)

AS Physics Unit 3

(International alternative to practical examinations)

12 May 2009

15 May 2009

21 May 2009

PM

AM

PM

1hour 15mins

1hour 15mins

1hour 20mins


13. CANDIDATE STATEMENTS OF PROVISIONAL RESULTS (CSPR)


• Please note that with the introduction of the new GCE specifications a new A* grade will be awarded from 2010 to those students who have achieved:

¾ a grade A overall at A level and

¾ the A* on an aggregated A2, i.e. 180 out of 200 UMS for the combined scores of the two A2 units

• The A* grade will not be awarded at AS level because the more challenging material is introduced at A2 only

14. ENQUIRIES ABOUT RESULTS

• If a candidate is unpleasantly surprised with the results achieved in a particular component (a coursework unit or written examination paper) they can apply for a variety of Post Results Services

• For Access to Scripts (ATS) queries and Enquiries About Results (EAR) (Services 1, 2, and 3), all enquiries for the 2008-2009 examination series MUST ONLY be made via Edexcel Online

• Centres are advised to submit applications at the earliest opportunity. We regret that applications received after the relevant closing date will not be accepted

• All applications submitted using Edexcel Online will be electronically acknowledged. An additional confirmatory email will be sent to the email address which was used by the Edexcel Online user to register on Edexcel Online. If an email acknowledgement is not received on the same day, please contact

Edexcel immediately

• If you have not received the outcome of your Post Results Service (PRS) enquiry by the deadlines quoted below, please contact us via the Customer Service numbers quoted in the International

Information Manual

Key: EAR = Enquiry About Result:

¾ EAR1 : a clerical check of the script to ensure that all the marks awarded have been accounted for and have been correctly totalled. EAR 1 queries are resolved within 20 days of the acknowledgement of the request having being received by Edexcel

¾ EAR2 : a clerical check (EAR1) plus a review of the original marking by a different examiner. EAR 2 queries are resolved within 30 days of the acknowledgement of the request having being received by Edexcel

¾ EAR2P : this service is only available after the May-June examination series and only applies to GCE AS/A2 & AEA units. This is the same service as an EAR2 but with an 18 day resolution deadline after acknowledgement of the request having being received by

Edexcel



¾ EAR3 : for internally assessed coursework units only. This is a review of the original moderation and applies to all the work in the sample of coursework that was originally moderated . EAR3 queries are resolved within 40 days of the acknowledgement of the request having being received by Edexcel

Key: ATS = Access to Scripts

¾ ATSO : the original copy of the candidate’s script

¾ ATSC : a photocopy of the candidate’s script. This service is only available for GCE AS/A2 and AEA units

15. RETURN OF COURSEWORK

The process for the return of International coursework is as follows:

• Coursework will be returned at a charge of £25 + P&P charge. This charge will cover the return of all coursework (but not oral tapes ) relating to one particular qualification i.e. GCE O level, GCE A level or

IGCSE for a particular examination series

• Centres which require the return of coursework should email their request to the following address: icr@edexcel.com

or fax +44 1709 549300

• All requests for the return of coursework must contain the following information:

¾ centre number

¾ centre name

¾ specification number

¾ specification name

• All requests for the return of coursework must be received by 15 June 2009. Unfortunately, late requests cannot be accepted

• Centres will be invoiced at a later date for the coursework despatched to them

• Coursework packages cannot be returned until all possible Enquiries About Results, and subsequent

Appeals, have been completed. This means that Coursework will only be returned from 1 November onwards

16. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATES

After each examination series the Entries and Certification Department receive a significant number of requests for certificates to be amended

• It would be helpful if requests for the amendment of candidate details could be made by centres prior to the printing of certificates

• Please use the check lists below before submitting a request for a replacement certificate



If the certificate was issued WITHIN THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS :

¾ Inform the Entries and Certification Department of the change in the candidate’s details since the current certificate was issued

¾ Provide the candidate details and qualification details. These should include: a.

centre number b.

candidate number at the time of the exam c.

UCI number (when the candidate number is not known)

¾ For re-graded candidates a letter stating that the grade has been amended should be sent along with the certificate

¾ A replacement certificate will be issued. There is a fee for this service

• Please be aware that once a request for a replacement certificate has been received it may take up to 3 weeks before you receive the certificate . This is because certificates are not printed in-house but are produced by a specialist printing company

Where the certificate WAS ISSUED OVER THREE YEARS AGO :

¾ Replacement certificates are not issued , but a Certifying Statement of Results can be provided.

There is a fee for this service

¾ Complete the SA5 form which can be found on the Edexcel website via these URLs:

For vocational qualifications – http://www.edexcel-international.com/studying/replacementcertificates/vocational-awards/

For academic qualifications - http://www.edexcel-international.com/studying/replacementcertificates/academic-awards/

The website also contains guides on how to complete the SA5 forms

There are various reasons why a certificate may not have been issued :

• The cash-in may have not been supplied at the time when the candidate was eligible for an award. A cash-in can be added at a later stage but when it was added will determine the date on the certificate

For example:

Assume that a candidate had all the units required for an AS award by June 2007 but the cash-in code was not entered at that time. If the cash in code was entered in June 2008 the certificate produced would be dated June 2008 , not June 2007

• The candidate may have received an unclassified grade in all the subjects taken. Certificates are not issued under these circumstances

• A candidate may have declined a subject grade under the old declined grade rule which existed up to and including the June 2007 examination series. The length of time between the grade being declined and the request for a certificate being made will determine whether a certificate or a certifying statement of result will be issued.

• Questions about certificates and certifying statements of results should be directed to the Entries and

Certification Department



17. CDs AND MP3 FILES

17.1

This section of the Handbook deals with the provision of cassettes, CDs and MP3 files for the specifications listed below:

GCSE SPECIFICATIONS IGCSE SPECIFICATIONS

French

French (Short Course)

1226

3226

English as a Second Language 4357

French 4365

German

Italian

Russian

Spanish

Arabic

1231

1237

1241

1246

1606

German

Spanish

4375

4440

Chinese

Japanese

Modern Greek

Urdu

GCE LEGACY SPECIFICATIONS

GCE AS French

GCE A French

1666

1752

1776

1901

6441

6446

GCE 2008 SPECIFICATIONS (June 2009 series)

GCE AS Chinese

GCE AS French

6CN02

6FR02

GCE AS German

GCE A German

GCE AS Italian

GCE A Italian

GCE AS Russian

GCE A Russian

GCE AS Spanish

GCE A Spanish

6481 GCE AS German

6486 GCE AS Italian

6561 GCE AS Russian

6566 GCE AS Spanish

6791 GCE AS Urdu

6796

6811

6816

6GN02

6IN02

6RU02

6SP02

6UR02

GCE AS Urdu

GCE A Urdu

6821

6826

GCE AEA Spanish 9881

The table on the following page indicates Edexcel’s planned provision for future examination series

Please note that in addition to the provision of cassettes and/or CDs, Edexcel now provides the facility to download MP3 files via Edexcel Online. Centres with entries for a Modern Foreign Language (and which also have an Edexcel Online account) are able to access the appropriate MP3 file by following the secure content link on the specific language’s Noticeboard area on the Edexcel website . The process is detailed in the screenshots included in the later pages of this section of the Handbook

The MP3 files are made available to centres one hour before the scheduled start time for each examination



THE PROVISION OF CASSETTES, CDS AND MP3 FILES

NOVEMBER 2008

IGCSE EXAMINATION

SERIES

Cassettes

CDs

Packages containing cassettes and CDs may only be opened up to one hour prior to the start of the examination

MP3 files

(downloadable one hour prior to the examination)

JANUARY 2009

EXAMINATION SERIES

GCE LEGACY UNITS

Cassettes

CDs


MP3 files (downloadable one hour prior to the examination)

JUNE 2009

EXAMINATION SERIES

GCE LEGACY, GCSE &

IGCSE UNITS

Cassettes

CDs



GCE 2008 UNITS

CDs


NB: No cassettes will be issued for any listening paper

NOVEMBER 2009

IGCSE EXAMINATION

SERIES

Cassettes

CDs



17.2 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (with ANSWERS)

1.

In what format does Edexcel provide downloadable files?

In MP3 format at a 96 kbps sampling rate

2.

Why does Edexcel provide downloadable files in this format?

2.1 It is quicker to download MP3 files from the internet than .wav files

2.2 They can be used in different ways. They can be played on the PC to which they were downloaded; sent (via USB, CD, etc) to other PCs/laptops/language labs; synched with portable MP3 players; or burnt to a CD as an audio disc for playback in standard CD players

2.3 The 96 kbps sampling rate is more than sufficient quality for speech work

3. Why do Edexcel provide downloadable MP3 files which are not segmented into different tracks?

This would increase the time it would take to download the file and for security reasons these files are only available one hour prior to the examination



4. In what format does Edexcel provide CDs?

As audio CDs with Red Book .cda files segmented with separate tracks for each question

5.

Why does Edexcel provide CDs in this format?

5.1

Red Book .cda file format is the industry standard for CDs

5.2

Red Book .cda files will play on both PCs and CD players whereas MP3 files produced on CDs will only play on a very limited number of CD players

5.3

Red Book .cda files are of a higher audio quality than MP3 files, as they are less compressed

5.4

The CD is segmented to allow candidates to more easily locate the track which refers to a particular question

6.

Why does Edexcel not provide both segmented files and a unified file on the same CD?

6.1

This would increase the complexity of the indexing/labelling of the files on the CD and could cause confusion to candidates during the examination

6.2

Audio files on a CD can only contain 80 minutes of audio material which is not enough space for many of our listening examinations

7.

How can a candidate rewind the CD to repeat difficult words or paragraphs?

Ideally, the CD player should have some sort of counter for the candidate to identify the point to which they want to rewind. Though there may not be a counter on every type of CD player Edexcel is not aware of this problem on laptops, or PCs equipped with Windows Media Player, iTunes, Real Player or Quick Time

Player. If a CD player is being used then the candidate should depress the rewind button (not just press it, but keep it held down) until they reach the point in the recording they require

8.

How can a candidate rewind the MP3 file to repeat difficult words or paragraphs?

Downloaded MP3 files played on a PC can be easily controlled. There is a time bar that shows what time has elapsed so it is possible to return to the exact location required. This works when using Windows

Media Player, iTunes, Real Player or Quick Time Player

9.

How can a candidate practice using downloaded MP3 files before the examination?

The June 2007 Modern Foreign Languages listening examinations are now available from Edexcel Online.

Please paste the attached link into your web browser and have your Edexcel Online password handy so you can access the files: http://eiewebvip/eie/Main/HomePage.aspx

10. Are there any security issues if a candidate uses a PC or laptop to play either the CD or the downloaded MP3 file during the listening examination?

If the candidate is accessing the CD or downloaded MP3 file via a PC or a laptop then their centre must ensure that they cannot access any other applications or programs during the examination. There should be no opportunity for the candidate to gain any advantage because they have access to a PC or laptop


17.3 How to download live MP3s from Edexcel Online

¾ Select the relevant qualification


¾ Select “Modern Foreign Languages”


¾ Select the language and level you require


¾ Select the “Listening and Writing MP3” link



¾ You are now taken to the Edexcel Online secure login website from which the relevant files can be downloaded

17.4

Speaking tests

• Some examinations consist of speaking tests which assess the ability of candidates to speak a particular language. We are sometimes asked by centres whether they are allowed to submit CDs containing candidates’ work, rather than cassettes. This is perfectly acceptable as the examiners who mark this work are used to dealing with audio files on CDs

• We are currently exploring the possibility of centres forwarding MP3 files of spoken tests direct to examiners. We will keep you informed of developments in this area

18. SUBJECT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

18.1

PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS: GCE CHEMISTRY PRACTICALS (specifications 6243/6246) and GCE

PHYSICS PRACTICALS (specifications 6733/6735)

• There are two timetabled practical sessions for each of the GCE Chemistry specifications 6243 & 6246 and for each of the GCE Physics specifications 6733 & 6735. In the event of a centre not being able to utilise these sessions it should consult its Regional Development Manager, as it may be possible to enter the candidates for what is called a Group 3 practical

• Centres should note that no Group 3 practical can be held until the Group 2 practical in that subject has taken place (the dates for which are shown on the published timetable) but must be held before 31 May 2009

• Any centre which needs to conduct a Group 3 practical should complete Form ES – F8 – MJ 2009 (a copy of which is included in the Forms section of the International Information Manual) and should forward the completed form to:

Robin Clee,

General Qualifications Programme Manager

Edexcel

3rd floor

One90 High Holborn

LONDON WC1V 7BH

United Kingdom



• For Chemistry units 6243/01A, 01B, 01C and 6246 01A, 01B and 01C your local Edexcel office will be in contact with you at the appropriate time asking you for details of your anticipated entries for these units.

They will forward to you a form for you to complete and upon receipt of this form the London office will forward to you by email, fax or post, details of the chemicals required for these practical examinations. Please do not contact the London office for this form as this aspect of the administration of the Chemistry practical examinations is dealt with by local Edexcel offices.

18.2 Pre-release material

• The Key Dates section of the International information Manual shows when the pre-release material for particular specifications is available, and whether this material is available just from the website, or from the website and in hard copy format despatched to centres

• The advance material (sometimes called pre-release material) for GCE English Language 6372 and

English Language & Literature (6382) is sent to centres and is not available via the Edexcel website



APPENDIX 1: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Aegrotat

Cashing-In

Centres

Component

CSPR

Curriculum 2000

Double award

Dual award

Eligibility

Erratum

If a candidate misses an examination for a component, for an acceptable reason e.g. illness, and there is sufficient evidence of the candidate’s ability, a score will be allocated to the component that has been missed

Once a candidate has taken the required number of units they can cash-in the unit scores to obtain a grade for the subject

A cash-in code (indicated in the International

Information Manual) has to be submitted. Without it, a candidate will not receive the overall grade for the subject, even if they have completed the required number of units

Schools, Colleges and other institutions from which candidate entries are received. Each centre has a unique 5 figure centre number

At GCSE/IGCSE a specification is made up of components. These components can be coursework assignments or written examination papers

Candidate Statement of Provisional Results. These are sent to centres for distribution to candidates on results day. Two identical CSPRs are printed on perforated A4 paper; one copy is for the candidate, the other for the centre

The GCE A level specifications introduced in the year 2000. These are now being phased out with the introduction of the new GCE 2008 specifications

A subject where the content and assessment is the equivalent of having taken two subjects at that level. The result for the subject will show an identical pair of grades

A subject where the content and assessment is the equivalent of having taken two subjects at that level. The result for the subject will show two grades which may, or may not, be identical

A candidate is eligible for a subject grade if they have completed the required number and combination of units the details of which can be found in the International Information Manual

A notice sent to centres when a mistake on a question paper has been identified, prior to the examination being sat. The notice is for reading out to the candidates concerned informing them of the action they are to take


Externally Moderated Coursework

GCE 2008

Internally Assessed Coursework

Linear subject

Moderator

Modular subject

Module bank

Post Results Services


Coursework which has been marked by a teacher at the centre attended by the candidate. The quality of the marking is checked by an external marker called a Moderator

The new GCE A level specifications for teaching as from September 2008

Coursework which is assessed by a teacher at the centre attended by the candidate submitting the material

A subject made up of one or more units. The grade awarded to a candidate is based on the candidate’s performance in the examinations sat on conclusion of the course (normally after two years of study)

An examiner who checks a sample of a centre’s coursework in a particular subject. This is to ensure that the marks awarded by the centre conform to the standards set by Edexcel. A Moderator may upgrade or downgrade the marks awarded by the centre

A subject made up of a number of units but where the final grade awarded to a candidate is based on the highest marks achieved by the candidate, who may have sat each unit on more than one occasion throughout the course

A candidate’s unit results are stored on Edexcel’s database. These banked module (unit) results can be cashed-in by the candidate so that an overall grade is obtained

If a candidate is unhappy with the results achieved in a particular component (a coursework unit or written examination paper) they can apply for a variety of Post Result Services:

• EAR1 : a clerical check of the script to ensure that all the marks awarded have been accounted for and have been correctly totalled.

EAR 1 queries are resolved within 20 days of the request being received by Edexcel

• EAR2 : a clerical check (EAR1) plus a review of the original marking by a different examiner.

EAR 2 queries are resolved within 30 days of the request being received by Edexcel

• EAR2P : this service is only available after the

May-June examination series and only applies to

GCE AS/A2 & AEA units. This is the same service as an EAR2 but with an 18 day resolution deadline after receipt by Edexcel of the application


Pre-release material

Script

Session

Series

Special Arrangements

Special Consideration

Specification

UCI


• EAR3 : for internally assessed coursework units only. This is a review of the original moderation and applies to all the work in the sample of coursework that was originally moderated.

EAR3 queries are resolved within 40 days of receipt of the application

• ATSO : the original copy of the candidate’s script.

• ATSC : a photocopy of the candidate’s script.

This service is only available for GCE AS/A2 and

AEA units

Material required for an examination but released prior to that examination for study/use by candidates

A candidate’s written response to an examination question paper

The morning or afternoon of an examination day

A period of time during which examinations are scheduled

Special arrangements are requested by a school or college, usually before an examination or coursework assessment, to ensure that candidates with disability or learning difficulties are able to answer the questions to the best of their abilities

Examples of special arrangements include giving candidates extra time or access to a word processor, rather than writing answers manually

Special consideration is given following an examination or coursework assessment, to ensure that a student who had a temporary illness, injury or indisposition is not disadvantaged

Sometimes known as “the syllabus”. A specification lists the course content and the assessment structure for a particular subject

Unique Candidate Identifier. The UCI uniquely identifies a candidate, regardless of when or where they took Edexcel’s examinations

For example, UCI 98765B081234T is made up of the following:

First 5 digits = Centre number = 98765

Character B = 98765 B

Next 2 digits = year of exam entry = 98765B 08

Next 4 digits = Candidate Number = 98765B08 1234

Check character generated by EOL = 98765B081234 T


UMS

Unit


Uniform Mark Scale: an approved mark scale that is used to report the results of each unit and qualification. The mark given for a piece of coursework, or to an examination paper (the raw mark) is converted to a UMS score. If a candidate is cashing-in, the UMS of each unit making up the subject is combined to provide the overall grade

A GCE specification consists of a number of units


3 General administrative instructions for Examination

3 General administrative instructions for Examination Officers

3 General administrative information for Examination Officers

•

Edexcel General Qualifications Procedural Overview

1. GENERAL QUALIFICATION EXAMINATIONS

GCE 2008 UNITS

•

Edexcel

Lowton House

Lowton Way

Hellaby

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S66 8SS

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BLUNDELL STREET PREMISES

ARE NO LONGER IN USE BY EDEXCEL

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD ANY MATERIAL TO

BLUNDELL STREET

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD THE SCRIPTS TO EDEXCEL IN

LONDON

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD THE SCRIPTS TO EDEXCEL IN

LONDON but send them to:

Edexcel

Lowton House

Lowton Way

Hellaby

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S66 8SS

PROVISIONAL

FINAL

AMENDED REVISED

Related documents

Products

Support

3 General administrative instructions for Examination

3 General administrative instructions for Examination Officers

3 General administrative information for Examination Officers

•

Edexcel General Qualifications Procedural Overview

1. GENERAL QUALIFICATION EXAMINATIONS

GCE 2008 UNITS

•

Edexcel

Lowton House

Lowton Way

Hellaby

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S66 8SS

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BLUNDELL STREET PREMISES

ARE NO LONGER IN USE BY EDEXCEL

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD ANY MATERIAL TO

BLUNDELL STREET

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD THE SCRIPTS TO EDEXCEL IN

LONDON

PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD THE SCRIPTS TO EDEXCEL IN

LONDON but send them to:

Edexcel

Lowton House

Lowton Way

Hellaby

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S66 8SS

PROVISIONAL

FINAL

AMENDED REVISED

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