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Assessment and Equity in Law Qualifications

Equity in Assessment

Why this matters

The principle of equity in assessment means ensuring all students, regardless of background or ability, can demonstrate their competence fairly. This section covers how AQA’s Law qualifications promote diversity, inclusion, and legal compliance.

Diversity in Assessment Design

1

Broad Competence

AQA develops qualifications to assess a broad range of competences relevant to Law.
2

Avoiding Bias

Content and methods are reviewed to avoid any unfair bias towards students of a particular ethnic group, religion, sex, age, disability, or sexuality.
3

Optimizing Performance

This process ensures all candidates have the opportunity to perform to their best abilities.

The Equality Act 2010

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Legal Requirement: The Equality Act 2010 requires schools and awarding bodies to make reasonable adjustments so disabled learners are not disadvantaged. Core skills and knowledge required for Law remain unchanged; only access methods are altered.

Access vs. Adjustment

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Access Arrangements Pre-approved modifications to assessment conditions. Must be requested before the assessment. Common forms include reader/scribe support, extra time, rest breaks. (e.g., a student with dyslexia might receive 25% extra time.)
🛠️
Reasonable Adjustments Changes to remove specific barriers without altering the competences tested. Examples include use of assistive technologies or alternative formats (such as Braille papers). (e.g., A Braille exam paper is a reasonable adjustment for a visually impaired student.)

Process for Applying

1

Submission

Schools and colleges submit applications via AQA’s online system prior to exams.
2

Evidence

Requires supporting evidence such as medical or psychological assessments.
3

Approval

Arrangements are approved based on individual need and compliance with JCQ guidelines.

Special Consideration

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Is special consideration the same as an access arrangement?
🧠
No. Special consideration acknowledges short-term problems affecting performance on the day (illness, bereavement). It is applied for retrospectively and cannot guarantee a grade change.

Role of JCQ Guidance

JCQ Document
The Joint Council for Qualifications publishes the key document, Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments: General and Vocational qualifications, guiding awarding bodies and schools in ensuring fair access in assessments. Available through jcq.org.uk.

Key Takeaways

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Early ID

Schools should identify needs early during course entry and progression.
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Tailored Teaching

Tailored teaching alongside access arrangements benefits all students.
🛡️

Legal Risk

Awareness of inclusivity laws and best practice avoids legal risks and promotes learner confidence.
Assessment and Equity Deck
Term
Principle of Equity in Assessment

What is the principle of equity in assessment?

Answer
Definition

Ensuring all students can demonstrate competence fairly, regardless of background or ability.

Term
AQA and Equity

How does AQA promote equity in Law qualifications?

Answer
Role

By promoting diversity, inclusion, and meeting legal compliance.

Term
Diversity in Assessment Design

What does diversity in assessment design involve?

Answer
Explanation

Avoiding bias related to ethnicity, religion, sex, age, disability, or sexuality.

Term
Equality Act 2010

What legal act requires reasonable adjustments in assessments?

Answer
Law

The Equality Act 2010.

Term
Reasonable Adjustments

What are reasonable adjustments?

Answer
Definition

Changes that remove barriers without altering the competences tested.

Term
Example of Reasonable Adjustment

Name an example of a reasonable adjustment.

Answer
Example

Providing a Braille paper for a visually impaired student.

Term
Access Arrangements

What are access arrangements?

Answer
Definition

Pre-approved modifications to assessment conditions requested before exams.

Term
Example of Access Arrangement

Give an example of an access arrangement.

Answer
Example

Extra time (e.g., 25%) for a student with dyslexia.

Term
Special Consideration vs Access Arrangements

How is special consideration different from access arrangements?

Answer
Difference

It addresses short-term issues during or just before assessment and is applied retrospectively.

Term
Role of JCQ

What is the role of JCQ?

Answer
Purpose

Publishing guidelines to ensure fair access in assessments.

Term
Timing for Access Arrangements

When must access arrangements be requested?

Answer
Timing

Before the assessment begins.

Term
Evidence for Access Arrangements

What evidence is required for access arrangements?

Answer
Evidence

Medical or psychological assessments supporting the need.

Term
Purpose of Special Consideration

What does special consideration aim to do?

Answer
Purpose

Slightly increase marks to compensate for a disadvantage.

Term
Guarantee of Grade Change

Can special consideration guarantee a grade change?

Answer
Answer

No.

Term
Early Identification of Learner Needs

Why should schools identify learner needs early?

Answer
Reason

To tailor teaching and apply support effectively.

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🌸 Assessment and Equity Quiz

1. Which act requires reasonable adjustments to assessments to support disabled learners?

The Equality Act 2010 legally requires educational institutions to make reasonable adjustments to support disabled learners.

2. What is NOT an example of an access arrangement?

A mark increase due to illness is related to special consideration, not an access arrangement.

3. When must applications for access arrangements be submitted?

Access arrangements must be requested and approved prior to the exam taking place.

4. What is the main difference between ‘reasonable adjustments’ and ‘special consideration’?

Reasonable adjustments remove barriers without changing standards, while special consideration deals with unexpected issues affecting performance.

5. Which body publishes guidelines to support fair access to assessments?

JCQ provides official guidance on access arrangements and reasonable adjustments for qualifications.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Law
  • A Level
  • Administrative
  • AQA