Why Are Assessment Plans Important?

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You might be thinking; why are we writing an entire blog post about the importance of assessment plans? Surely it is quite simple? It’s because the document that outlines what the assessment for a given apprentice includes. Whilst that is partially correct, there is a lot more to an assessment plan than meets the eye. It tells you the what, who, how, where and when (which we will go into more detail about further on).

Think of the assessment plan as a cross between a qualification specification, and a plan detailing the stages of an apprenticeship. In essence, they are written projects assigned by an Assessor, which are used to evidence the knowledge, skills and behaviours achieved by the learner throughout the apprenticeship.

What The Assessment Plan Includes

The assessment plan should detail what will be assessed, how the assessment will take place (i.e. what assessment method will be used), and the Assessor requirements. It should also include what exactly is required in order to pass the End Point Assessment.

Assessment plans are used to consolidate learning, as well as providing the awarding body with an indication of the value and impact the apprenticeship has had on the learner. They are specific to the job role; the duties carried out on a daily basis by the apprentice, and the programme they are enrolled onto.

Why Assessment Plans Are Important

Once the apprentice has completed all elements of the End Point Assessment, an external awarding body will grade the apprentice. The assessment plan plays a major role in this grading process as it forms the evidence to demonstrate different competencies the apprentice has learnt. They have to show the following:

  • The ‘what’ – what they have shown they can do
  • The ‘how’ – the way in which the work has been done
  • The ‘with whom’ – the personal and interpersonal qualities the apprentice has brought to both internal and external relationships

The four potential grades that can be achieved are: Distinction, Merit, Pass and Fail. The assessment plans themselves will be checked by the Assessor as the apprentice works through them. They will be marked against success criteria, and if this is not met, feedback will be provided and changes will need to be made before they can be signed off.

At the end of the apprenticeship, all assessment plans are gathered to form a Summative Portfolio. This is to make sure that the projects and evidence all cover the requirements of the apprenticeship standard. This portfolio will then count towards the End Point Assessment.

If you would like to know more about assessment plans, how they are graded, or the End Point Assessment process, please give us a call on 01205 805 155 and we will be more than happy to help.