I have never heard of benchmarking before, we did not do this last year. What is it?

Benchmarking is a new quality assurance process for our 2008 solution which every marker will need to complete. It takes place periodically throughout the marking cycle ensuring high quality marking and the consistent application of the mark scheme is maintained throughout the cycle.

  

What is the difference between benchmarking and standardisation?

Standardisation is a quality assurance exercise taken immediately after training, allowing you to begin marking.

Benchmarking is a quality assurance exercise taken periodically throughout the cycle to ensure the highest quality of marking and the consistent application of the mark scheme is maintained throughout the cycle.

  

Why do I need to benchmark?

Benchmarking is a new quality assurance process for our 2008 solution which every marker will need to complete. It takes place periodically throughout the marking cycle ensuring high quality marking and the consistent application of the mark scheme is maintained throughout the cycle.

 

When do I need to benchmark?

You will be prompted to benchmark after every 80 scripts - or 100 scripts for KS3 English - you have marked.

 

How do I access benchmarking?

1. Click on the 'Online marker applications' link to your left.  
2. Log in using your User ID and password.
3. On the 'Marker links' screen, click on the 'Benchmarking' link.
4. You will be taken to your first question to begin benchmarking.

Please refer to your Making your mark online - applications user guide for detailed instructions on how to standardise.

  

I have received an alert asking me to display non-secure information. What shall I do?

This is fine. Please click 'Yes' to continue benchmarking. 

  

I am getting a Java error everytime I try to access a question. What shall I do?

If you are getting a Java error message you do not have the latest version of Java. To download the latest version of Java, please visit www.java.com. For further information about using correct version of Java please go to our 'Additional troubleshooting' section.

  

I cannot access benchmarking even though I have received a trigger message prompting me to do so?

If you have received the prompt to perform benchmarking and cannot access the benchmarking this may be because you have gone away from the computer and the link is no longer there. Please close all Internet Explorer browsers that you have opened, and open a new one, then try logging in again. The benchmarking link should now be refreshed and active.

  

I cannot access standardisation/benchmarking. What do I do?

There are various reasons for why this might happen.

 

First, check that you are using the Internet Explorer browser. The system is not compatible with other browsers such as Netscape or Firefox.

 

Check that you have the correct version of Java. To download the latest version of Java, please visit www.java.com. For further information about using correct version of Java please go to our 'Additional troubleshooting' section.

 

Turn off pop-ups.

 

In some cases, Norton and Google Toolbar, and AOL may be the cause of this and there is nothing that we can do about this unless you use another computer or service provider.

 

How do I view my benchmarking scripts?

To view your benchmarking scripts:

1. Click on the 'Online marker applications' link to your left.
2. Log in using your username and password.
3. On the 'Marker links' screen, click on the mentoring link to review standardisation and benchmarking.
4. Select 'Benchmarking' from the drop down box in the 'Folder Type' and select the dates which the standardisation or benchmarking was
completed.
5. Click 'Process Selection' to view the contents of the standardisation or benchmarking attempt on the same screen.

For more information please see page 10 of Making your mark online - application user guide.

 

What is the 'Stimulus' link in benchmarking for?

The 'Stimulus' link lets you view additional material for a question, such as tables or graphs.

  

What is 'Cluster'?

The term 'Cluster' refers to a pupil's paper. All questions in a cluster are responses from one pupil.

  

What is 'Folder'?

The term 'Folder' refers to a collection of clusters - or pupil's papers - that make up the benchmarking test.

 

How can I save the marks I have assigned so far?

The benchmarking online application will automatically save what you have marked, so when you close the window and log back in at a later date, it will take you back to where you left off.

  

What shall I do if I cannot read a pupil's response?

If you cannot see/read a pupil's response, try clicking on the button along the top of the screen to expand the list of tools. These tools will help you view the screen more clearly. For detailed guidance, please refer to your Making your mark online - applications user guide or the Online standardisation and benchmarking demonstrations.

 

Can I go back and change marks I assigned incorrectly, before I submit my benchmarking attempt?

You can go back and change marks you assigned incorrectly before you submit your benchmarking exercise. To do that first you need to go back to the relevant cluster. From the cluster summary screen you can view the mark assigned to that question - go in and change it. Alternatively if you are already in the relevant cluster you can use the 'Previous' button to go back to the previous questions.

  

I have completed benchmarking and clicked 'Folder complete' but nothing is happening. What shall I do?

If when you click 'Folder complete' upon completing your benchmarking and nothing is happening, you MUST enable your pop-ups. Otherwise, your benchmarking results will not be recorded. For guidance on how to enable pop-ups please refer to your Making your mark online - applications user guide or go to our 'Additional troubleshooting' section for help.

 

How will I know whether or not I have passed benchmarking?

After you have assigned all marks and clicked 'Folder complete', you will recieve a message informing you whether or not you have passed your benchmarking exercise.

 

What do I do if I do not pass my benchmarking exercise after two attempts?

If you do not pass your benchmarking exerciseafter two atempts, you will no longer be able to mark in the 2008 test cycle and your contract will be terminated. Please contact your team leader to make sure they are informed.

 

How do I exit benchmarking if I do not want to save my work?

To exit benchmarking without saving you need to click on 'Folder summary' and then 'Folder complete'. Click 'Cancel' on the first screen message and then 'OK' on the second screen message.

 

If I do not pass benchmarking, can I mark next year?

Yes, if you do not pass benchmarking this year, you can reapply for the 2009 test cycle. We will start recruiting again in September 2008 for the 2009 test cycle. Please visit this website in September to re-apply.

 

If I take the benchmarking exercise twice, will I be paid twice?

You will be paid one fee to complete benchmarking, which can be completed in up to two attempts. You will only be paid the same single fee whether you complete it in one or two attempts.

 

I only have a few scripts remaining to be marked and have been triggered to benchmark, which I don't want to do.  Can you change it so that I don’t have to do it?

Unfortunately we cannot change this.  Markers are contractually obliged to complete all benchmark attempts when they are triggered.  Please complete your benchmarking attempt and then enter marks for the remaining scripts afterwards.

Note:  The following is a list of maximum number of benchmarks that a marker should complete:

KS2 English – maximum of 4;

KS3 Maths – maximum of 4;

KS3 Science  – maximum of 4; 

all other key stage subjects – maximum of 5.