We are delighted to announce the recommencement of Arts Award 'standard' (face-to-face) and 'postal' moderations this summer.
Trinity College London has taken a cautious approach to restarting face-to-face exams, including Arts Award moderations – the risks have been consistently high with the future uncertain and ever-changing. However, we do now have the roadmap published by the Prime Minister and the parallel announcements from the Governments of the Devolved Nations, which give confidence in restarting face-to-face assessments.
As a result, we are now planning to restart standard and postal moderations from 17 May 2021. Our plans are based on the successful rollout of the Government’s lockdown-easing plans. We will also continue to monitor Covid-19 case rates, as well as considering all other relevant factors for a successful and safe restart.
Alongside this, we are pleased to announce changes to our moderation offer which will make our online and postal moderation options more straightforward.
Standard moderation
A standard moderation can now be requested as normal via the centre portal (the usual 8-week advance notice period and minimum fee applies). Please note that, for the continued safety of colleagues and candidates, young people are currently not able to attend standard moderations.
Postal moderation
Postal moderation has been consolidated into a single option for all groups that are unable to meet the minimum fee for standard moderation or moderate online, which is now available to book across any combination of levels (please note, a small administration fee is now applicable to cover the safe handling and return of portfolios). Centres should book onto one of the postal moderation sample confirmation dates which will shortly be advertised on our postal moderation webpage.
Online moderation
We continue to recommend digital evidencing and moderation wherever possible. Online moderation has been consolidated into a single option which is now available for any group size or combination of levels. Centres should book onto one of the online moderation sample confirmation dates which are advertised on our online moderation webpage.
Joint moderation
Joint moderation will not recommence at the present time. Centres can see an overview of all the available moderation options at artsaward.org.uk/moderationoptions.
Arts Award training
Face-to-face adviser training will not re-commence at the present time. Online adviser training courses are available to book at artsaward.org.uk/training
Coronavirus (COVID-19) management
All Arts Award centres booking face-to-face exams will need to account for Trinity’s considerations for the safe set up of exams at the present time which have been emailed to the main contact at each centre.