AEO “NAZARBAYEV INTELLECTUAL SCHOOLS”

CENTRE FOR PEDAGOGICAL MEASUREMENTS

Integrated Programme of Development

Test Specification

“Global Perspectives and Project Work”

Grade 12

ASTANA

2013

Contents

1 Purpose 3

1 Relationship with International Standards 3

2 Relationship with NIS Subject Programme 3

3 Relationship with Integrated Criteria-based Internal Assessment Model (ICBAM) 3

2 Assessment overview 4

4 Assessment Objectives 5

2 Description of papers 6

5 Component 1 – Written Paper 6

6 Component 2 – Research Report 7

7 Balance of marks 9

8 Language of assessment 9

4. Administration 10

5 Marking 10

9 Grade descriptions 11

6 Sample questions 12

10 Component 1 – Written Paper 12

11 Component 2 – Research Report 30

1. Purpose

The assessments will aim to identify what learners know and are able to do following a course of formal study and to establish whether they are able to use the skills relating to the subject within the global environment of the 21st century, using problem solving and higher order thinking and analytical skills.

1Relationship with International Standards

Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools’ assessments will be designed to be comparable with international standards. The Grade 11-12 Global Perspectives and Project Work assessment will be an interim assessment to fit the immediate demands of NIS schools.

2Relationship with NIS Subject Programme

The Grade 11-12 summative assessment will assess the content of Grades 11 and 12. The Grade 11 and Grade 12 Global Perspectives and Project Work subject content learning that will be assessed will be defined by the learning outcomes found within the Subject Programme.

3Relationship with Integrated Criteria-based Internal Assessment Model (ICBAM)

This External Summative Assessment forms one part of the Integrated Criteria-based Assessment Model which also consists of Classroom Assessment and Internal Summative Assessment.

The Assessment Objectives for this test reflect the content of the Subject Programme and Course Plans and as such reflect the Learning Objectives shown in these documents. The Classroom Assessment and Internal Summative Assessments are also based on these Learning Objectives but aim to test the Learning Objectives in a different manner.

2. Assessment overview

The assessment will include two compulsory components:

Component 1: Written Paper - All learners will take one written paper of 2 hours at the end of Grade 11. This component will be externally assessed.

Component 2: Research Report - All learners will submit one research report at the end of the course in Grade 12. This component will be internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.

Component 1 – Written Paper	120 minutes
The written paper consists of compulsory questions based on a range of sources provided with the paper. Learners will be required to analyse and assess arguments, evaluate evidence and compare different perspectives on a global issue taken from the Subject Programme.
Total Marks: 32
Component 2 – Research Report	Learners will submit a research report at the end of the course in Grade 12
The research report will describe an investigation into a global issue chosen by the learner and approved by the teacher. Teachers will provide appropriate advice and guidance during the investigation and will authenticate the final report. Learners will submit a research report of between 3000 and 3500 words.
Total Marks: 48

4Assessment Objectives

AO1	Critical Thinking Learners should be able to demonstrate the ability to: analyse and evaluate arguments, claims, reasoning and conclusions.
AO2	Research Learners should be able to demonstrate the ability to: analyse and evaluate the evidence for arguments, claims, reasoning and conclusions.
AO3	Reflection Learners should be able to demonstrate the ability to: assess the impact of research on personal perspectives.
AO4	Communication Learners should be able to demonstrate the ability to: communicate perspectives, information and research.

2. Description of papers

The assessment includes two compulsory components:

Component 1: Written Paper. All learners will take one written paper of 2 hours at the end of Grade 11. This component will be externally assessed.

Component 2: Research Report. All learners submit one research report at the end of the course in Grade 12. This component will be internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated. The research report is based on an investigation into a global issue of the learner’s choice related to those issues described in the Subject Programme.