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SIMS Exams – Manage Performance Indicators 2019

Document Reference DMS022 v1.3

Published/Updated April 2019

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CONTENTS

OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................... 1

CHECK LIST FOR 2019 ................................................................................................. 2

PERMISSIONS FOR ACCESSING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS MENU ROUTES IN SIMS ............................................................................................................................... 3

ENSURE QWS CATALOGUE FILES ARE UP TO DATE ............................................... 4

Download Generic QAN Data .............................................................................. 4

Import DfE QAN Catalogue Files into SIMS ......................................................... 5

SETTING PERFORMANCE INDICATOR PARAMETERS IN SIMS ............................... 7

Choose Summer 2019 Season in PI Setup .......................................................... 7

Cloning QNs from the Previous Year ................................................................... 8

GATHER YOUR QNS FOR 2019 ................................................................................. 10

Basedata Structure Report ................................................................................. 10

Delete QNs not in use ........................................................................................ 14

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR DETAILS FOR 2019 .................................................... 15

Basic Details Panel ............................................................................................ 15

Performance Indicator Panel .............................................................................. 15

Grade Details Panel ........................................................................................... 16

MANAGE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR DETAILS ..................................................... 17

Searching for a Qualification .............................................................................. 17

Add New or Existing QNs ................................................................................... 17

Gradeset ............................................................................................................ 20

Checking and Modifying Performance Indicator Details ..................................... 21

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR PANEL – KEY STAGE 4 ............................................. 23

Discount Code.................................................................................................... 23

Qualification Type .............................................................................................. 24

EBacc Subject .................................................................................................... 24

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR PANEL – 16-18 ........................................................... 25

Discount Code.................................................................................................... 25

16-18 Discount Family ....................................................................................... 26

Qualification Type .............................................................................................. 28

EBacc Subject .................................................................................................... 28

16–18 Categories ............................................................................................... 29

16 - 18 LEVEL 2 TECHNICAL CERTIFICATES ........................................................... 30

MODIFYING THE GRADE DETAILS - KEY STAGE 4 AND 16-18 ............................... 32

UPDATING GRADE DETAILS FOR SIMILAR QNS ..................................................... 34

DISCOUNT/QCA CODES ............................................................................................. 36

QNs with Multiple Discount Codes ..................................................................... 36

Changes to QCA Codes ..................................................................................... 37

KEY STAGE 4 LEVEL 1/LEVEL 2 BTECS ................................................................... 38

KNOWN ISSUES/PATCHES ........................................................................................ 39

Partial Equivalencies .......................................................................................... 39

QN CORRELATION REPORT ...................................................................................... 40

WHAT TO EXPECT IF NOT USING SIMS TO MANAGE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...................................................................................................................................... 42

APPENDIX A – RESOURCES FOR OBTAINING QN DATA ........................................ 43

Overview

Doc Ref DMS022 © Herts for Learning 2019

Overview

Performance Indicators (PI) are designed to provide information on whether a qualification contributes to a specific measure within the Achievement and Attainment tables. These measures are published in the DfE Statement of Intent each year. The Performance Indicators functionality in SIMS is useful to the Exams Officer on or immediately after exam results day in August, when PI reports are prepared for school management. PI data can only be collated and calculated for examination seasons that contain June as an associated month. SIMS includes functionality to allow schools to manage Performance Indicator (PI) data which facilitates PI Calculations and Analysis. This document will describe the steps required to enable the effective management of your QNs (Qualification Numbers) for Performance Indicator calculations in 2019. Qualification Numbers are numbers that are applied to each individual exam award. These are used to universally identify the exam board provider, the level being studied and the subject of an award. We will refer to QNs (Qualification Number) throughout this document as this is the preferred acronym by the DfE; some areas of SIMS currently refer to the previous acronym of QAN (Qualification Accreditation Number)

See APPENDIX A for useful websites and resources.

Check List for 2019

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Check List for 2019

To ensure a smooth process of managing performance indicator details in school, the following checklist provides an outline of the necessary actions in the order in which they must be undertaken.

Action Location or Menu Route Page No(s).

Complete

Download and import the most up-to-date QWS QAN Catalogue files.

Download from QWS website and import in SIMS via Tools > Examinations > Import Qualification Data

4

Set the new summer season as the Default PI season and ensure it is unlocked.

Set as default PI season in SIMS via Tools > Examinations > PI Setup

7

Clone the QNs used in the previous year so that they are copied over into the new summer season.

In SIMS, via Tools > Examinations > PI Setup

8

Gather details of all QNs for inclusion in 2019

In Exams Reports > Basedata > Structure

10

Search for and delete any QNs that will not be in use this year. (Note: students in the current PI season may have results attained in previous seasons)

In SIMS, via Tools > Examinations > Manage Performance Indicator

14

Manually add any additional QNs that will be required for the new summer season.


17

Work through the Performance Indicator details for each QN type and check that all details, point values and entry equivalencies are recorded accurately for both Key Stage 4 and 16-18 for the forthcoming summer exam season.


21

Assign Discount Family to all new 16-18 QNs.


26

Permissions for Accessing Performance Indicators Menu Routes in SIMS


Permissions for Accessing Performance Indicators Menu Routes in SIMS

Please see below table of menu routes in SIMS and the roles required to be granted in System Manager to access these areas.

Menu Route Role Note

Tools > Examinations > Import

Qualification Data

Exams Officer

Returns Officer Curricular Manager Returns Manager Senior Management Team

Tools > Examinations > Manage Performance Indicator

Exams Officer

Tools > Examinations > Edit PI Data

Exams Officer

Tools > Examinations > PI Reports Exams Officer

Exams Operator

The Reports Permission

is available to add to other groups in SIMS

Tools > Examinations > PI Setup Exams Officer Exams Operator (view only)

The Exams Operator can only change the season, not the default

directory.

Tools > Examinations > QN Correlation Report

Exams Officer

Ensure QWS Catalogue Files are up to date



Import of DfE QAN Catalogue files enables up-to-date qualification data to be populated in SIMS. Calculations of Performance Values also rely on the qualification data contained in these files. It is vital that you have imported the most up to date QWS Catalogue files in SIMS before proceeding.

It is advisable to check the QAN website regularly for any updates from the DfE on qualification data and it may be necessary to download and import up-to-date files into SIMS. Unfortunately, the DfE do not update the version number or date of these files so it is not always clear if you have imported the most up to date files or not. If you are experiencing issues adding examination results or want to ensure that Performance Calculations performed in the Summer season are accurate, we recommend that you ensure up-to-date files are imported.

Download Generic QAN Data

Someone in your school may have already downloaded DfE QAN data as part of the Post 16 Autumn census tasks. However, we are aware that these files are updated regularly on the QAN website and recommend updated files are imported prior to Manage Performance Indicator is performed and also before Summer Exam Results import and calculations.

1. Visit http://bit.ly/QWS-QAN (case sensitive) to download up-to-date QAN catalogues.

2. The above link takes you directly to the Generic QAN Data information page.

3. The following 4 Catalogue Files are required for import into SIMS:

Current QAN XML

Awarding Bodies XML

Discount Codes XML

Qualification Types XML

You can select each of these Catalogue Files as XML or alternatively you may opt to

download the Zipped Files which contain all the latest xml, xsd and csv data files.

4. We will assume you are selecting each file separately. Click on Current QAN XML.

http://bit.ly/QWS-QAN



5. If prompted, choose to Save As and choose a location. You may already have a QAN

folder found via S:\SIMS\QANS.

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 above for the remaining catalogue files as listed in step 3 above.

7. Proceed to the next section to import these into SIMS.

Import DfE QAN Catalogue Files into SIMS

1. In SIMS, select Tools > Examinations > Import Qualification Data.

If you have not already downloaded the most recent files, please do so before continuing.

2. Click OK to confirm your downloads are up to date to continue.

Take note of the date Catalogue Files were Last Updated On. This is the date of the files

and not the date the import is performed.

3. In the Select Catalogue Files panel, click the browser button adjacent to the relevant

file name field and navigate to the stored location of each Catalogue file. Ensure that

the files selected for each type is the correct type.

4. Once you have picked up all 4 of the files, click Import Catalogue Files.

As long as you have selected the correct file name for each file type, when you click the

Import Catalogue Files button, the files are automatically imported in the correct order. This

may take a few minutes.



Activity Log

You will then receive an Activity Log pop-up, which will detail what data that has been imported. Details of imported data will be listed under each appropriate file type. The activity log can be saved or printed if desired.

Note: If your files are up to date and no new data has been imported, you will be advised that the new files could neither be imported nor modified as the latest records already exist.

5. Click Close on the Activity Log. The Latest Updated On date will refresh and update the next time this menu route is accessed. You will see two optional reports in the Review QANs panel:

Certification Elements without QANs – this report lists the Series Board Entry Code and the Title of all Basedata elements without a QN. You must Refresh your basedata or enter the missing QNs in Examinations Organiser via Focus > Basedata to ensure the accuracy of the PI Data in SIMS.

Certification Elements with unmatched QANs – this report lists the Series, Board Entry Code, Title and QN of all Basedata elements that have a different QN from the QN details held in Manage Performance Indicators. Important Note: This report will include all qualifications which you have imported in your Basedata in Exams Organiser but have not yet added the QNs via the

routine Tools > Examinations > Manage Performance Indicator. We therefore advise you do not run this report until after you have cloned and maintained all your QNs as covered in this document.

Note: Both of the above reports check QN information held for the past four years.

Setting Performance Indicator Parameters in SIMS



Choose Summer 2019 Season in PI Setup

Before using the Edit PI Data menu route in SIMS for 2019, ensure the PI season selected is your summer 2019 season.

1. Select Tools > Examinations > PI Setup.

2. Ensure your Seasons are unlocked in the PI Setup – Click Unlock Seasons if this

is showing adjacent to the Seasons panel.

3. Double click on your Summer 2019 season to set this as the current season. The

current PI season will display with a grey background and will show in the top of the

window.

4. Click OK to the message ‘Current Season updated’. The Default column shows a tick where that season is the default Exams Season and not the Default PI season. The Default Exams Season is the season which opens by default when accessing SIMS Examinations Organiser.

Important Note: To ensure that a season is considered as a summer season in SIMS, the Start and Finish dates that you define must encompass the month of June. The month of June must also be included in the Season Pattern defined via Tools > School Setup > Season Pattern in Examinations Organiser.



Cloning QNs from the Previous Year

All QNs that have results recorded against them in the previous summer exam season can be cloned and copied into the current PI summer exam season. Any QNs that were not used in the previous summer season and do not have results recorded against them will not be cloned.

It is essential that the current exam season has been defined in SIMS Exams Organiser before proceeding.

1. Select Tools > Examinations > PI Setup in SIMS to display the PI Setup page.

2. Ensure that your Summer 2019 season is set as the default PI Season; the row should be highlighted in grey. See previous page.

3. In the Select Clone to Create a copy of all QNs used in the previous year panel, highlight the previous Performance Measure Year (in this case 2018) so that this is the Year selected (indicated by the small black arrow to the left)

4. Click the Clone button to the right.

5. When the process is complete, an entry for the current Performance Measure Year is subsequently displayed in the Select Clone to Create a copy of all QNs used in the previous year panel.

A confirmation message is displayed at the bottom of the page.



6. Close the PI Setup window.

The Clone process is permitted once for each new Performance Measure Year. If you attempt to Clone from a previous year and the current year already exists, you will receive an error message advising “The QNs for the current year have already been cloned. They cannot be cloned again” as per the screenshot below.

Gather Your QNs for 2019



Each qualification approved under Section 96 of the DfE Learning and Skills Act 2000, has a unique Qualification Number (QN). Section 96 gives the Secretary of State the power to approve qualifications for delivery to young people aged less than 19 years old. Each QN has a QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) Code. This is also known as the Discount Code or Subject Code. The QCA Code identifies the specific subject for the QN. All QNs need a QCA/Discount Code combination to be included in the Performance Indicator calculations. It is important to firstly gather details of all the QNs for which you expect results to be included in PI calculations in Summer 2019. Note, this could include results taken in previous seasons by students in both the 16-18 and KS4 cohorts. A list of QN’s can be produced for those qualifications with associated basedata, which has been imported into SIMS Exams Organiser. See the next section entitled Basedata Structure Report. Schools in a Consortium should ensure they include QNs for any qualifications expected for their students. It is also important to ascertain other QNs required for 2019 calculations, which have no associated basedata (known as Non-EDI results).

Basedata Structure Report

If you have imported Basedata for all the awards you require in your Summer 2019 exam season, you can run a Basedata Structure report to list these.

1. Navigate to SIMS Exams Organiser and ensure that you are working in your Summer 2019 season.

2. Go to Reports > Basedata > Structure.

3. Select (All) for Series

4. Select Elements in Report Type.

5. Click OK.

6. Each Certification element should have a QAN number shown.

This report can be printed to aid which QNs need to be maintained in SIMS.

Note: This report will show any elements included in your Basedata structure therefore bear in mind you may have Certification Elements for awards in your structure which you no longer offer or do not require.



7. Repeat steps 2 – 5 on previous page for each season containing qualifications which your 2019 cohorts may have results for. E.g. you may have results for AS levels in 2018 which will be included in your 16-18 2019 cohort calculations but you may not have these qualifications in your 2019 season or your current Year 11 cohort may have taken qualifications before reaching end of Year 11 in Summer 19.

Gather QNs for Previous Results

The quickest way to ascertain what QNs you may need in Manage Performance Indicator is to export results from SIMS Exams Organiser. For example, check if your current Year 11 students have taken exams prior to Summer 19 (e.g. languages in a home language)

1. In Exams Organiser, go to your Summer 2019 Exam Season

2. Select Reports > Results > Export Results

3. Change the parameters as follows:

Season = All

Group = select your chosen group (the example overleaf shows

Curriculum Year 11)

Level = All

Series = All

Select By = Award

4. Next click on the Selections browser and Choose All available awards in the



Awards Chooser.

5. Click Update in the Awards Chooser window once all awards have been chosen.

6. Click Export.

7. Give the file a name and save as a csv file type in a location that you can access.

8. Once you Save the exported results, you can open in Excel and manipulate the

rows, headers etc as desired. In the example overleaf we have rotated the text of the column headers upwards.



This output will detail all results held in Exams Organiser and will show the Exam Board and Award Code. It will not show Non-EDI results (i.e. results without basedata). If you wish to run a report to include Non-EDI results, the Certification Broadsheet can be run with Season, Qualification and Level all set as All and Show Non EDI Qualifications check box ticked, as shown below. Reports > Results > Certification Broadsheet The Certification Broadsheet will show all previous results including Non-EDI results but won’t detail the Exam Board or Award Code but could be used to at least identify previous results for your cohort.



Delete QNs not in use

You can choose to remove QNs which will not be included in your 2019 PI calculations i.e. no results exist for the QN for the 2019 Performance cohorts.

This does not delete the QN or any results recorded against them, it simply makes these QNs unavailable for use in the 2019 summer PI calculations. A QN can be manually re-added to the Performance Measures Year should it be required. Please note, there is no requirement to delete QNs from the Manage Performance Indicator area.

1. In SIMS, select Tools > Examinations > Manage Performance Indicator.

2. Click Search.

3. Highlight the QN you wish to remove and click the Remove button.

4. You will receive the following message – click Yes to remove the QN or No to cancel.

To add the QN back in, see the section Add New or Existing QNs on page 17.

Note: If a QN is not present with correct points and equivalencies in Maintain Performance Indicator, results will be excluded from the PI Calculations.

Performance Indicator Details for 2019



Once you have a list of QNs which are required for 2019, it is necessary to check and edit these QNs with relevant 2019 Performance Indicator details. We will detail below each panel found via Tools > Examinations > Manage Performance Indicator.

Basic Details Panel

Allows entry of and details the QN and the Title for that QN. In some cases, a Gradeset is required. The Gradeset drop down list is available only if the selected QN is not already associated with a gradeset. See Gradeset section on page 20.

Performance Indicator Panel

Key Stage 4

Discount Code

Qualification Type

EBacc Subject (tick boxes) o English Language o English Literature o Mathematics o Biology o Chemistry o Computer science o Combined Science o Physics o Additional Science* (Inactive wef 2018) o Core science* (Inactive wef 2018) o Humanities o Languages *Science: Core and Additional Science no longer count in the EBacc. Capita have made these boxes inactive as shown in Red.

16-18

Discount Code

Discounting Family

AS Level (tick box)

Counts in the following Categories (tick boxes) o A & AS Level Combined o A Level o Academic o Facilitating Subject o Applied General o Level 2 Vocational o Level 2 Technical Certificate

Tech Level and Tech Bacc (tick boxes) o Tech Level o Level 3 Maths o Extended Project



Grade Details Panel

Key Stage 4

KS4 Points

KS4 Size Equivalence**

KS4 Std Pass Equivalence***

KS4 Pass Equivalence 16-18 Level 3 Qualifications

16-18 points

16-18 Size Equivalence

16-18 A*-E Equivalence

Level 2 Vocational/Technical Certificate

16-18 points

KS4 Size Equivalence

** The DfE stipulates that no qualification can count as larger than one GCSE in KS4 performance tables, irrespective of its size. ***The government will publish schools’ results not just at the ‘standard pass’ (grade 4 and above), but also at the ‘strong pass’ (at grade 5 and above) in school performance tables only. The number of pupils achieving a ‘strong pass’ will be one of the measures by which schools are judged.


Manage Performance Indicator Details



Once you have performed the following tasks, you can then edit the Performance Indicator details for those QNs.

Downloaded and imported latest QWS QAN catalogue files – see page 4

Cloned Previous Performance Measures Year – see section Cloning QNs from the Previous Year on page 8

Added New/Existing QNs – see section Add New or Existing QNs on page 17

Searching for a Qualification

1. In SIMS, select Tools > Examinations > Manage Performance Indicator to display the Find Qualification for 2019 browser.

2. Enter an individual QN if known and click Search. To locate specific qualifications you can refine the search using % as a wildcard. E.g. searching for reformed GCSEs for 9-1, enter GCSE%9 in the Title field and click Search.

All matching qualifications will be displayed. Alternatively, leave all filters blank before clicking the Search button to list all the QNs.

Use your list of QNs (which you have identified as described on page 10 of this document) to maintain each QN individually.

Add New or Existing QNs

All QNs cloned from 2018 will be copied over into the 2019 Performance Measure Year.



All QNs for qualifications new in 2019 must then be added (for they were not present in 2018). For example any new GCSE (9-1) and reformed GCEs you will have results for will need to be added.

Once you have gathered all the QNs relevant to your school for the summer 2019 season, you can now add these into the 2019 Performance Measure Year.

1. Ensure that the Summer 2019 season is selected in Tools > Examinations > PI Setup.

2. In SIMS, select Tools > Examinations > Manage Performance Indicator

3. Ensure the Find Qualification for 2019 browser is displayed.

4. Click the drop down arrow adjacent to New.

There are 3 options when adding a New QN;

Add New QN

Add Existing QN

Add User Defined QN (see note below)

Note: It is possible to record previously unknown QNs in SIMS. These User Defined QNs are likely to be but not limited to iGCSE qualifications which are not included in the QWS QAN files. This functionality is predominantly for Independent schools but can be used by Secondary schools if required. Schools should be aware that if such qualifications are not included in the QWS file they won’t contribute to the Performance Tables and must have zero point values and attributes in Manage PI.

It is advisable to first check if the QN is recognised as an Existing QN.

5. Select Add Existing QN.

6. Enter the QN, Title or Subject before clicking the Search button.

Tip – the % symbol can be used as a wildcard in the search. For example, to locate a specific GCSE, enter GCSE in the Title field before clicking the Search button to display a



list of GCSEs only. To further refine the search and identify the new reformed GCSEs for 9-1, enter GCSE%9 in the Title field before clicking the Search button.

All matching qualifications will be displayed. Alternatively, leave all the filters blank before clicking the Search button to display a list of the qualifications cloned from the previous exam season.

7. If the QN is found, highlight this and click OK.

8. The ‘Optionally select a QN with Similar Grade Details’ dialog could be displayed. This dialog enables you to select an existing similar qualification that has been entered, possibly with point values and equivalences that differ from the normal range. This is an optional step that enables you to utilise the point values and equivalences that have already been recorded against a similar qualification. See page 34 for more information.

9. Select the required qualification and click the OK button. The grade values from the existing qualification are cascaded to the new qualification, negating the need to enter the grade values manually.

10. Alternatively, click the Cancel button on the Optionally select a QN with Similar Grade Details dialog, and specify the qualification Basic Details and Performance Indicator information, and then modify the values of the Grade Details and equivalences to ensure they accurately reflect your requirements.

11. Once you have added the QN you can now view the Manage Performance Indicator Details page and proceed to page 21.

12. If the QN is not found as an Existing QN, click Cancel and proceed as follows.

13. Select Add New QN (only if the QN was not found in the Add Existing QN search)

14. Enter the QN and click Search in the same way as described in step 5 on the previous page.



15. Highlight the required QN and Click OK to view the Manage Performance Indicator Details page and now proceed to page 21.

It is now necessary to select the Performance Indicator parameters and Grade Details for the QN.

Gradeset

When adding some New or Existing QNs, if the selected QN is not associated with a Gradeset, you need to select the applicable one from the drop-down list. Where the selected QN is already associated with a Gradeset, the option to select a different one is not available.

If you have Basedata in Exams Organiser, the Gradeset can be found from within the Properties of the element for the award. Note, the Gradeset for all single GCSE (9-1) is JC 40. The Gradeset for GCSE Combined Science (9-1) is JC 41. If no basedata is present, we recommend checking first of all what grades are available for that QN using the Ofqual RRQ (Register of Regulated Qualifications) website found at the following link https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/

1. Enter the QN in the Containing search box (without slashes) and click the find icon.

2. Once the QN has been found click on the title of the matched qualification.

https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/



3. Scroll down to the Assessment section which will detail the Grading Scale for that qualification. In the example below, P/M/D/D*

4. Once you know the grading scale you can use the most recent JCQ Gradeset document, found at the following link https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/entries/awarding-body-gradesets Details of the worksheets contained within this file are as follows:

The Gradesets worksheet details all the available grades for every gradeset.

The Gradeset Listing worksheet details common quals for each Gradeset. Unfortunately, it does not cover every single type of qualification and is only a guide. It is vital to ensure that the Gradeset you choose has the correct available grades for each QN.

Checking and Modifying Performance Indicator Details

In the Basic Details panel, the QN and qualification Title are displayed.

In some cases there will be a Gradeset field which requires to be selected – please see previous section Gradeset if this is the case.

https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/entries/awarding-body-gradesets

https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/entries/awarding-body-gradesets

Performance Indicator Panel – Key Stage 4



In the Performance Indicator panel, the page is divided in half; the left-hand side of the page relates to the indicators for Key Stage 4 and the right-hand side of the page relates to the indicators at 16-18.

The Key Stage 4 section displays the details of the QN if it is an applicable qualification. If you have selected a 16-18 qualification from the Find Qualification for 2019 browser, the Key Stage 4 area remains blank unless the selected qualification is applicable to both Key Stage 4 and 16-18 cohorts (e.g. AS Level), in which case the respective details are displayed in both the Key Stage 4 section and the 16-18 section of the Performance Indicator panel.

Depending on the nature of the QN selected, various fields in either areas will become available and/or require completion.

Discount Code

Discount/QCA codes are specified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, and is the only standardised way of referencing subjects and is used by SIMS to categorise the elements by subject.

It is important to check that all qualifications in use in your school have been associated with the relevant Discount/QCA Code. This ensures that any discounting is applied correctly.

Some qualifications can be taken both in KS4 and at 16-18 and therefore have two different discount codes – both of which are valid but in different circumstances. This has led some to believe that the ‘original’ discount codes are out of date. This is not correct; there are in fact two different systems of discount codes in effect. The discount codes that apply to pre 16, i.e. KS4, performance tables were updated following the Wolf review of education but the discount codes that apply to 16-18 performance measures were not updated.

1. If a Discount/QCA Code is already associated with the QN, it is possible to Remove it by clicking the respective button on the right hand side. If a Discount Code is not associated with the QN or if you want to modify it or add an additional Discount Code to the QN details, click the Edit or Add button to display the Select Discount Code and Subject dialog.

2. When selecting Add or Edit Discount Code, enter the Discount Code (if known) or



the Subject and click the Search button. Alternatively, leave the search fields blank to display all the Discount Codes present in SIMS.

3. Highlight the Discount code and click the OK button to select.

Note: If Basedata is present in SIMS Exams Organiser, the Discount Code can be found in the Properties of the Certification Element linked to the Award.

Qualification Type

4. Once you have selected the required Discount Code(s), ensure that the relevant Qualification Type is selected from the drop-down list. This indicates the nature of the qualification, e.g. AS Level, Vocational qualification, etc. If adding an A Level, the Key Stage 4 Qualification Type defaults to Not Applicable.

EBacc Subject

5. If the Key Stage 4 qualification counts in the English Baccalaureate, it is imperative that the correct EBacc Subject check box is selected.

Note: Additional Science and Core Science no longer count in the EBacc. These subjects are now inactive and are coloured Red.

6. Proceed to page 32 for Modifying the Grade Details - Key Stage 4 and 16-18.


Performance Indicator Panel – 16-18



If you have selected a 16-18 qualification from the Find Qualification for 2019 browser, the Key Stage 4 area remains blank. If the selected qualification is applicable to both Key Stage 4 and 16-18 cohorts (e.g. AS Level), the respective details are displayed in both the Key Stage 4 section and the 16-18 section of the Performance Indicator panel.

It is important to check that all qualifications to be counted for your school have been associated with the relevant Discount Code. This ensures that any discounting is applied correctly.

Discount Code

Discount/QCA codes are specified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, and is the only standardised way of referencing subjects and is used by SIMS to categorise the elements by subject.

It is important to check that all qualifications in use in your school have been associated with the relevant Discount/QCA Code. This ensures that any discounting is applied correctly.

Some qualifications can be taken both in KS4 and at 16-18 and therefore have two different discount codes – both of which are valid but in different circumstances. This has led some to believe that the ‘original’ discount codes are out of date. This is not correct; there are in fact two different systems of discount codes in effect. The discount codes that apply to pre 16, i.e. KS4, performance tables were updated following the Wolf review of education but the discount codes that apply to 16-18 performance measures were not updated.

1. If a Discount Code is already associated with the QN, it is possible to Remove it by clicking the respective button. If a Discount Code is not associated with the QN or if you want to modify it or add an additional Discount Code to the QN details, click the Edit or Add button to display the Select Discount Code and Subject dialog.

2. When selecting Add or Edit Discount Code, enter the Discount Code (if known) or the Subject and click the Search button. Alternatively, leave the search fields blank to display all the Discount Codes present in SIMS.

3. Highlight the Discount code and click the OK button to select.



Selecting Discount Codes for AS, FSMQ and Level 2 Qualifications

For qualifications which can count in both KS4 and 16-18 Performance Tables, a pair of Discount Codes can now be assigned to one qualification for both cohorts. The following pop up will be presented when adding a Discount Code from either KS4 or 16-18 panel.

16-18 Discount Family

The Discounting Family is required for 16-18 qualifications only and describes the nature of the qualification; for example whether it is A Level, a Vocational qualification or an International Baccalaureate Diploma etc.

Qualifications in different discounting families do not discount against each other.

The available Discounting Families are as follows:

General

General Vocational

AEA

Vocationally Related

Free Standing Maths

Other General



Important Note: It is imperative that the Discount Family is accurately identified in Manage Performance Indicator for all 16-18 QNs– without a Discount Family the qualification will not be included in the Performance Indicator calculations for the 16 to 18 Cohort.

Capita have produced a short video explaining the new Discount Family data field. You can view this at the following link https://youtu.be/R6DBo3f4pEk

https://youtu.be/R6DBo3f4pEk



You can use the following DfE resource to ascertain which Discount Family to assign to a QN: Performance Points for Qualifications counting in the 16 to 18 performance tables 2019 found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores

The tabs found in this DfE document will help decide which Discount Family to ascribe. For example, a QN in the Pre Us’ sheet will be assigned the General Family. However, please bear in mind the following:

The ‘A Level’ and ‘AS Level’ sheets also contain some Applied qualifications so it needs to be determined if a QN is General or General Vocational from the sub headings within the sheet

QNs found in the ‘Other Qualifications L2’ and ‘Other Qualifications L3’ worksheets within the Performance Points spreadsheet are VRQ qualifications and are therefore a member of the Vocationally Related discounting family

QNs found in the ‘Other General Qualifications’ worksheet within the Performance Points spreadsheet are a member of the ‘Other General’ discount family

Exception Discounting as explained in the DfE document 16 to 18 Discounting Guidance 2018 still needs to be managed in Edit PI – see our document DMS031 Exam Results Survival Guide 2019 for more information on this

Qualification Type

Once you have selected the required Discount Code(s), ensure that the relevant Qualification Type is selected from the drop-down list in the Key Stage 4 panel. This indicates the nature of the qualification. If adding an A Level, the Key Stage 4 Qualification Type defaults to Not Applicable.

EBacc Subject

If the qualification counts in the English Baccalaureate at KS4 (as is the case with some AS Levels), ensure that the correct EBacc Subject check box is selected in the Key Stage 4 panel. Note: Additional Science and Core Science no longer count in the EBacc. These subjects are inactive and are coloured Red.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores




16–18 Categories

The qualification type is indicated by the Counts in the following categories check boxes. The majority of categories may have already been determined. However, some qualification types need to be manually identified.

This must be carefully checked for accuracy before saving. It is possible to select other categories by selecting the relevant check box, if required.

If the qualification counts towards the Technical Baccalaureate, ensure that the correct Tech Level and Tech Bacc check box is selected.

Level 2 Vocational - all qualifications which count in this category will need to be updated as such. See overleaf for more information on recording Level 2 Technical Certificates. If the Qualification is an AS Level, tick this box if not ticked by default.


16 - 18 Level 2 Technical Certificates



Technical certificates are rigorous intermediate (level 2) technical qualifications recognised by employers. They are for students aged 16+ and provide post-16 students with the knowledge and skills they need for skilled employment or for further technical study.

The list of Level 2 Technical Certificates can be found on the DfE website. The 16-18 Performance Points and GCSE Size for Level 2 Technical Certificates can also be found using the links on the Appendix at the end of this document.

Please follow the steps below to record a Level 2 Technical certificate in Manage Performance Indicator for 2019.

1. In the Performance Indicator panel, select Qualification Type as Not Applicable on the Key Stage 4 side on the left. It is vital that this is selected first in order to avoid receiving an error at the bottom of the screen.

2. Now from the Performance Indicator panel, tick Level 2 Technical Certificate and the Level 2 Vocational on the 16-18 side on the right.

3. Ensure that Discount Codes is mapped for 16-18. If there is not a Discount Code click Add adjacent to the 16-18 Discount Code panel. Search for and select the appropriate Discount Code and click OK once selected.

4. Select the Discounting Family - Level 2 Technical Certificates are Vocationally Related.



5. Select the Grade Details panel. Enter the 16-18 Points and KS4 Size Equivalence as per the DfE Performance Points for 2019.

6. Click Save.

The example below shows KS4 Size Equivalence of 2 together with appropriate points for 2019.


Modifying the Grade Details - Key Stage 4 and 16-18



It is necessary to amend the equivalencies for the qualifications in use so that they accurately reflect the values for the forthcoming PI season and thus enable SIMS to calculate accurate Performance Indicator data for 2019. Where equivalencies at Key Stage 4 display a value of 2, these must be manually amended to a value of 1. It may also be necessary to amend the performance points allocated to a qualification for the forthcoming summer season.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes made to grade details, points and equivalencies are not validated so extreme care must be taken to ensure that changes accurately reflect the DfE guidelines.

If you have several QNs which are similar e.g. new GCSE (9-1), there is new functionality to bulk update Grade Details (Points and Equivalencies) for all similar QNs. Please see section Updating Grade Details for Similar QNs on page 34.

1. In the Grade Details panel, ensure that you are modifying the correct performance points for Key Stage 4 or 16-18 by clicking in the relevant side of the points table.

2. Enter the latest points and equivalencies, in keeping with the applicable DfE guidelines.

KS4 16 to 18

KS4 Points

KS4 Size Equivalence

KS4 Std Pass Equivalence

16-18 Points

16-18 Size Equivalence

3. Once you have checked and entered all the relevant details click Save.

4. Use the Next arrow to scroll to the next record.

The sample graphic below is an example of a single reformed GCSE (9-1).



The sample below is an example of an AS Level qualification. As some AS qualifications can count at KS4 as well as 16-18, notice the Key Stage 4 and 16-18 Performance Points have been updated in line with 2019 Performance Points.

It is important to realise that any KS4 students with results for this qualification in the Summer 2019 PI season will have the correct points and equivalencies taken into account for the PI calculations.

Updating Grade Details for Similar QNs



There is functionality to update the Grade Details for similar qualifications.

For example, if you have updated one of the GCSE (9-1) qualifications to reflect the new point values and equivalencies but now want to update the remaining GCSE (9-1) qualifications, it is possible to identify any single GCSE (9-1) with the new point values and equivalencies and collectively update the grade details for a number of similar qualifications – in this case all other GCSE (9-1) QNs.

Note: This functionality applies to all Similar QNs and is not restricted to GCSEs.

1. Once all the QNs have been added in Manage Performance Indicator area in readiness for 2019, select one of the QNs and edit the points and equivalencies as described on page 32.

2. Click the Update Grade Details for Similar QNs button.

3. If any similar QNs are found which currently have different points and equivalencies, these will be listed in a popup such as the image below.

4. You can Select All or Deselect All or select individual QNs using the check boxes.

5. Click Update once happy that the QNs selected will be updated with the values from the selected QN.



6. You will receive a pop up message advising that Grade Details have been updated for (n) QN(s).

7. Click OK.

If you click the Update Grade Details for Similar QNs button and no similar QNs are found which need to be updated, you will receive the message below in the bottom left hand side of the screen.

This can be inferred that any similar QNs already have the same grade points and equivalencies as the one selected.

Note: The Update Grade Details for Similar QNs functionality will only update the Grade Details. Any other attributes in the Performance Indicator panel will not be updated and these should be maintained for each QN individually.

Discount/QCA Codes


Discount/QCA Codes

QNs with Multiple Discount Codes

A qualification is assigned a discount code on the basis of the subject area it covers. The purpose of a discount code is to group qualifications with similar content together and compare them to the other qualifications with that code. Where a pupil has more than one qualification in the same subject with the same discount code, only the first one counts.

QNs can therefore have multiple Discount Codes. This is due to the variety of subject areas within a Subject for example, the Subject Art & Design includes a variety of subject areas including Graphics; Photography; Fine Art, Textiles etc. The QN is the same but the Discount Code specifies the particular subject type for each result.

The image shown below details an example of this.

You can use the following resources to check the Discount Codes for each QN:

A full list of pre 16 discount codes for approved qualifications can be found on the DfE website.

For Post 16 Discount codes, or non-approved KS4 quals, you can filter within the Current QAN.csv file from the QWS QAN website (see section Download Generic QAN Data on page 4)

As you can see from the example above, some qualifications have multiple discount codes at Key Stage 4. It is acceptable to leave these as they are linked to the 16-18 Discount codes. Removing one duplicate from Key Stage 4 will remove the corresponding 16-18 Discount Code.


Discount/QCA Codes


Changes to QCA Codes

The discount code for some qualifications has been reviewed by the DfE for the 2019 list and therefore some discount codes for 2019 have changed. (In these circumstances the discount code for such qualifications for years up to and including 2018 have not changed) We will explain below how you can check which qualifications are affected by a change of Discount Code for 2019. If the Discount Code has changed, this will need to be updated in SIMS via Tools > Examinations > Manage Performance Indicator.

Key Stage 4 Discount Code Changes

Look at the DfE spreadsheet, Key Stage 4 Qualifications and Discount Codes 2014 to 2021 performance tables found at the link below https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-4-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores

1. Go to the 2019 worksheet The following 2 footnotes can be found at the bottom of the KS4 2019 worksheet: 1 Please note that this qualification will also count when an appropriate

larger BTEC qualification is taken 2 The discount code for this qualification has been reviewed for the 2019 list,

and the discount code for 2019 has changed. The discount code for this qualification for years up to and including 2018 will not be changed.

2. Click on the Filter at the top of the Footnotes column (column J) 3. Untick Select All 4. Tick 1, 2 and 1,2. These qualifications (see column B for Qualification numbers), if

you have them in Manage Performance Indicator for 2019, require a change in Discount Code (column F). See page 25 for managing Discount Codes

16-18 Discount Code Changes

Look at the DfE spreadsheet, 16-18 Qualifications and Discount Codes 2018 to 2021 performance tables found at the link below https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores

1. Go to the 2019 worksheet The following 2 footnotes can be found at the bottom of the KS4 2019 worksheet:

1 The discount code for this qualification has been reviewed for the 2019 list, and the discount code for 2019 has changed. The discount code for this qualification for years up to and including 2018 will not be changed.

2 The discount code for this qualification has been reviewed for the 2020 list, and the discount code for 2020 has changed. The discount code for this qualification for years up to and including 2019 will not be changed.

2. Click on the Filter at the top of the Footnotes column (column H) 3. Untick Select All 4. Tick 1. These qualifications (see column B for Qualification numbers), if you have

them in Manage Performance Indicator for 2019, require a change in Discount Code (column F). See page 25 for managing Discount Codes

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-4-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores




Key Stage 4 Level 1/Level 2 BTECs


Key Stage 4 Level 1/Level 2 BTECs

The only size of Level 1/Level 2 BTEC First that is eligible for Key Stage 4 performance measures is the Award (equivalent in size to 1 GCSE).

However, if any student achieves a Level 1/Level 2 BTEC First in a larger size (Certificate, Diploma or Extended Certificate), which is not included on the List, but has met the eligibility criteria for the First Award, which is on the list, the awarding body will automatically certificate the Award size.

The awarding body will automatically recognise learners who fulfil all the criteria, and issue an Award result alongside the larger result.

Look at the DfE spreadsheet, Key Stage 4 Qualifications and Discount Codes 2014 to 2021 performance tables found at the link below https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-4-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores

1. Go to the BTECs worksheet and note the columns below:

Columns A & B - LARGE QUALIFICATION (Pupil automatically credited corresponding smaller qualification in KS4 PTs)

Columns C & D - SMALL QUALIFICATION (Pupil credited with this in KS4 PTs if they take the corresponding modules in the larger qualification)

Column E - First year smaller qualification counts

Column F - Last year smaller qualification counts For further information on smaller qualifications counting when a larger qualification is taken please see Pearson's website at: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html You must ensure that for any larger qualifications your KS4 pupils will complete, both the large and small qualifications exist in Manage Performance Indicator with appropriate equivalents and point scores (larger qualifications do not count at KS4 so will have zero point scores and zero equivalencies). See Appendix A for the link to KS4 Discount codes and point scores.



https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html

Known Issues/Patches


Known Issues/Patches

Partial Equivalencies

There is a known issue in SIMS with the equivalencies of some 16-18 QNs not displaying correctly. Issue The equivalencies of some 16-18 QNs are not displaying correctly on the Manage Performance Indicator screen. Solution This happens mostly where the QN has a partial equivalence, examples of these are Free Standing Maths Qualification QN 10055800 which displays as 0.16 in SIMS and should be 0.17. Another example, BTEC QN 6004083X displaying as 0.74 and should be 0.75. As part of the routine checking and maintain of QNs, schools should ensure that the values in Manage Performance Indicator screen are correct as per the DfE published Performance Points and update where required.

QN Correlation Report



This report enables identification of missing qualifications for which there are examination entries/results.

Tools > Examinations > QN Correlation Report

Running and analysing this report ensures that any missing QNs for which an entry/result exists can be entered retrospectively into Manage Performance Indicator for 2019. It is advisable to run this after all QNs have been cloned/maintained for 2019.

1. In SIMS go to Tools > Examinations > QN Correlation Report

2. You have 2 options when running this report –

With User Defined QNs (see note below)

Without User Defined QNs

Note: It is possible to record previously unknown QNs in SIMS. These User Defined QNs are likely to be but not limited to iGCSE qualifications which are not included in the QWS files. This functionality is predominantly for Independent schools but can be used by Secondary schools if required. Schools should be aware that if such qualifications are not included in the QWS file they won’t contribute to the Performance Tables and must have zero point values and attributes in Manage PI.

3. Choose Without User Defined QNs.



The QN Correlation Report for MPI Qualifications 2019 will break down into 2 sections as follows.

Missing PI QNs where Exam Entries or Results exist for Students for MPI Qualifications 2019

This report displays any missing QNs that were used in a previous exam season where entries and results exist for 2019. Helpfully, this report details the Gradeset (for entries/results with associated basedata) which may aid adding the QN in MPI.

It will also report QNs where Non-EDI results exist in a previous season.

Suggested Action: Add the QN(s) in MPI (Manage Performance Indicator) for 2019. See Add New or Existing QNs on page 17 .

PI QNs where no relevant Exam Entries or Results exist for Students for MPI Qualifications 2019

This report displays any QNs in MPI 2019 which do not have any exam entries or results.

Suggested Action: None required. You can choose to delete the QN(s) if required. However, bear in mind that the QNs listed are in MPI for 2019 but no corresponding entry or result is present. This may be due to results for non-EDI results not yet being added in Edit PI. We recommend you check this section of the QN Correlation report AFTER import/addition of Summer 2019 Exam Results in August 2019.

What to expect if not using SIMS to Manage Performance Indicators


What to expect if not using SIMS to Manage Performance Indicators

This document has been created as an aid for schools and academies who wish to use SIMS to calculate Performance Indicator data after Results have been imported/entered for the Summer exam season.

If schools/academies decide not to use SIMS for this and instead use a third party process, we have listed below areas affected by not maintaining QN data in SIMS.

The Certification Broadsheet (produced from SIMS > Exams Organiser > Reports > Certification Broadsheet) has a column 'Entries' - this is taken from the entry equivalence in Manage Performance Indicator so QNs with no Equivalence or missing from Manage Performance Indicator area will have zero equivalence and not count as an entry.

When adding Non-EDI results (results for qualifications where no basedata exists), the qualification won't be recognised if not present in Manage Performance Indicator therefore the following fields will need to be manually selected – Subject/Level/Awarding Body.

The Candidate Statement of Results (produced from SIMS > Exams Organiser > Reports > Candidate Statement of Results) will show zero points. However, bear in mind that the points are not relevant to the student.

The Group Performance Analysis Report (produced from SIMS > Exams Organiser > Reports > Group Performance Analysis) will not include results for QNs not present in Manage Performance Indicator.

Course Manager (SIMS > Academic Management > Course Manager) won't be able to display best results where the student has more than one result for the award(s) linked to the course as this relies on comparing points.

APPENDIX A – Resources for obtaining QN Data


APPENDIX A – Resources for obtaining QN Data Data Source Document Notes

JCQ Gradesets http://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/entries/awarding-body-gradesets Awarding body Gradesets 2018/2019.

See the Gradeset Listing tab

KS4 Qualifications & Disc Codes

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-4-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores Key Stage 4 Qualifications and Discount Codes: 2014 to 2021 Performance Tables

KS4 Point Scores & Equivalencies

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-4-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores Performance Points for Qualifications counting in the 2019 Key Stage 4 Performance Tables

KS4 EBacc qualifications

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-baccalaureate-eligible-qualifications Key stage 4 qualifications counting in the English Baccalaureate

16-18 Qualifications & Disc Codes

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores 16-to-18 Qualifications and Discount Codes: 2018 to 2021 Performance Tables

16-18 Point Scores & Equivalencies

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores Performance Points for Qualifications counting in the 16 to 18 Performance Tables 2019

Facilitating subjects

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-accountability-headline-measures-technical-guide 16-18 Accountability Headline Measures Technical Guide – see Annex I

Discounting Family

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/762089/2018_16_to_18_Discounting_Guidance.pdf

16 to 18 performance tables – see Annex A

Technical & Vocational Qualifications

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2019-performance-tables-technical-and-vocational-qualifications

Technical Awards; Technical Certificates; Tech Levels; Applied General Qualifications

16-18 Categories

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-accountability-headline-measures-technical-guide 16-18 Accountability Headline Measures Technical Guide

Extended Project

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores Performance Points for Qualifications counting in the 16 to 18 Performance Tables 2019 (See Extended Project tab)

Level 3 Maths Qualifications

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-accountability-headline-measures-technical-guide 16-18 Accountability Headline Measures Technical Guide - See Annex J

A & AS Level combined Qualifications

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores Performance Points for Qualifications counting in the 16 to 18 Performance Tables 2019 (See A_Level_AS_Level_Combined tab)

http://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/entries/awarding-body-gradesets



https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-baccalaureate-eligible-qualifications



https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-accountability-headline-measures-technical-guide

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/762089/2018_16_to_18_Discounting_Guidance.pdf







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