National Council for the Training of Journalists

Essential Public Affairs

Workshop

May 2014

welcome and introductions

Helen Condronhead of examinations, NCTJ

Karen DugdaleNCTJ public affairs board member & lecturer at City College Brighton

Ken EatonNCTJ public affairs board member

& lecturer at Harlow College

exam administration

exams calendar 2014-15

Essential Public Affairs exams will take place on Fridays in 2014-15

Essential Public Affairs exams start at 2pm

the aims

to review the revised syllabus and new format assessment

what markers should be looking for when marking the exam

the programme of study

50 guided learning hours up-to-date and relevant - less focus on detail emphasis on practical application of PA knowledge Four study units:

Controlling power Holding government to account Controlling money Key services

the programme of study

Subjects removed:

Utilities Business and industry Highways and transport Ministry of justice Environmental health and licensing Home Office and trading standards Libraries and leisure

the programme of study

Depth of knowledge required:

Explain

Outline

Recognise/be aware of

the exam

exam – one hour and 45 minutes

150 marks in total

Eight compulsory questions – no sections

6 x 20 mark questions

2 x 15 marks questions; (each with a choice of three from five 5 mark questions)

Essential public affairs

No longer a requirement for a compulsory PA news feature in the e-portfolio

tutor resources

three new format sample exams and marking guides

guidance note for tutors

POS 2013-14

PA board welcomes comments and questions from tutors

the marking

exams marked by centre-based PA tutors marks must be submitted to the NCTJ within 2 weeks of

the exam moderated by NCTJ examiners moderation will be completed within 2 weeks unless

there are issues/concerns the NCTJ aims to issue results to centres within 4

weeks centres must distribute confirmed results to candidates candidates can access results in the student logon area

sample marking exercise

Led by

Karen Dugdale, PA exam board member

Ken Eaton, PA exam board member

Essential public affairs

Open Forum