Regulating science V Levels at subject level

In our consultation Regulating on-screen assessment in GCSEs, AS and A levels in England, we defined on-screen assessment (OSA) as follows: 

“On-screen assessment means students take their exams using digital devices, such as a computer, instead of writing their answers on paper. The questions appear on the screen, and students type or select their responses, which are then submitted electronically. On-screen assessment includes both online and offline (or hybrid) approaches to digital exams. It doesn’t necessarily require an internet connection during the exam.” 

In the analysis and decisions of our consultation Regulating post-16 vocational and technical qualifications at levels 2 and 3, we said that we would permit the use of on-screen assessment in Non-exam Assessment (NEA) across all subjects, as consulted on. We also said that we would permit the use of on-screen assessment in Assessment by Examination (AbE) in V Levels in digital systems and data, and in accounting and finance, but not in the V Level in education.  

Additionally, we confirmed that where awarding organisations choose to offer both paper-based and on-screen assessment in the first tranche of V Levels, we would not require separate specifications or substantially different assessment materials for each mode at this point. 

We also said that we intended to consult on our longer-term regulatory approach for on-screen assessment in V Levels in due course. We are now seeking views on the approach to tranche 2 V Level subjects as part of this consultation.