Switching between benchmarks Connect - ENGLAND ONLY, KS4 & 5
The following article is designed for colleagues taking Alps analysis in England only.
Following the first year
of examination results after a two-year gap, we have analysed the 2022 results
data received from schools and colleges using Alps at both A level and Key Stage 4.
In both cases we have been able to generate new benchmarks for A level and for GCSE qualifications. We are
referring to this benchmark as the 'Alps client benchmark'.
Summary for A level:
Analysis of the Alps client benchmark shows that most schools and colleges would remain on the same QI grade, with those nearer to a grade boundary potentially dropping by an Alps grade. Similarly at subject level, there may be some minor fluctuation in subject grades, but usually by only one Alps grade.
Summary for GCSE:
Analysis of the Alps
client benchmark has shown that there is the potential for a degree of
fluctuation in your value-added analysis when comparing this client benchmark
to the 2019 DfE benchmark. Subject standards vary considerably in the 2022
outcomes and consequently in the VA analysis at subject level. This is especially
true when applying a prior attainment performance group comparison, students
with high, middle and low KS2 baseline scores.
Opportunity to switch or toggle your benchmark
Given the unique nature
of the outcomes in 2022,
we were keen to provide colleagues with the opportunity to use the 2022
Alps client benchmark within the Connect platform. We have developed a
benchmark toggle within the platform to allow you to view your 2022 examination gradepoint using this
'client' benchmark.
Educational context - implications of toggling the benchmark
We would encourage you to watch this video prior to toggling your benchmark. The video contains information on the subset of data covered by the benchmark, the gradepoints in Connect affected by the client data and gaps in subject coverage.
How do I switch my benchmark
The video below outlines the steps you should take to allow users to switch benchmarks in Connect.
In summary
1. As an Admin user in Connect you will be able to give other user rights to toggle the benchmark
a. Click into Manage Users
b. Note new column headed 'Client benchmark switching'
c. Click on edit user in final column.
2. On user page, scroll to bottom and toggle the Client benchmark button and SAVE
3. User will now have the ability to switch benchmark. They should click on the Analysis Settings in the Homepage menu.
a. Click on the Client Benchmarks menu
b. Read the information carefully. This is covered in the Educational context video above
c. Scroll to bottom of page and slide benchmark toggle and SAVE.
4. The user will now be viewing Connect using the 2022 client benchmark. There is a cautionary banner to this effect at the top of their screen.
5. This switch will be applied to the whole of Connect and will persist until users either
a. Switches benchmark toggle back to 2019 OR
b. Signs out of Connect, at which point the benchmark will default back to the 2019 version.
Related Articles
A Level and AS Level Benchmarks KS5 England
Benchmarks have stayed the same for 2021/22, due to the teacher assessed grades. We use national data provided by the DfE to calculate our full suite of benchmark scores. All the explanation pages and 2019 benchmarks for KS4 and KS5 can be found in ...Subject Benchmarks
We can benchmark many subjects, however for some there is insufficient national data available from the DfE for this to be possible. This can be because the subject is new or due to low numbers of students taking a course nationally. Where a subject ...Switching on Fine Grades
To use Fine Grades within your Monitoring Data please follow the steps below: Switch on fine grades in Connect Data Add the appropriate suffixes – tell Connect Data which symbols / letters / numbers you are going to use for fine grades. Please see ...Comparing outcomes to Personalised Targets on the Student Analysis Overview
By default, the Student Analysis Overview page allows you to compare the grades for any Gradepoint against the MEGs at a cohort level. The colours of the subject lozenges for each student give a visual guide as to whether students are above, on or ...Producing consortium monitoring analysis in Connect
This article provides guidance on how to view and analyse your consortium monitoring data if the Roll and Taught at columns have been populated in Connect Data. Article relevant to: Country England, Wales, Northern Ireland, International Schools ...