Burgess Consultation
Consultation on Measuring and Recording Student Achievement from the “Burgess Group”
The “Burgess Group” (formally called the Measuring and Recording Student Achievement Steering Group chaired by Professor Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester) issued two important consultation papers on Thursday 29th September 2005, both of which will be of interest to student union officers and students.
1. The UK Honours Degree: Provision of Information
This considers alternatives to the current degree classification and proposes a new three point scale: pass, fail, and distinction. Distinction would be reserved for work of the very highest standard, which might mean – for example – the top 5% of the relevant cohort within that institution. This approach would be combined with the HE transcript which detailed students’ academic marks more explicitly as they progress through their higher education experience. For a quick guide to the list of seven questions in this consultation please refer to page 12 of the paper.
2. Proposals for National Credit Arrangements for the use of Academic Credit in Higher Education in England
This outlines the principles that would underpin the development of a more coherent credit framework for England. Many higher education institutions (HEIs) in England already use credit. Wales and Scotland already have their own Credit and Qualifications Frameworks. However, some HEIs in England do not currently use credit, and amongst those that do their practice varies. The Burgess Group feels that common arrangements for the application of credit is important in providing support for student progression into and within higher education and in encouraging a focus on lifelong learning. . For a quick guide to the list of eight questions in this consultation please refer to page 12 of the paper.
- Responses are invited from institutions across the UK. The responses to the consultation will inform and direct the future work of the Burgess Steering Group.
- Consultation closes on Friday 18 November 2005.
- NUS would be glad to hear your comments and receive your responses (if you choose to make one). If you could send these to education@nus.org.uk
- More detailed proposals from the Burgess group will be issued for consultation in February 2006 with a final report to be issued later in 2006.
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