Our Assurance team facilitated BCATS cluster moderation workshops in Napier on 10-11 June.  These are our second lot of cluster events this year, following the hugely successful Hamilton workshops in March.

Any BCATS workshop provides an opportunity for teachers/tutors to come together to peer review assessment samples, share ideas, and discuss best practice. And, the Napier ones were no different.  Discussions centered around BCATS project complexity, assessment processes and judgements, and the status of BCATS skill standards.

A total of 14 schools and three Private Training Establishments (PTEs) from Gisborne and Hawkes Bay regions attended, bringing assessment evidence from a range of Level 1, 2 and 3 BCATS unit standards.  Peer review findings were shared across the wider group – an approach that always generates further discussion, sharing ideas and professional insight.  Discussions kicked up a notch this time, thanks to having our PTE friends there. This was the first occasion where PTEs have been jointly involved with schools – a practice we will look to continue, wherever possible.

Each organisation received a moderation report following the event, outlining peer review findings and recommendations where relevant.

Cluster moderation workshops continue to be a valuable opportunity for teachers and tutors to connect, collaborate and receive constructive feedback.  The value of these events was reflected in attendee feedback:

“Having time to talk with other providers and schools was extremely valuable.”

“Very valuable and great to share ideas with other like minded professionals.”

“After today I have a better grasp of what’s required.”

“Good to see what/how others are doing.”

“These days are priceless as a teacher. Please continue them.”

A special thanks to Havelock North High School and Napier Boys High School for bringing along project ideas to share with the group – your contributions helped make the event a success.