Study on the development of the grade descriptors for the Hong Kong certificate of education examination in English language

Jenny Bradshaw, Julie Sewell, Sam Prince, Tracey Reynolds and Frances Brill

Client: Education and Manpower Bureau, Hong Kong | NFER Contact: Jenny Bradshaw

Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) is a public examination, mainly taken by students who finish Secondary Five at the age of 16, and is administered by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). The HKCE English Language examination, which is a compulsory subject for mainstream school students, currently has two versions, one of which was traditionally for English-medium students, and the other for Chinese-medium students. The examination is being revised so that there will be one examination covering the whole range of performance. Students’ results will be reported by level against grade descriptors, rather than norm-referenced as at present.

Key findings

This project developed recommendations for the grading structure for the revised HKCE English Language Examination, and produced grade descriptors for the various language skills and examination papers included in the assessment.

Conclusions/recommendations

The outcomes from this project will form the basis of further consultation with stakeholders and continued development of the assessment procedures.

About the study

A major aim of the project was to develop the grade descriptors to be used for the revised HKCE English Language examination. This included recommendation of the number of grades necessary for coverage of the full range of expected performance. The equivalence between the grade descriptors and other internationally recognised standards was explored. A prototype examination paper, produced by HKEAA, was analysed to evaluate its coverage and suitability. Advice on the implementation of a school-based assessment component was also prepared.

Development of the grade descriptors was based on analysis of the learning outcomes and content of the English Language syllabus, along with analysis of other materials such as past examination papers and samples of students’ work. The grade descriptors were refined following consultation with teachers and other educational stakeholders.

Publication and dissemination

The outcomes were confidential to the sponsor. Further consultation and development is taking place in Hong Kong, led by the Education and Manpower Bureau and Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.

Timescale: November 2003 - July 2004

NFER Project Code: HKC