F. Marking Schemes

F.1 Model Solutions

Those setting questions are asked to provide complete model solutions worthy of full marks, carefully annotated so as to indicate what is considered bookwork, what has been seen before on problem sheets and what is considered to be new and unseen, and with a draft marking scheme for the approval of the examiners; the solution, with additional comments, should also make clear how much of the question is accessible to less strong candidates.

Those setting questions should be aware that solutions may be released to students in the future.

F.2 Aims of Marking Schemes

Marking schemes for the questions should aim to ensure that the following qualitative criteria hold:

16--20 marks: A completely, or almost completely, correct answer, showing excellent understanding of the concepts and skill in carrying through the arguments and/or calculations; minor slips or omissions only.
11--15 marks: A good though not complete answer, showing understanding of the concepts and competence in handling the arguments and/or calculations, and some evidence of problem-solving ability. Such an answer might consist of an excellent answer to a substantial part of the question, or a good answer to the whole question which nevertheless shows some flaws in calculation or in understanding or in both.
6--10 marks: Standard material has been substantially and correctly answered with some possible minor progress on to other parts of the question.
0--5 marks: Some progress has been made with elementary, accessible material.

Assessors should classify the parts of each question under the headings: 

B: bookwork/routine material: either explicitly seen before, or easily synthesized from such.
S: similar to material seen before.
N: new, demanding good command of concepts and/or methods.

F.3 Approval of Marking Schemes

The marking schemes are approved by the examiners alongside the papers. Minor edits may be made during the setting and checking process in consultation with the setter.

F.4 Review by External Examiners

The external examiner should be consulted according to the agreed timetable, and provided with stable draft papers; they should be provided with full annotated solutions indicating what is bookwork and standard material, and with the proposed marking scheme. Comments from the external examiner on each paper will be sent to the relevant setters. The examiners should not finalise any paper without taking into account the comments of the external examiner. The external examiner should be kept informed of any action taken as a result of their suggestion.