Discussion assessment info. and preparation

Hello all,

Just a quick note to say that if you have a laptop, ipad etc., please bring it to the Communication class on Thursday so you can each do some research.

We will use that session to assemble into four groups for the first assessment and look at possible discussion topics. There are different ways in which we can do this and I will make some suggestions on the day.


Last year the topics chosen were transgender issues, two groups looked at euthanasia and the final group discussed the subject of abortion.

In years before that, smacking of children, cosmetic /plastic surgery and the state of the NHS have been discussion topics of choice.

There will be three groups of six and one group of seven as we have a very healthy 25 learners in the class which is fantastic.

This assessment is straightforward but requires some research, organization and clarification. You also need to bring to your assessment any notes you have used (can be printouts from the Internet, typed up, handwritten, cue cards, whatever suits you). This evidence will go into your respective student folders for my keeping.

As per our weekly plan of classes the first assessment will happen on the 4th and 11th October 2018.

One group will come at 13.50 on 4/10 and another group at 14.40 on 11/10. The following week will see the remaining students come to do their assessment at 13.50 and 14.40 pm respectively.


You only attend the assessment slot. This will be agreed and set in stone at the start of the class this Thursday.

I will give you some advice on how we can organize the groups in the session on 27th September.

This is arguably the most straightforward (students in the past would certainly agree) of the eight assessments we will do and the feedback is traditionally pretty positive.

I look forward to seeing you all, and please read the brief I gave you out when we last met as a class, which explains the assessment clearly and we can take things from there.

Anybody who doesn't have a laptop, access to a phone, tablet on the day will be able to pop over to the library to conduct some research around 14.30 or so, ensuring everybody will be able to access information and won't be disadvantaged.


In an ideal world, you will come to class and already be in four groups with an agreed topic! Failing that, there are a number of was we can assemble into groups (as noted in the assessment brief).


Just to clarify then, the discussion has the purpose of exploring ideas in a relevant academic or vocational context. Since each contributor must make a significant contribution to the discussion, it may be helpful to clarify responsibility for certain aspects of the discussion in advance. This is of course dependent on which topic each group chooses to discuss.


The criteria against which you will each be assessed is noted on the assessment brief.


All the best,


Mark