The following grid outlines the AQA approval process for our new specifications. We are keen to learn lessons for resourcing future specifications, so ask reviewers for input once the process is complete. Approval process stages Approval format Activity Managed by Initial stage 1 Various Publishers identified AQA Publishing Business Delivery Leader with input from colleagues Initial stage 2 F2F visit with publisher/email if already met Initial notification of new specification AQA Publishing Business Delivery Leader Initial stage 3 Email Expression of interest Publisher Initial stage 4 Emails/post Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) agreed and signed Publisher and AQA Publishing Business Delivery Leader Initial stage 5 Various Reviewer recruited and contracts signed Qualifications Developer
Publisher selection stage 1 Emails Publisher information form supplied by AQA providing basic information about the new specification AQA Publishing Business Delivery Leader; Qualifications Developer (QD) to complete form Publisher selection stage 2 Proposal Publishing proposal developed and submitted to AQA for the publisher selection meeting Publisher Publisher selection stage 3 Publisher selection forms Publisher selection forms completed by all attendees in advance of the meeting AQA Publishing Business Delivery Leader with colleagues in the General Qualifications Division; Reviewer Publisher selection stage 4 Meeting Publisher selection meeting held. More than one meeting may be required, and publishers may be asked to submit additional material for clarification. Two or three publishers are selected who best meet our criteria. AQA Publishing Delivery Leader with colleagues in the General Qualifications Division; Reviewer Publisher selection stage 5 Publisher selection forms Final version of the publisher selection form completed. NB One form per publisher per specification. Specifications can be combined on one form if applicable Qualification Developer Publisher selection stage 6 Email confirmation Rejection or entrance to the AQA approval process AQA Publishing Business Delivery Leader Review stage 0 F2F meeting GQD/Publisher introductory meetings. Publisher, AQA Publishing Business
Meetings with each publisher for each spec (or related specs) Delivery Leader , QD and Reviewer Review 1 Approval form Review of concept (Content then developed by publisher) Reviewer Resource Co-ordinator, Publisher* Review stage 2 Approval form Review of manuscript Reviewer Resource Co-ordinator and Publisher* Review stage 3 Approval form Review of 1st set of page proofs Reviewer Resource Co-ordinator and Publisher* Review stage 4 Approval form Review of 2nd set of page proofs Reviewer Resource Co-ordinator and Publisher* Review stage 5 Review of 3rd set of proofs (NB only if required) Reviewer Resource Co-ordinator and Publisher*
Appendix 1 – Overview of approval process for reviewers Publisher selection Once recruited, reviewers will be asked to read the publisher proposals that we have received for each specification. At the same time, they must complete a Publisher selection form for each publisher and for each specification. On occasion we may choose to group two specifications together on the same form (e.g. A-level English Literature A and B). Reviewers must submit their completed forms in advance of the publisher selection meetings. We often ask reviewers to attend these meetings in person. Stage 0 – GQD/publisher introductory meeting(s) Reviewers must attend the GQD/publisher introductory meeting(s) which are held once the publishers are selected. Here the AQA Qualification Manager or Developer will share their vision for the specification in more detail with the Publisher. The Publishers will in turn discuss their proposal in more detail and highlight any updates. Stage 1 – Concept plans At Stage 1, reviewers receive the electronic Approval form from the AQA Resource Co-ordinator and the electronic (or printed) Concept plan from the Publisher to review. Reviewers must: check that they have received the correct Concept plan check the Concept plan carefully – this should involve both a thorough read-through, and specifically reading against the Stage 1 Approval form complete Stage 1 of the electronic Approval form, providing specific examples to support their comments return the entire Approval form and Concept plans to the Resource Co-ordinator at AQA either electronically via Secure email or in the AQA envelopes which will be provided keep copies of the completed Approval form and the Concept Plan so that they can refer to them at Stage 2.