Study pack 2013

[dorothy.pipet]

I have finally received the study pack DVD, intending to take Module 3 this year. Under "practical guidance" for Mod 3 it says:

There are two parts of the exam paper. Part A requires candidates to give full interlocking and controls for selected signalled routes and selected points. ... Candidates have to choose between either answering all of part A and one question from part B or answering three questions from part B. ... From 2004, one of the part B questions covers aspect sequences.
Candidates will be provided with blank A3 sheets that may be used for part A of the paper. A photocopier will be available in the examination room to allow candidates to produce blank control tables and then copy them as required.

My understanding was that this information was superceeded a few years ago. Is it correct or is this another example of IRSE HQ not quite getting it right?

I'm confused.

[Peter]

That certainly sounds different to the information that was given to govern the exam last year.This post quoted the notes to invigilators from 2012 and this was reflected on the 2012 paper for module 3. It sounds as though that section of the pack has not been updated. Drop them a note to ask.

[PJW]

That certainly sounds different to the information that was given to govern the exam last year.This post quoted the notes to invigilators from 2012 and this was reflected on the 2012 paper for module 3. It sounds as though that section of the pack has not been updated. Drop them a note to ask.

I am disappointed, but actually not at all surprised, by Dorothy's finding; evidence of a systematic failure to update the Packs which is what makes the very late availability even more unacceptable. This is valuable information for me to take to the forthcoming meeting relating to the future of the Study Packs. It is particularly concerning since the change happened a couple of years ago and I understand that the examiners notified HQ of the error last year but it has again been perpetuated.

It does not make it right, but I suppose that official recognition that there is a problem is the first step towards solving. Last week I had a candid discussion with the IRSE President who is now certainly fully aware of my feelings re the Study material content and availability as well as issues associated with distribution of exam results etc. He has no "magic bullet" but I have hopes that he will use his Presidential year to initiate some improvements.

Before being too critical, one has to recognize the fact that the IRSE is heavily dependent on volunteers. I am painfully aware that I have not yet found the time to conclude the analysis of recent exam results which I felt is needed, volunteered to do and persuaded them to release the necessary data; I have done a lot but "life" has intervened and it the activity has been stalled for 6-8 weeks now- as far as others are concerned it may appear that after making all the initial fuss that I have not actually then started.

I suppose what is really needed is to increase the numbers of those prepared to do "their little bit". A bit like this Forum really; I am sure that it is of some use but it could definitely be more so if there were more contributions from more of its members.

[PJW]

Update:
IRSE HQ are now aware of the situation and have communicated-

"I am afraid we have overlooked this. We will send an erratum to all candidates."

So that will be the quick fix; resolving the underlying issue will take longer.

[dorothy.pipet]

For the benefit of all I am attaching the erratum.

I have also requested clarification (to follow):
How many questions are there and how many to be answered?
Do all the questions have the same weighting?
Will there definitely be a Control Tables question?
Will there definitely be an Aspect Sequence question?

[PJW]

Than you for this; pleasee also do so when receive reply to the follow up questions.

However in the mean time, I believe the answers will be along the lines:

a) Candidate is to answer any 3 (no more, no less) questions. The precise number on the paper will not be specified but the expectation will be that the number will be in the range 10-14.

b) Yes each question will be marked out of a total of 25; often the examiners wiill indicate the sub-weightings of the various sub-part of the questions, but sometimes the candidate is given a freer reign to select what they feel is suitable to concentrate upon within the questiopn's scope- however to obtain good marks requires all elements of a chosen question certainly need to be answered.

c) Yes there will definitely be a question which will entail the production of a Control Table for one or more points, and the production of Control Tables for several routes (of one or more signals). All relevant selection, interlocking and aspect level controls are to be shown in each case regardless of how and where achieved (whether mechanically, electrically or via software etc.; whether at control centre or adjacent to the signalling controlled)

d) There will definitely be a question on the topic of aspect sequence which may possibly, but equally well may not, involve the production of an aspect sequence chart. This could be for an already fully signalled layout, or a layout on which only signal positions are depicted, or one on which the candidate is to show the signals themselves. It is unlikely that the question will purely cover the production of a chart; explanation of the rationale is likely to be a significant element of the question.


The above information is based on my understanding of what members of the exam committee have said in recent Exam Reviews and specifically their guidance that the 2013 paper will follow the approach of the 2011 and 2012 papers. Note though that from 2013 no photocopying facilities for Control Table blanks within the exam will be available.

It will be interesting to see how the official answer will compare with my best guess!

For the benefit of all I am attaching the erratum.

I have also requested clarification (to follow):
How many questions are there and how many to be answered?
Do all the questions have the same weighting?
Will there definitely be a Control Tables question?
Will there definitely be an Aspect Sequence question?

[dorothy.pipet]

Those answers directly reflect what I expect also, but having noted that the new set of words are very brief, I thought it would be best to check.
Rule 1: Never assume!