ALIS - Advanced Level Information System

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What is ALIS?

ALIS is a target setting system run by the CEM centre at Durham University. It is used by over a third of all sixth form providers to calculate subject specific and up to date targets for both AS and A2 level subjects based on a students GCSE average score.

Results in each subject and GCSE averages attained by students are plotted against each other. A statistical model is then produced that fits the data. This model is then used to produce targets that reflect actual performance in previous years in the specific exams that students are taking.

The targets take the form of a grade and a score. The grade reflects the potential final grade and the score gives you a measure of where in the grade range you are.

For AS modules the points equate to grades as follows:

AS Grade	Points
A	60
B	50
C	40
D	30
E	20
U	<20

For A2 modules the points equate to grades as follows:

A2 Grade	Points
A	120
B	100
C	80
D	60
E	40
U	<40

Why do we use ALIS?

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We use ALIS for a number of reasons:

It gives students some idea of what they could achieve with hard work
It gives students something to aim at.(as a minimum expectation or a standard to beat!)
It allows students to monitor their progress against a realistic standards.
It allows teachers to monitor student progress against potential and so pick up problems sooner rather than later.
It gives parents some idea of the minimum grades that should be expected in Y12 and Y13

How do we use ALIS?

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Teachers will use ALIS to judge performance and effort throughout the AS and A2 courses
Students should use their ALIS grades to judge how well they are understanding the course.
Tutors will discuss targets and chance graphs with students when advising them on University applications
When decisions are made about continuing to A2 reference will be made to actual grades in relation to target grades.
To stimulate discussion at parents evenings

When will you hear about ALIS?

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The GCSE scores are sent to Durham in September and we usually recieve the target grades by late October/early November.
There is and information evening early in the term where ALIS will be explained in some detail
When the grades arrive the students will recieve their targets on a printed sheet. They will then have opprotunity to discuss them with both their Tutors and their subject teachers.
The Interims that you recieve during the year will all be judged on performance against their ALIS Targets.