Known Issues Exams 2020

Below we will be adding known problems/issues regarding this years import and analysis of results.

For any patches that have become available we will be applying them to the schools automatically, but if for some reason you are still experiencing these issues then please get in touch - 01482 238700.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC Result Files - Keystage 5 - 12/08
We have been made aware in the late afternoon of Tuesday 11th August, from a representative from Pearson, that BTEC Result files being issued today will contain Q (Pending) Results for students that have previously been awarded their full and final outcomes. While this won’t impact those students expecting their grades this summer, we believe that SIMS Exams Organiser will interpret these as an update to the grades that were awarded in the past for these students. We will assess the impact this will have in SIMS and the Performance Reports for Key Stage 5 and make our recommendations as to how schools can work around this issue. Pearson have contacted all the centres who are in this situation and have provided a statement at this link… If after importing your BTEC results you think you are impacted, please do log a case with the Service Desk so we can fully assess the situation with you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

WJEC/Eduqas GCSE English Language for GCSE Result Day - Refresh new basedata
We have been made aware in the evening of Tuesday 11th August, from a representative from WJEC, that their Eduqas English GCSE Basedata is missing the JC42 Gradeset linking the endorsement grade to the element C700QS. We anticipate from the information given, that new basedata will be issued in a few days time, at which point schools should then download this and refresh to ensure that their result files on Wednesday 19th August, from Eduqas import successfully.

Unable to import QWS files

Update 12-08 
The DfE have removed the Current QAN 1.2 version XML file from the QWS website and have now made a version Current QAN 1.1 XML which can be imported without an error occurring, instead of following the advice below. To resolve, you will need to download the Current QAN XML file again from the QWS website and this will import fine. However, if you only have version 1.2 and choose to use this, you can still use it, you will just need to follow the guidance below to import.

After downloading the 4 QWS files from the QAN website, you may experience an issue when trying to import these files, more specifically the Current QAN file.

Once downloaded and when selecting QAN_Current_V1.2.xml to import into SIMS through the above menu route, an error is received:
Could not find file 'c:\program files (x86)\sims\sims.net\QAN_Main_v1.2.xsd'

Note: the file path to the SIMS.net folder may be different depending on your school setup. You may have file path C:\Program Files\SIMS\SIMS.net

Please download the QAN_Main_v1.2.xsd file attached to this article or click here to download and place this in the SIMS.net folder, replacing the old file.

The location could either be (Depending on your setup):

C:\Program Files (x86)\SIMS\SIMS.net
OR
C:\Program Files\SIMS\SIMS.net

Then try to import the QWS files again.

Patch 25977 - InTouch no results found error

There is a scenario where InTouch is unable to send emails with the candidate statement of results if the award name is longer than 50 characters, this will produce the error message "No Results Found”. An example of this is "Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing for Cutting and Styling Technicians". Patch 25977 resolves this issue and changes the limit from 50 characters to 165.

Patch 25974 - Add in Gradeset JC 78 for NCFE Technical Awards
This patch has been issued to add in Gradeset JC 78, specifically for NCFE Technical Awards.  You will only need to apply this patch if you are a school who is managing awards from this exam board.

Patch 25950 - No Grade Details on Gradeset JC 74
Menu Route: Tools | Examinations | Manage Performance Indicators

When trying to use Gradeset JC 74 on QN's (Example 60170906), when you add the QN and select the JC 74 from the Gradeset drop down, you may find that the Grade Details are showing as blank.

To resolve this issue Patch 25950 is available. Once applied and the Gradeset JC 74 has been selected, the Grade Details will now populate.

Patch 25973 - Correct an error on refreshing basedata
For those schools who have had issues importing or refreshing basedata in readiness for the slightly amended results this year, CAPITA have provided patch 25973 which corrects an issue with Endorsements Grade Sets. On import/refresh of basedata, schools may receive an error message “Import of Component #### # failed and is linked to Element ####” which can relate to a number of Elements under different Exam Boards. Once the patch has been applied, schools can attempt to import or refresh their basedata. Please be advised that schools will only need to apply this patch if they are using this specific basedata. If you experience further or different issues with your exams series, please make notes on the error type, the process you were performing and log a ticket with us.

In detail: The issue logged was impacting Edexcel, AQA & OCR basedata for A Level exams, where the basedata couldn't be updated for the grade set to show JC43 rather than JC 4. it also fixes the issue for AQA GCSE English where it shows JC 4 instead of JC42.

JCQ have confirmed which awards from the Summer Series may be impacted, they are shown in the image below:

Patch 25948 - Available to calculate Progress 8 Scores for 2020 - England Only
After schools have applied the SIMS Summer 2020 release in preparation for the summer results seasons, any school wanting to run the PI Reports from SIMS to see their Progress 8 scores will need to have applied this patch for the calculation to appear. You will only require this patch if you plan to do analysis in SIMS rather than with a third-party tool such as 4Matrix, SISRA or Go4Schools etc.