Since 2020, the British Council has partnered with India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to enhance competency-based assessments in secondary education.

This partnership was renewed in 2023 for five additional years, during which the focus has shifted towards implementing practical and competency-based teaching and assessments that align with NCF-SE 2023.

This invitation to tender is aimed at standardising the internal assessment frameworks for science subjects across grades 6-12, enhancing consistency and fairness in evaluation, and addressing grading inconsistencies and challenges identified in recent studies.

Project objectives and scope of work

The project will involve upgrading the internal assessment framework in science subjects for grades 6-12, ensuring it aligns with NCF-SE 2023 standards.

The selected bidder will collaborate on the following primary tasks:

1. Review:
   • Document and resource review: evaluate existing assessment frameworks to understand their effectiveness.
   • Scoping and impact Study Analysis: identify key gaps and challenges in the current assessment practices.
   • Gap Identification: highlight specific issues in current assessment methodologies.
   • Baseline data collection: establish a comprehensive baseline for current assessment practices.
   • Key outputs: generate reports summarizing current practices, conducting a gap analysis, providing actionable recommendations, and compiling baseline data.
2. Update framework and training modules:
   • Assessment framework update: revise the assessment frameworks based on the findings from the review.
   • Educational materials update: enhance learning materials to support the revised assessment standards.
   • Training module development: create training programs for Master Trainers who will lead the implementation.
   • Master Trainer criteria: define specific criteria for selecting Master Trainers.
   • Key Outputs: Deliver a comprehensive updated framework, revised educational materials, training modules, and documented criteria for Master Trainer selection.
3. Deliver master trainer training and supervise teacher cascade:
   • Master trainer training (virtual): design and deliver comprehensive training programs for Master Trainers.
   • Teacher training supervision: oversee the implementation of teacher training sessions to ensure adherence to quality standards.
   • Evaluation: conduct baseline and endline assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the training.
   • Quality assurance and monitoring: implement quality checks throughout the training process and report findings.
   • Key outputs: develop training materials, produce supervision reports, conduct evaluations, and maintain documentation for quality assurance.

Expertise required

The British Council is looking for bidders with the following expertise:

• proven experience in education projects, particularly in developing assessment frameworks and curricula.
• relevant expertise in framework design, educational material updates, and training program development.
• familiarity with NCF-SE 2023 and its implications for assessment practices.
• competency in designing training programs and implementing quality assurance processes
• strong project management skills to effectively oversee project timelines and coordinate with multiple stakeholders

Mandatory requirements

• Bidders must confirm compliance with all specifications outlined in the invitation to tender.
• This invitation to tender is only open to bidders with a presence in the UK.

Key documents and timescales

The following documents are attached to this invitation to tender:

• Invitation to Tender document
• Annex 1: Terms and Conditions Contract
• Annex 2: Selection Questionnaire
• Annex 3: Supplier Response
• Annex 4: Pricing Approach

Important dates:

• Contract notice/invitation to tender availability: 30 October 2024
• Clarification deadline: 8 November 2024, 15.00 IST
• Responses to clarification questions: 13 November 2024
• Invitation to tender submission deadline: 20 November 2024, 15.00 IST
• Award decision letters: 5 December 2024
• Contract start date: 13 December 2024

Competency in designing training programs and implementing quality assurance processes