Create Forecast File

Use the Create Forecast File option in the External Exams Manager module to create an EDI file once all forecast grades have been entered and checked for your exam programmes.

Once created EDI files can then be uploaded to the appropriate exam board.

 

• Ensure that forecast grades have been checked before EDI files are created. Checks can be made using the Candidate Forecast Report and the Option Forecast Report.
• You can only create forecast grade files for the BaseData that you have imported into the selected exam cycle.
• Create a separate EDI file for each series of BaseData and exam board in the exam cycle. So, one for A Levels and one for GCSEs for each exam board.
• Forecast files differ from entry files. There is no need to create amendment files if changes have to be made in forecast grades. Create a new forecast grade file if changes or additions have to be made to forecast grades. A new file is listed in EDI Forecast History with a different sequence number.

To create a forecast grade file:

1. Open the External Exams Manager module and select the Forecasts tab.
2. Select Create Forecast File from the right hand menu to display this screen:
   

3. Use the drop down list in the header bar to select the exam cycle that you want to work with.

4. Select the exam board and series that you want to work with. You may have several boards and different series for A Levels and GCSEs.
5. Click Preview File.
   A warning is displayed to remind you that you are only previewing the file and must still create a file for a record to be created.
6. Click OK.
   The file preview is displayed in the lower part of the screen:
   
   All forecast grades for the options linked to the selected BaseData are listed.
7. Click Print Report for checking.
8. Once you are satisfied that all of the grades in the report are correct, click Create File.
   You are prompted that a file will be created, Are you sure you wish to continue?
9. Select Yes. The file is given a unique reference number:
   
10. Click Download Forecast File and save the file as required.
11. You can now download the forecast file into the A2C folder specified by each exam board.
    The file is listed in the EDI Forecast History option.