exams-faq

EXAMS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. Why do I need to check the details on the Statement of Entry?  The Statement of Entry has the details which will be used when certificates are printed. If the name or date of birth on your certificates do not match your birth certificate it could cause you problems if you are asked to show your certificates to a potential employer or college/university at some time in the future. You must also check that the subjects and tiers of entry are correct and that no subjects are missing.

Q. What do I do if I think I have been entered for the wrong exam?  Speak to your subject teacher in the first instance when you receive your Individual Candidate Timetable. If in doubt check with the Exams Officer.

Q. What do I do if there’s a clash on my timetable?  The Exam Officer will re-schedule papers internally (ideally on the same day) where there is a clash of subjects. Candidates will normally sit one paper then the second paper with a supervised break between papers where they will not be allowed any communication with other candidates. The correct times will be on your individual candidate timetable. It may be necessary for you to bring a drink and a snack as you will have to remain in isolation until both exams are completed.

Q. What do I do if I lose my Individual Candidate Timetable?  You can leave your name and form with Student Services and another copy will be printed and put in your register the next day. You may also request a second copy to keep at home if you need it.

Q. What do I do if I have an accident or am ill before the exam?  You must inform school at your earliest opportunity so we can help or advise you. If the accident means you are unable to write it may be possible to provide you with a scribe but we need prior notice to organise this. You will need to obtain medical evidence (from your GP or hospital) if you wish the school to make an appeal for Special Consideration on your behalf. Please request JCQ form 14 from the Exams Officer.

Q. What do I do if I feel ill during the exam?  Inform a member of staff in the exam room by putting your hand up and an invigilator will assist you.

Q. If I am late can I still sit the exam?  Provided you are not too late it may be possible for you to sit the examination without any time loss.

You should be aware that if you are more than 30 minutes late the school must inform the exam board and it will not be possible to allow you the full time to complete the exam. If you arrive at the end of the published exam time you will not be allowed to sit it.

Q. If I miss the exam can I take it on another day?  No. Exam Timetables are regulated by the exam boards and you must attend on the published date and time.

Q. Do I have to wear school uniform?

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Yes. Normal school regulations apply to uniform, hair, jewellery, make-up, etc

Q. What equipment should I bring for my exams?  For most exams you should bring at least 2 black pens, 2 pencils, a rubber, sharpener and ruler in a clear plastic pencil case.  For Science Modules you need 2 HB pencils, rubber, ruler and a scientific calculator.  For Maths exams you will need the basic equipment as for most exams including compasses, protractor and a calculator.  REMEMBER. You are responsible for providing your own equipment and you must not attempt to borrow equipment from another candidate during the exam.

Q. What items are not allowed into the exam room?  Only material that is listed on the question papers (e.g. anthology, periodic table) is permitted in the exam room and students who are found to have any materials with them that is not allowed will be reported to the appropriate exam board. In such circumstances a student would normally be disqualified from the subject or exam board concerned.  Bags and coats are not allowed under exam regulations and must be left in the designated area.  No food is allowed in the exam room.  No mobile phones or MP3 players are allowed in the exam room.

Q. Why can’t I bring my mobile phone into the exam room?  Being in possession of a mobile phone (or any other electronic communication device) is regarded as cheating and is subject to severe penalty from the awarding bodies. The minimum penalties are as follows:  Device found on you and turned off – disqualification from current paper  Device found on you and turned on – disqualification from entire subject  Phone rings – the exam board will be informed and you will be disqualified from all papers for the subject including any already taken  If there is an emergency that requires you to bring a mobile phone to school you may leave it with student services for the duration of your exam.

Q. What time will my exam finish?  The length of the exam is show in minutes on your individual timetable under the heading ‘duration’, all morning exams start at 9am and all afternoon exams start at 1:30pm unless otherwise stated.

The invigilators will write the finish time on a board at the front of the exam room and there will be a clock in all exam rooms.

Q. Can I leave the exam early?  It is a requirement of the exam boards that you must stay in the exam room for at least one hour after the published start time of the exam (or for the duration of the exam if it is less than one hour).

It is not the school’s policy however to allow candidates to leave the exam room early as this is disruptive to other candidates.

Q. What do I do if the fire alarm goes off?

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You must keep working until the invigilators tell you what to do. If you have to evacuate the room; leave everything on your desk and walk out in silence. You must not communication with any other candidates during the evacuation as this will be regarded as cheating. The invigilators will direct you to the evacuation point where you must wait in silence until you are allowed back into the exam room. A report will be sent to the exam board and you will be given additional time to complete the exam.

Q. Can I go to the toilet during an exam?  Not unless you have a pre-arranged medical card issued by the SENCO department. You must show this to the invigilator who will escort you; you will not be allowed any extra time. If you think you may need the toilet and you do not have a medical card you must inform a member of staff before you enter the exam room.

Q. I am entitled to special arrangements i.e. extra time – how will this affect the way I take my exams?  Some students receive allowances of extra time or support for their exams (this would have been assessed and applied for before the exam season starts). Where possible these candidates will be seated together to minimize disturbance to other candidates. Check your individual timetable for the venue.

Q. I am on holiday on Results Day – how can I get my results?  You must leave a stamped/addressed envelope at Student Services before the end of term which will be posted to you.  A friend or family member can collect your results with your written permission.  Results will not be given over the telephone.

Q. What do I do if I don’t get the grades I need?  Teaching staff will be available to advise you on results day. If you feel strongly that it is necessary to make an ‘Enquiry about Results’ you should first consult the Learning Leader. All requests must be made to the Exam Officer within one week of the results day. You must complete a Candidate Consent form and return it with a cheque to cover the cost of the enquiry. Please be aware that your mark could go down as a result of your enquiry and careful consideration must be given to this before you sign the consent form.  If the exam is available during another exam season there may be a possibility of a re-sit for which you will be charged. You must discuss this with your subject teacher and Pastoral Leader.  There will be a room available with telephones and internet access If your college/university place is dependent on your grades and you wish to contact them.