A Guide to Public Exams
2024 - 2025
Introduction
It is the aim of Wells Cathedral School to make the examination experience as stress-free and successful as possible for all candidates.
We hope that this booklet will prove informative and helpful for you and for your parents. Please read it carefully and show it to your parents so that they are also aware of the examination regulations and the procedures to follow in the event of any problems occurring.
Please keep this in a safe place so that you may refer back to it as and when you need to.
The awarding bodies (or examination boards) set down strict criteria which must be followed for the conduct of examinations, and we are required to follow them precisely. You should therefore, pay particular attention to the Information for Candidates (printed separately and linked to on the page) and the Warning to Candidates in the Appendices.
Some of the questions you may have are answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section of this booklet. If there is anything you do not understand or any question that has not been addressed, please ask.
If you or your parents have any queries or need help or advice at any time before, during or after the examinations please contact:
Mrs Lucy Balderson
Exams Officer
Email: exams@wells-cathedral-school.com
Phone: 01749 834208
Mrs Natalie Perry
Deputy Head (Academic)
Email: n.perry@wells-cathedral-school.com
Exams Office (near Reception)
Timetables
Examination Boards
Candidate Identification
Equipment
Examination Regulations
Attendance at Examinations
Invigilators
Malpractice (cheating)
Absence from Examinations After
Notification of Results
After Results Day
Distribution of Certificates
Important links:
- links JCQ information to candidates
- links to Exam-related policies
Warnings to Candidates
Warning poster
Notice to Candidates (CAIE)
AI in assessments
Social media
On your exam day (JCQ guidance)
Before the examinations
Timetables
The full timetable will be available on the Portal, but each of you will receive a personal timetable, before the Easter holidays, indicating the subjects that you are being entered for and the levels of entry, where applicable. Some subjects only have one tier of entry, some have Foundation and Higher tiers.
Please check everything on your timetable very carefully.
• Check that all your personal details (date of birth, spelling of names and the order in which they should appear, your gender) are accurate. Your name should be as it appears on your birth certificate. These will appear on certificates and it will be difficult (and expensive for you) to change them once certificates are issued.
• Check that you have no clashes. If you have two exams at once, we will move one of them unless they are designed to run consecutively. If the total time for the two exams is less than or equal to 3 hours one will be moved to start c.15mins after the end of the first one. If the total time for the clashing exams is more than 3 hours one of the exams will be moved to a different session on the same day. This is following JCQ regulations and so there is no flexibility in how this can be arranged.
• Check to see what room your exam will take place in. This may change at any point before your exam so do check the portal frequently.
Controlled Assessment, practicals and speaking exams
These will not appear on your timetables but will be arranged by the relevant Head of Department. They will explain the regulations to you that are relevant to the particular exam and will make sure that the exams are conducted in line with those regulations.
With Controlled Assessment in particular there is scope for plagiarism, or passing off as your work something which was someone else’s idea. Of course this is cheating and the procedures for dealing with it are much the same as if you are caught cheating in a timed exam (see the section on Malpractice).
Just as there is an appeals process for normal exams so
there is one for challenging the marks given to you by your teacher for controlled assessment. There is a link to this on page 15 in the Appendices section of this booklet.
Please complete this form if you would like to appeal your non-examined assessment (NEA) or coursework mark.
Candidate Identification
Candidate Names - You are entered for examinations under the same name that appears on iSAMS. If you are worried that the name we have on record for you might be different from the name you want on your certificate, please let us know as soon as possible.
Candidate Numbers - Each of you has a four-digit candidate number. This is the number you will enter on examination papers. It will always be printed on the card on your exam desk, but nonetheless please try to memorise it so that you can find your seat when you come into the exam room. If you have sat exams previously at another school you may be issued with a new candidate number for this school. Please ensure you consistently use your new one.
UCI Numbers: In addition to a candidate number, each candidate will have a 13-digit Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI) which is shown on the top of your timetable. This number will usually begin with our Centre Number (63443), unless you have transferred from another school that had already issued your UCI. You can only ever have one UCI. If you have taken any external exams in a different school previous to WCS, please let us know as soon as possible. Your UCI is used for administration purposes and you do not need to remember it.
Equipment
Make sure you have all the correct equipment before your examinations. Your basic equipment should include AT LEAST TWO black ink pens, a sharp pencil, a ruler, a rubber, a sharpener, a compass and a protractor. You will need a calculator for Science, Maths, Economics, Business Studies and Geography examinations; check with your subject teacher if you are unsure. Please do not bring its lid or instruction leaflet into the exam room.
During the examinations
Examination Regulations
A copy of the Warning to Candidates, which is issued jointly by all the Examining Boards, is at the back of this booklet. You must read this carefully and note that to break any of the examination rules or regulations could lead to disqualification from all subjects. The school must report any breach of regulations to the Exam Board.
Attendance at Examinations
You are responsible for checking your own timetable and arriving at school on the correct day and time, properly dressed and equipped. You must arrive at the exam room AT LEAST 15 minutes before the start time of the examination. Remember to go to the loo before you enter the exam room, as going during an exam will cost you time!
When you arrive, please wait quietly outside the room until you are invited to enter by the invigilators.
You must not be late for an exam. However, we understand that in special circumstances some delays may be unavoidable.
• If you are less than an hour late for an exam, you will still be allowed to sit the paper, but the examining body may decide not to mark it.
• If you are “very late” you may not be admitted to the exam room. “Very late” means more than an hour late, or (for an exam lasting less than an hour) if you arrive after the exam has finished.
If you are running late, telephone Reception (01749 834200) or the Exams Office (01749834208) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Then, after you have finished the exam, speak to Mrs Balderson IMMEDIATELY.
You must wear school uniform for examinations, but you do not need to wear a blazer/suit jacket.
All items of equipment, pens, pencils, mathematical instruments, etc. should be visible to the invigilators at all times. You must either use a transparent pencil case or clear plastic bag.
Pens should be black ink or ballpoint. No correction fluid or correction pens are allowed.
For Mathematics and Science exams, you should make sure your calculators conform to the examination regulations. If in doubt, check with your teacher, but please note that it is your responsibility – not your teacher’s – to make sure that you abide by the rules. Remove any covers or instructions and make sure batteries, if any, are new.
Do not attempt to communicate with, or distract, other candidates.
Watches of any kind MUST NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE EXAMINATION ROOM If a watch is found in your possession during an examination (even if it is turned off) it will be taken from you and a report made to the appropriate exam board. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Mobile phones MUST NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE EXAMINATION ROOM. If a mobile phone (or any other type of electronic communication or storage device) is found in your possession during an examination (even if it is turned off) it will be taken from you and a report made to the appropriate exam board. There are no exceptions to this rule. Do not bring a mobile phone Do not draw graffiti or write unnecessary comments on examination papers - if you do, the examination board may refuse to accept your paper.
Examination regulations are very strict regarding items that may be taken into the examination room (see FAQs at the end of this booklet). If you break these rules you could be disqualified from the examination.
Listen carefully to instructions and notices read out by the invigilators - there may be amendments to the exam paper that you need to know about.
When prompted, check you have the correct question paper - check the subject, paper and tier of entry. If you have been given the wrong paper, put up your hand and an invigilator will come to you.
During the examinations (...cont)
Read all instructions carefully – especially the ones about how many questions you must answer from which Sections - and number your answers clearly. Make sure you have opened all the pages.
Do not write outside the pages’ borders. Most papers are scanned and marked on screen; the examiner won’t be able to see what is not inside the border.
You may have a toilet break during the exam if you must; you will be escorted by an invigilator. You must not make contact with any other person, either inside or outside the examination room. If you leave the room to go to the loo your allotted time keeps running - it is not ‘paused’ while you are out of the room.
You will not be allowed to leave an exam early. If you finish the paper before the end of standard time, use any time remaining to check over your answers and make sure you have completed your details correctly.
At the end of the examination you must hand in all work – remember to cross out any rough work.
• Insert any extra answer booklets or sheets of loose paper inside your main paper .
• Make clear which question’s answer is on the extra sheet.
• Make sure you have written your name on every sheet of paper or answer booklet; they also need your centre number and candidate number.
• If you use a computer you must print out your script after the end of the exam. In a header -so that it appears on every page of the printed output - put your name, candidate number and centre number; also the subject and paper code. You need to sign each page and then attach these sheets to an answer booklet. An invigilator will help you with all this.
• Invigilators will collect your papers before you leave the room. Absolute silence must be maintained during this time. Remain seated in silence until told to leave the examination room. Please leave the room in silence and show consideration for people who may still be working. Remember that you are under
examination conditions until you have left the room.
• You must not take question papers, answer booklets or additional paper from the exam room.
• Please refrain from speaking loudly until you are well away from the Sports Hall or exam rooms. Sound travels- especially outside the Sports Hall and it may disturb other candidates.
If the fire alarm sounds during an examination the invigilators will tell you what to do. If we have to evacuate the room you will be asked to leave in silence and in good order. You will be escorted to a designated assembly point. Close your exam booklets and leave everything on your desk. You must not attempt to communicate with anyone else during the evacuation. When you return to the exam room do not start writing until the invigilator tells you to. You will be allowed the full working time for the examination and a report will be sent to the awarding body detailing the incident, so that you will not be disadvantaged by the incident.
Invigilators
Since we do not use teachers as invigilators as a rule, you will not necessarily know them. It is their responsibility to ensure the exam runs smoothly and you must follow their instructions.
Invigilators are in the examination rooms to supervise the conduct of the examination. They will distribute and collect the examination papers, tell candidates when to start and finish the examination, hand out extra writing paper if required and deal with any problems that occur during the examination.
Please note that invigilators cannot discuss the examination paper with you or explain the questions. Candidates who are disruptive or behave in an unacceptable manner will be removed from the examination room by invigilators, who will call Mrs Balderson and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. A report of any incident will be sent to the Examination Board.
Malpractice (Cheating)
We – and the Examining Bodies – take malpractice very seriously. If you are caught cheating, you will usually be detained by the invigilator in the examination room until Mrs Balderson and a member of the Senior Leadership Team arrive.
You will then be formally challenged and asked to respond – for example, if you are suspected of having unauthorised material such as notes on your person, this suspicion will be explained to you, and you will be expected to respond by handing over the unauthorised material if you have any.
We will give you the opportunity to make a written statement, outlining your side of the case. Mrs Balderson, the Senior Leadership Team member and any other witnesses to your malpractice, such as invigilators, will also make written statements.
Mrs Balderson will then report your alleged malpractice to the relevant Examining Body who will review all the evidence and make a decision about how to proceed. You may be:
• withdrawn from the specific paper;
• withdrawn from the whole subject;
• withdrawn from all exams for the examining body concerned, and barred from re-entering with that board for a stipulated period of time;
• withdrawn from all your exams (the Examining Body concerned are within their rights to notify all other Examining Bodies of your malpractice, and any or all of them may decide to withdraw you from their exams.)
Absence from Examinations and Special Consideration
If you experience difficulties during the examination period (e.g. illness, injury, personal problems) please inform Mrs Balderson (using the contact information on the first page) as soon as possible so that we can help or advise you.
Illness: If you are ill, you MUST make every attempt to come into school to sit your examination. Please phone Reception if you are unwell on the day of your exam and we will make arrangements for you to sit your paper in St. Andrew’s Lodge. If you are in hospital, please let us know as soon as possible. Provision can be made by the Examining Bodies for you to sit your examination in the hospital. We will send an invigilator, and a scribe if needed, with the paper to you, and you will sit your examination there if you are able to. Only if you are in a critical condition should you consider not attempting your examination paper.
Injury: If you sustain an injury such as a broken bone during the exam period, let Mrs Balderson know as soon as possible. You must still sit your exam, but will be given the provision of a reader, laptop or scribe to assist practically as appropriate.
Personal problems: You MUST come into school to sit your examination even if personal problems might prevent you from taking part in other activities. Problems such as family illness or even bereavement are not acceptable reasons for missing examinations. However, we can apply on your behalf for Special Consideration.
Special Consideration: The school can apply to the Examining Board for Special Consideration if you feel that you have not performed in your exam to your full potential for one of the above reasons. Medical or other appropriate evidence must be obtained on the day of the exam, if possible, by the candidate/ parent and given to Mrs Balderson in order to apply for Special Consideration. For the award of a grade by special consideration, where a student misses part of an examination through illness or personal misfortune, a minimum of 25% (in most cases) of the assessment (including coursework) must have been completed. Parents and candidates are reminded that the board (and therefore the school) will still require payment of entry fees should a candidate fail to attend an examination. Misreading the timetable will not be accepted as a satisfactory explanation of absence.
After the examinations
Notification of Results
Results will be available on The School Portal on:
Appeals (“Enquiries about Results”)
Post Results
The Head Master, Mrs Perry, Mrs Balderson and Ms Paton-Freeman will be available in school on Results Days to help you with any queries you may have. Heads of Department will also either be at school in person, or available via email to offer subject specific advice. In addition, Mrs Rowley will be on hand on and after A level Results Day.
If you wish to query a result your first port of call is not the Exams Officer but the Head of Department for that subject; contact them immediately to discuss your concerns. They will have details of how many extra marks you need in order to achieve the next grade up, and a break-down of the marks for each paper. If you and the Head of Department decide to seek a review of marking or the return of your paper, you will need to submit a form, and agree that you or your parents will meet the cost of the post-results service you require. (This can be by BACS or, if appropriate, the school bill.) You must also be aware that in the case of a review of marking, there is a chance your grade could be lowered. The forms are available on the Portal. You need to make sure that you pick the right form to submit; there are various options:
A link to the form is included at the back of this guide.
Clerical check (did they add all the marks correctly?)
Emergency review of marking by a senior examiner. Only to be used when University place is in jeopardy; no access to script available.
Review of marking by a senior examiner.
Clerical check (did they add all the marks correctly?)
Review of marking by a senior examiner.
Access to scripts
You may also request the return of your script along with Services 1 or 2 above.
Ask for this if you want to see the script before deciding on whether to ask for a re-mark.
Ask for this if you want to see the script before deciding on whether to ask for a re-mark.
Review of marki Ask for this if you want to see your script to help you to do a better re-sit. It will arrive after the deadline for re-marks. Eng/Maths GCSE only.
* PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE DATES ARE PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE - CHECK THE ONLINE VERSION OF THIS HANDBOOK WHICH IS PUBLISHED ON THE PORTAL FOR FINAL DATES WHEN THESE ARE PUBLISHED BY THE EXAM BOARD
After the examinations (...cont)
Notes
1. If you want to see the script after its marking has been reviewed you must ask for this at the same time as you ask for the review.
2. If you ask for the original script you cannot later ask for its marking to be reviewed.
3. Cambridge International insist that you must ask for all post exam services for a given specification at the same time. e.g., If you ask for one History paper to be reviewed you cannot ask for the other one to be done at a later date.
4. Often, parents will make contact about the results of a review of marking. If you would rather that the Exams team do not share this with them you must make this clear when you ask for the review. If you do not do so, we will assume that you are happy for your parents to know the outcome.
Distribution of Certificates
Your examination certificates will arrive at school some time in mid-November.
If you are still a pupil at Wells (e.g. if you have moved up from Y11 into the Sixth Form) you will receive your certificates during a tutor session. You must check your certificates carefully, and then sign a form to say you have checked them and they are correct. If they are not correct, please contact the Exams Office.
If you have left the school your certificates will be sent by Royal Mail Recorded Delivery to the address you submit in the Confirmation Form. If this changes between submission and results day please email exams@wells-cathedral-school.com to inform us of the new address. When the certificates arrive you will be asked to sign to acknowledge receipt.
Exam certificates are important documents - universities and future employers will require them.
FAQs
Q Why do I need to keep looking at the Portal?
A Because things change, especially if clashes need to be rescheduled (which involves changing start times for some exams).
Q Why do I need to check the personal details on the timetable?
A The personal details on your timetable will be used when certificates are printed. If the name or date of birth on your certificates does not match your birth certificate or passport 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 should also check that the subjects and tiers of entry you are entered for are correct, that no subjects are missing, and that there are no clashes.
Q. What do I do if there’s a clash on my timetable?
A Your paper will be rearranged internally (on the same day) where there is a clash of subjects. You will normally sit one paper and then have a short (15 minutes) break during which you will be supervised and must not have any communication with other candidates; you may not revise during this break. You will then sit the second paper. If in doubt ask Mrs Balderson.
Q. What do I do if I think I have the wrong paper?
A Invigilators will ask you to check before the exam starts. If you think something is wrong put your hand up and tell the invigilator immediately.
Q What do I do if I forget my Candidate Number?
A Candidate Numbers are printed on attendance registers. Each candidate will also have a desk card on their desk at the start of each exam containing this information, which includes a photograph to help us to identify you and prevent fraud. Invigilators will be able to help you find your number and therefore your desk.
Q What do I do if I forget the school Centre Number?
A The Centre Number is 63443. It will be clearly displayed in the examination rooms.
Q What do I do if I have an accident or am ill before the exam?
A Tell the school as soon as possible; use a telephone (01749 834208) if at all possible; telephone Reception (01749 834200) if you cannot get hold of Mrs Balderson on that line. Once we know what the problem is we can offer help and advice. You may need to obtain medical evidence (from your GP or hospital) if you want to make an appeal for Special Consideration on medical grounds.
Q What is an Appeal for Special Consideration?
A Special Consideration is an adjustment to the marks or grades of a candidate who is eligible for consideration. The allowance for Special Consideration is from 0% (consideration given but addition of marks considered inappropriate) to 5% (reserved for exceptional cases). Any adjustment is likely to be small and no feedback is ever provided. You will only be eligible for Special Consideration if you have been fully prepared and covered the whole course but performance in the examination or in the production of coursework is affected by adverse circumstances beyond your control. Examples may be illness, accident or injury, bereavement or a domestic crisis. Let us know immediately, so that the necessary paperwork can be completed. Special Consideration is never given in consideration of the fact that your revision was affected (for example, by injury or illness): you must have been disadvantaged on the day of the exam or in the completion of NEA or coursework.
Q If I’m late can I still sit the examination?
A Provided you are not “very late” (defined as 60 minutes late for the morning session or 45 minutes late for the afternoon one), it may still be possible for you to sit the examination. You should get to school as quickly as possible and report to
Reception. A member of staff will escort you to the exam room. You must not enter an examination room without permission after an examination has begun. It may not be possible to allow you any extra time if you start the examination late. You should also be aware that if you start the exam more than 30 minutes after the published starting time the exam board must be informed and it is possible that the Board may decide not to accept your work. Please ensure that you allow enough time to get to school so that if you are delayed (e.g. through transport problems) you will still arrive on time.
Q. What do I do if I feel ill during the exam?
A. Put your hand up and an invigilator will help you.
Q If l miss the examination can I take it on another day?
A No. Timetables are regulated by the exam boards and you must take your exams on the given date and at the published time.
Q Do I have to wear school uniform?
A Yes, but you do not have to wear a blazer or jacket.
Q. What equipment should I bring for my exams?
A. For most exams you should bring at least two pens (black ink only), a pencil, a ruler, a pencil sharpener and rubber, compasses and protractor. You may also wish to bring a highlighter pen (optional – and must NOT be used in answers). For some exams you will need a calculator (Maths, Science, Geography, Economics, Business Studies...), or set texts (English), or headphones (Music, languages). Your subject teacher will tell you if this applies to you. You are responsible for providing your own equipment for examinations. You must not attempt to borrow equipment from another candidate during the examination. If you find that you are missing something which you could have sworn you put into your pencil case, put up your hand.
Q Do I really have to write in black ink – even diagrams?
A You can do diagrams, charts and graphs in pencil –but don’t use highlighters in your answers (though you can decorate the questions as much as you like with a highlighter). No correcting pens, fluid or tape; no blotting paper, either. Otherwise black ink pens must be used.
Q. What if I run out of space in the answer booklet?
A. Put up your hand and ask for a supplementary sheet or booklet. You may not use this for rough work, though – only for answers which you are going to submit.
Q. What items are not allowed into the examination room?
A Only material that is listed on question papers is permitted in the examination room and if you are found to have any illicit material with you, you will be reported to the appropriate examination board. In such circumstances, you would normally be disqualified from the paper or the subject concerned. Bags, coats and any other items not permitted under examination regulations must be left outside the room or in another appropriate place. Do not bring any valuables into school with you when you come in for an exam. Mobile phones and watches of any kind must not be brought into the exam room even if they are turned off. If you do bring it to the exam room you’ll be told to hand it in and we’ll keep it safe for you to collect later.
Q Why can’t I bring my mobile phone into the exam room?
A Being in possession of a mobile phone (or any other electronic communication or storage device, e.g. iPod, tablet, smart watch) 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 ONdisqualification for the entire subject award.
• Device found on you and turned OFFdisqualification from the specific paper you are sitting.
FAQs
• Phone rings during the exam wherever it is in the room - the exam board must be informed and you may be disqualified from all papers for the subject (including any already taken).
Q How do I know how long the exam is?
A The length of the examination is shown in minutes on your individual timetable. Invigilators will tell you when to start and finish the exam. The times will also be displayed on the screen at the front of the Sports Hall or on a board or sign if you are in an alternative exam room. There will be at least one clock in each exam room. If you have extra time this will also be displayed in the exam rooms.
Q Can I leave the exam early?
A It is the exam board policy not to allow candidates to leave the exam room before the end of ‘standard’ time as this can be disruptive to other candidates. You must also make sure you have organised transport home as you will not be allowed to leave early to catch a bus or taxi etc. home.
Q. What do I do if the fire alarm sounds?
A The invigilators will tell you what to do. If you have to evacuate the room, leave everything on your desk and leave the room in silence. You must not attempt to communicate with any other candidates during the evacuation.
Q. Can I go to the toilet during the exam?
A Only if absolutely necessary. You will be escorted by an invigilator and will not be allowed any extra time.
Q I am entitled to extra time – how will this affect the way I take my exams?
A Some candidates receive an allowance of up to 50% extra time. The invigilators will include the additional time when they display the finishing time of your exam on the screen.
Q. I am entitled to rest breaks. How do these work?
A If you feel you need a rest break after the first 10 minutes of your exam, put up a hand to attract an invigilator’s attention. They will tell you to shut your answer booklet and question paper and will time your break (the length of which should not exceed five minutes). They will make a note of how long the break was and add this time to the length of your exam.
Q Am I allowed food or drink during exams?
A You may bring a bottle of water but it must be in a clear bottle with no label or writing. Please be careful not to drink so much that you need to take lots of trips to the loo!
Links to important documents, forms and policies (you must read the JCQ documents)
JCQ Information for candidates - coursework
JCQ Information for candidates - non-examination assessments
JCQ Information for candidates - on-screen tests
JCQ Information for candidates - written exams
JCQ Information for candidates - social media
JCQ Information for candidates - Preparing to sit exams
Privacy Notices for each exam board
AQA
CAIE
Pearson Edexcel
OCR
WJEC/EDUQAS
Links to important forms
Confirmation form - this form asks you to confirm that you have read this guide and the JCQ Information for candidates booklets. It also asks you to confirm your name (as it appears on your birth certificate) and the address you would like us to send your certificates to if you are unable to collect them from school. You must complete this form.
NEA/coursework grade appeals form
Form to Requests for papers, reviews of marking etc
Exam-related policies
Malpractice policy
Complaints policy
Internal appeals procedure (Internal Assessment decisions)
Internal appeals procedure (Review of Results and appeals)
Other helpful documents
Ofqual Student guide
Ofqual Student checklist
Ofqual Coping with Exam pressure
Warning to candidates
1
You must be on time for all your examinations.
2
Possession of a mobile phone or other unauthorised material is not allowed even if you do not intend to use it. You will be subject to penalty and possible disqualification from the exam/qualification.
3
You must not talk to, attempt to communicate with or disturb other candidates once you have entered the examination room.
4
You must follow the instructions of the invigilator.
5
You must not sit an examination in the name of another candidate.
6
You must not become involved in any unfair or dishonest practice in any part of the examination.
7 If you are confused about anything, only speak to an invigilator. The Warning to candidates must be displayed in a prominent place outside each examination room. This may be a hard copy A3 paper version or an image of the poster projected onto a wall or screen for all candidates to see.
NO MOBILE PHONES
Possession of unauthorised items, such as a mobile phone or any watch, is a serious offence and could result in
from your examination and your overall qualification.
AQA City & Guilds
Notice to candidates
You must:
• be on time for all exams and any periods of Full Centre Supervision
• follow the invigilator's instructions
• leave all used and unused exam materials in the exam room.
You must not:
• have any unauthorised materials with you
• communicate with, try to communicate with, or disturb other candidates once you have entered the exam room
• be involved in any unfair or dishonest practice before, during, or after the exam.
If you are not sure, speak to an invigilator. If you break any of the
Appendices
Information for candidates
Using social media and examinations/assessments
Things to do on social media:
• Have f un
• Be re sponsible
•Report any exam or assessment content you see to your teacher
Things not to do on social media:
Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the JCQ rules:
jcq.org.uk/exams-office/ information-for-candi dates-documents
•Buy/ask for/share exam or assessment content
•Pass on rumours of what’s in exams or assessments
•Share your work
•Work with others so that your assessment is not your own independent work
If you do any of the above activities, you may:
• Receive a w ritten w arning
•Lose marks
•Be disqualified from a part of or all of your qualifications
•Be banned from taking exams and assessments for a number of years
.
•Sharing ideas online can be helpful when you’re studying or revising
• However, sharing certain information (see information on the right) can break the rules and could affect your results
•If you’re not sure what you can and can’t discuss online, check with your teacher
•If you receive exam content on social media, you must tell your teacher
•Don’t be caught out by scammers selling fake exam papers
