FAQs
FAQs
Q. What do I do if there’s a clash on my timetable?
The school will re-schedule papers internally (on the same day) where there is a clash of subjects. Candidates will normally sit one paper then have a break during which they will be supervised and must not have any communication with other candidates. They will then sit the second subject paper. It may be necessary for you to bring a packed lunch if you have exams in the morning and afternoon as you will have to remain in isolation until both examinations are completed. If in doubt, consult the Examinations Officer.
Q. What do I do if I think I have the wrong examination paper?
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?
Candidate Numbers are printed on your timetables. You will have a card on your exam desk showing your number.
Q. What do I do if I forget the school Centre Number?
The Centre Number is 23414. 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?
Inform school at the earliest possible point so we can help or advise you. In the case of an accident that means you are unable to write it may be possible to provide you with a scribe to write your answers but we will need as much prior notice as possible. 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 (see below).
Q. What is an Appeal for Special Consideration?
Special Consideration can result in an adjustment to the marks or grades of an eligible candidate. The allowance for Special Consideration is from 0% (consideration given but addition of marks considered inappropriate) to 5% (reserved for exceptional cases). Parents/Carers should be aware that any adjustment is likely to be small and no feedback is provided. Candidates will only be eligible for Special Consideration if they have been fully prepared and covered the whole course but performance in the examination or non-exam assessment is affected by adverse circumstances beyond their control. The Examination Officer must be informed immediately and the candidate will be required to provide evidence to support such an application.
Q. What do I do if I feel ill during the exam?
Put your hand up and an invigilator will assist you. You should inform an invigilator if you feel ill before or during an exam and you feel this may have affected your performance.
Q. If I miss the examination can I take it on another day?
No. Timetables are regulated by the awarding bodies and you must attend on the given date and time.
Q. If I’m late can I still sit the examination?
If you are late, it may still be possible for you to sit the examination. If you start the exam more than 1hr after the published start time (or 30mins late for exams under 1hr), the school must inform the exam board and it is unlikely that your work will be accepted.
Q. Do I have to wear school uniform?
Yes. Normal school uniform rules apply.
Q. What equipment should I bring for my exams?
For most exams you should bring at least 2 pens (black ink only). For Science / Maths you may need pencils for drawing diagrams. For some exams you will need a calculator (Maths/Science), a ruler (marked with cm and mm), pencil sharpener and rubber, compasses, protractor, coloured pencil crayons (not gel pens), set texts (e.g. for English Literature). You are responsible for providing your own equipment for examinations.
Q. What items are not allowed into the examination room?
Only material that is listed on question papers (e.g. an anthology) is permitted in the examination room and students who are found to have any material with them that is not allowed will be reported to the appropriate awarding body. In such circumstances, a student would normally be disqualified from the paper or the subject concerned. Do not bring any valuables into school with you when you attend for an examination. No food is allowed in the exam room. Bottled water can be brought in. Mobile phones should really not be brought into the exam room even if they are turned off, but we do understand that these are expensive and the safest place to leave them is at home or handed to the invigilator as you enter the examination room. Alternatively they can be left, switched off, in your bag at your own risk.
Q. Why can’t I bring my mobile telephone into the exam room?
Being in possession of a mobile phone (or any other electronic device, e.g. ipod, headphones) is regarded as cheating and is subject to severe penalty from the awarding bodies. The minimum penalties are decided by the exam board but to give you an idea, the minimum penalties may be as follows: Device found on you and turned ON - disqualification for the entire subject award. Device found on you and turned OFF – disqualification from the specific paper you are sitting at the time. Phone rings during the exam wherever it is in the room the exam board must be informed and you will be disqualified from all papers for the subject (including any already taken).
Q. How do I know how long the exam is?
The length of the examination is shown on your individual timetable under the heading ‘duration’. Invigilators will tell you when to start and finish the exam. They will write the finish time of the exam on a board at the front of the exam room. There will be a clock in examination rooms.
Q. Can I leave the exam early?
It is a requirement of the awarding bodies that you stay in the examination 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 to allow candidates to leave the exam room early, as this is disruptive to other candidates. A candidate may not leave the examination room without the permission of the invigilators, and only for an emergency.
Q. What do I do if the fire alarm goes?
The examination 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? Yes, if it is absolutely necessary. You will be escorted by an invigilator and will not be allowed any extra time
Q. Why do I need to check the details on the Statement of Entry?
The details on your Statement of Entry will be used when certificates are printed. If the name or date of birth on your certificates does not match your birth certificate it could cause you problems if you are asked to show your certificates to a potential employer for college/university at some time in the future.
Q. I am entitled to extra time – how will this affect the way I take my exams?
Some students receive an allowance of 25% extra time. The invigilators will include the additional time when they display the finishing time of your exam on the board. Those students will have an orange card on their desks to inform them that they are entitled to the extra time