Exam Policy
St Thomas More Roman Catholic Academy
EXAMINATION POLICY All members of our community are given equal opportunities in line with the Single Equality Duty
Reviewed by Ethos Committee:
24.11.15
ADOPTED BY BOARD OF GOVERNORS/DIRECTORS: 09.12.15
St Thomas More Roman Catholic Academy Mission Statement
St Thomas More Roman Catholic Academy is a Catholic school and as such we attempt to follow the example of Jesus Christ in our work, worship and relationships. Our Aims Are: to be a prayerful community based on Christian values, notably Love, Justice, Peace, Truth and Tolerance, and to encourage individuals in their commitment to these ideals. to provide a secure, welcoming and ordered environment in which individuals learn to value and respect both themselves and others. to give individuals the opportunities to develop their full potential as human beings, and to encourage and challenge them to do so. to encourage everyone to strive to do their best and to strive for the highest standards in all areas of activity. to help children grow into confident, open, resourceful young people with a sense of responsibility and of service.
Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Exam responsibilities The statutory tests and qualifications offered Exam seasons and timetables Entries, entry details, late entries and retakes Exam fees The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), special needs and access arrangements 7. Estimated grades 8. Managing invigilators and exam days 9. Candidates, clash candidates and special consideration 10. Coursework and appeals against internal assessments 11. Results, enquiries about results (EARs) and access to scripts (ATS) 12. Certificates
The purpose of this exam policy is:
to ensure the planning and management of exams is conducted efficiently and in the best interest of candidates to ensure the operation of an efficient exam system with clear guidelines for all relevant staff.
It is the responsibility of everyone involved in the centre’s exam processes to read, understand and implement this policy. This exam policy will be reviewed biannually. This exam policy will be reviewed by the head of centre, senior leadership team, exams officer and the governors.
1. Exam responsibilities Headteacher Overall responsibility for the school as an exam centre:
The head of centre is responsible for reporting all suspicions or actual incidents of malpractice. Refer to the JCQ document Suspected malpractice in examinations and assessments.
Exams Officer Manages the administration of public and internal exams and analysis of exam results:
Advises the senior leadership team, subject and class tutors and other relevant support staff on annual exam timetables and application procedures as set by the various exam boards Oversees the production and distribution to staff and candidates of an annual calendar for all exams in which candidates will be involved and communicates regularly with staff concerning imminent deadlines and events Ensures that candidates and their parents are informed of and understand those aspects of the exam timetable that will affect them Consults with teaching staff to ensure that necessary coursework is completed on time and in accordance with JCQ guidelines Provides and confirms detailed data on estimated entries Completes exam entries and provides HoDs with entry list to check before final submission Receives, checks and stores securely all exam papers and completed scripts Liaises with SENCO about access arrangements and makes applications for special consideration using the JCQ ‘Access
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arrangements and special considerations regulations and Guidance relating to candidates who are eligible for adjustments in examinations’ Identifies and manages exam timetable clashes Collates past and predicted income and expenditure figures relating to all exam costs/charges Supports HoDs in submitting candidates’ coursework/controlled assessment marks, tracking despatch and passing on returned coursework and any other material required by the appropriate awarding bodies correctly and on schedule Arranges for dissemination of exam results and certificates to candidates and forwards, in consultation with the SLT, any appeals/re-mark requests Maintains systems and processes to support the timely entry of candidates for their exams Produces seating plan for exams and, when appropriate, name cards for desks Delivery of exam papers and other material to the exam venue(s) before the start of the exam Dispatch exam papers after the exam Produce and update the Contingency Plan for Examinations Administration during exam time in case of absence of the Exam’s Officer
Deputy Headteacher
Overall responsibility for examinations Negotiates specific arrangements for exams with HoDs i.e. invigilation and support for access arrangements Advises head of centre on any suspicions of malpractice Advises on appeals and re-marks External validation of courses followed at Key Stage 4 / Post-16 Plans and accounts for income and expenditures relating to all exam costs/charges Hold and implement the Contingency Plan for Examinations Administration during exam time in case of absence
Heads of Department
Collation of all subject specific information from examination board websites or subject teams such as grade boundaries and ums equivalences
Support teachers in collation of information/evidence of candidates’ persistent and significant difficulties and their impact on the teaching and learning in the classroom and the effect of any informal access arrangements, to support formal application
Accurate completion of entry and all other mark sheets and adherence to deadlines as set by the exams officer Check summary of entries Accurate completion of coursework/controlled assessment/assignments mark sheets and declaration sheets
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Collation and moderation of coursework/controlled assessment/assignments samples ready for dispatch within time deadline Guidance to candidates who are unsure about exam entries or amendments to entries Liaise with exams office regarding seating arrangements for each exam Organisation, in consultation with SENCO (and learning mentors for students with EAL) of access arrangements for each exam and controlled assessments Organisation of equipment for exams and ensuring a subject specialist is present at the start of each exam Ensure that teachers invigilating from the department are familiar with the Guidelines for Invigilators Involvement in post-results procedures
Teachers
Record how a candidate's disability/difficulty has impacted in teaching and learning in the classroom. Provide evidence that proposed access arrangements are the candidate’s normal way of working and detail the impact of the arrangements Communication of coursework/controlled assessment/assignments regulations including issues of plagiarism Accurate completion of coursework/controlled assessment/assignments mark sheets and declaration sheets for individual teaching groups Submission of candidate names to heads of department Communication of exam arrangements to students
SENCO
Administration of access arrangements (see section 6) Identification and testing of candidates’ requirements for access arrangements Provision of additional support for pupils with SEN to help candidates achieve their course aims Advise HoDs on arrangements for pupils with EAL
Lead Invigilator/Invigilators
Ensure candidates are correctly seated with the correct exam paper and equipment Check and complete attendance register and immediately report absences to pastoral staff Collection of all exam papers in the correct order at the end of the exam and their return to the exams office
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Pastoral Staff
Support invigilators at start of exam with the orderly seating of candidates Contact absent candidates to confirm reason for absence
Candidates
Confirmation and checking of entries Understanding coursework/controlled assessment regulations and signing a declaration that authenticates the coursework as their own
2. The statutory tests and qualifications offered The statutory tests and qualifications offered at this centre are decided by the head of centre, heads of department and the senior leadership team. The statutory tests and qualifications offered are NCTs, GCSE, A levels, Key Skills, BTEC National, OCR National, ALAN, ASSET Languages, ASDAN, AIDA, CIDA, DIDA. The subjects offered for these qualifications in any academic year may be found in the centre’s published prospectus for that year. If there has been a change of syllabus from the previous year, the exams office must be informed by the end of September each year. At Key Stage 4 All candidates will be entitled, and enabled, to achieve an entry for qualifications from an external awarding body.
3. Exam seasons and timetables 3.1 Exam seasons At KS3 internal exams take place within lessons. Mock GCSE exams will take place at the end of Yr 10 and during Yr 11 under external exam conditions. Mock AS/A Level exams will be held. External exams are scheduled in November and June. Which exam series are used in the centre is decided by the head of centre and the heads of department.
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3.2 Timetables The exams office will circulate the exam timetables for external exams once these are confirmed.
4. Entries, entry details, late entries and retakes 4.1 Entries Candidates are selected for their exam entries by the heads of department. A candidate or parent/carer can request a subject entry, change of level or withdrawal. The Deputy Headteacher will make the final decision, in consultation with the head of department and pastoral staff. The centre does not normally accept entries from external candidates. Departments will receive a summary of entries to check that they are correct. HoDs must inform the exams office immediately of any errors. 4.2 Late entries Entry deadlines are circulated to heads of department via email and in writing. Late entries are authorised by heads of department and exams officer. 4.3 Withdrawals HoDs must inform the exams office immediately of any students who are to be withdrawn from an exam. 4.4 Retakes Candidates are normally allowed to retake GCSE maths English and Core Science, paid for by the centre. Candidates are allowed to retake an AS module in Year 13, paid for by the centre. Retake decisions will be made in consultation with the candidates, subject teachers, head of sixth form and the heads of department. The head of centre will make any final decisions. A candidate may be entered for a retake, against the advice of the centre. In this case the entry will be paid for by the candidate. (See also section 5: Exam fees)
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4.5 Examination timetables The exams office will produce individual exam timetables for students and also statements of entry.
5. Exam fees GCSE, AS and A2 initial registration and entry exam fees are paid by the centre. Late entry fees are normally paid by the department. Amendment fees are normally paid by the centre. Candidates or departments will not be charged for changes of tier or withdrawals made by the proper procedures or alterations arising from administrative processes, provided these are made within the time allowed by the awarding bodies. Reimbursement will be sought from candidates who fail to sit an exam or meet the necessary coursework requirements with no valid reason. This fees reimbursement policy will be communicated in writing to candidates and parents/carers. Retake fees for first and any subsequent retakes are paid by the centre unless the entry is made against the advice of the centre. (See also section 4.4: Retakes) Candidates must pay the fee for an enquiry about a result or request for a script, should the centre not uphold the enquiry/request and the candidate insists on pursuing the enquiry/request. This fee must be paid before the enquiry/request is processed. If the EAR results in a grade change then the fee will be repaid. (See also section 11.2: Enquiries about results [EARs])
6. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), special needs and access arrangements 6.1 DDA The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 extends the application of the DDA to general qualifications. All exam centre staff must ensure that the access arrangements and special consideration regulations and guidance are consistent with the law.
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6.2 Special needs A candidate’s special needs requirements are determined by the SENCO. The SENCO will inform HoDs and subject teachers of candidates with special educational needs who are embarking on a course leading to an exam. The HoD can then inform individual staff of any access arrangements that individual candidates may be granted during the course and in the exam. 6.3 Access arrangements Making special arrangements for candidates to take exams and controlled assessments is the responsibility of the SENCO and head of department. If a teacher believes that a student may require access arrangements, they should gather evidence of the need and impact of such arrangements on the students work. This evidence should then be submitted via the appropriate form, in the first instance to the head of year who will check and then give to the Deputy Headteacher. The Deputy Headteacher will consider the evidence and judge whether the student should be assessed for access arrangements. Assessing students and submitting completed access arrangement applications to the awarding bodies is the responsibility of the SENCO. The assessment will be carried out by a qualified person and the process checked annually by the Deputy Headteacher. Rooming for access arrangement candidates will be arranged by the head of department with the Deputy Headteacher. Invigilation and support for access arrangement candidates will be organised by the head of department and the Deputy Headteacher, in consultation with the SENCO and the exams officer. Papers and materials for access arrangement candidates should be collected from the exams office at the start of the session. Candidates should meet and be registered in reception.
7. Estimated grades Estimated grades The heads of department will submit estimated grades, when requested, to the exams office.
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8. Managing invigilators and exam days 8.1 Managing invigilators Invigilation is normally carried out by teaching assistants with at least one teacher. All invigilators are subject to DBS clearance in line with the centre’s policy. The exams officer will run a training session for teaching assistants annually and also update HoDs and teachers of any regulation changes. A representative of each department with an exam will be required to be present at the start of the exam and will normally be the lead invigilator. 8.2 Exam days The exams office will monitor the receipt of exam papers and check against the entry statement. The exams office will book all exam rooms after liaison with other users and make the question papers, other exam stationery and materials available for the lead invigilator. The exams office will produce a seating plan, following discussion with the head of department. Site management is responsible for setting up the sports hall and main hall and the exams office will distribute name cards, if appropriate. The lead invigilator will start all exams in accordance with JCQ guidelines. The lead invigilator will check students have the correct equipment, including a black ball point pen. Subject staff may be present at the start of the exam to assist with identification of candidates but must not advise on which questions are to be attempted. All candidates’ identities will be verified before the start of the exam. Any invigilator who is unsure of the identity of a candidate should send for a senior member of staff who will check the identity. In practical exams subject teachers may be on hand in case of any technical difficulties. Exam papers must not be read by subject teachers or removed from the exam room before the end of a session. Papers will be distributed to heads of department/faculty at the end of the exam session.
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9. Candidates, clash candidates and special consideration 9.1 Candidates The centre’s published rules on acceptable dress, behaviour and candidates’ use of mobile phones and all electronic devices apply at all times. Candidates’ personal belongings remain their own responsibility and the centre accepts no liability for their loss or damage. Disruptive candidates are dealt with in accordance with JCQ guidelines. Candidates may leave the exam room for a genuine purpose requiring an immediate return to the exam room, in which case a member of staff must accompany them. Pastoral staff and Heads of Department are responsible for candidates who are late for their exams, or do not turn up at all. 9.2 Clash candidates Pastoral staff will be responsible as necessary for identifying escorts, identifying a secure venue and arranging overnight stays. 9.3 Special consideration Should a candidate be too ill to sit an exam, suffer bereavement or other trauma or be taken ill during the exam itself, it is the candidate’s responsibility to alert the centre, or the exam invigilator, to that effect. Any special consideration claim must be supported by appropriate evidence within five days of the exam, for example a self-certification form or a letter from the candidate’s doctor. The Deputy Headteacher will then forward a completed special consideration form to the relevant awarding body within seven days of the exam.
10. Coursework/Controlled Assessment/Assignments and appeals against internal assessments 10.1 Coursework/Controlled Assessment/Assignments Candidates who have to prepare portfolios should do so by the end of the course or centre-defined date. Heads of department will ensure all coursework/controlled
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assessment/assignment is ready for despatch via Post Office collection at the correct time and the exams office will keep a record of what has been sent when and to whom. Marks for all internally assessed work are provided to the exam board by the heads of department. 10.2 Appeals against internal assessments The centre is obliged to publish a separate procedure on this subject, which is available from the exams office. This covers all courses including BTEC and OCR Nationals. The main points are:
appeals will only be entertained if they apply to the process leading to an assessment. There is no appeal against the mark or grade awarded candidates may appeal if they feel their coursework has been assessed unfairly, inconsistently or not in accordance with the specification for the qualification appeals should be made in writing by 30 June to the head of centre (via the Deputy Headteacher) who will decide whether the process used conformed to the necessary requirements the head of centre’s findings will be notified in writing, copied to the exams officer and recorded for awarding body inspection.
11. Results, enquiries about results (EARs) and access to scripts (ATS) 11.1 Results Candidates will receive individual results slips on results days in person at school / by post to their home addresses (candidates to provide sae). Arrangements for the school to be open on results days are made by the head of centre. The provision of staff on results days is the responsibility of the head of centre in consultation with the exams officer. The centre aggregates at the end of Year 12 for AS grades. 11.2 Declining Grades It is no longer a requirement to decline an AS or A Level grade, in order to be able to improve the grade without having to retake all of the modules. 11.3 Enquiry about Results (EARs)
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EARs may be requested by centre staff or candidates if there are reasonable grounds for believing there has been an error in marking. Candidates must give written consent for remarking and accessing scripts. All EARs must be made through the centre. When the centre does not uphold an EAR, a candidate may apply to have an enquiry carried out. If a candidate requires this against the advice of subject staff, they will be charged and this must be paid before the EAR is made. If the EAR results in a change of grade then the fee will be refunded. (See section 5: Exam fees)
11.5 Appeals Appeals apply to the process leading to an examination result. Should centre staff or a candidate believe that any procedure during the examination process (including EARs) has not been correctly followed by the awarding body, they should raise it with the Deputy Headteacher. If the Deputy Headteacher agrees, the appeal will be processed in accordance with JCQ regulations. If the Deputy Headteacher does not support the appeal and a candidate disagrees with this decision they should follow the school’s complaints procedure which, in the first instance, consists of a written complaint to the Headteacher. There is no appeal against the mark or grade awarded to a candidate, only the process of award. 11.6 Access to Scripts (ATS) After the release of results staff may request the return of papers within three days’ scrutiny of the results. If a result is queried, the exams office and Deputy Headteacher will investigate the feasibility of asking for a remark at the centre’s expense. If a candidate requests the return of a paper that was not part of the centre request they will be charged the fee which must be paid before the request is processed. Centre staff may also request scripts for investigation or for teaching purposes. For the latter, the consent of candidates must be obtained. GCSE re-marks cannot be applied for once a script has been returned.
12. Certificates Certificates are collected and signed for from either the school office or the school reception, for those students no longer at school.
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Certificates may be collected on behalf of a candidate by a third party, provided they have been authorised to do so. Certificates may be withheld from candidates who owe fees. A transcript of results may be issued if a candidate agrees to pay the costs incurred. The centre retains certificates for three years.
Head of Centre
Deputy Headteacher
Date: November 2015 The policy is next due for review in November 2017
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EXAMINATION POLICY All members of our community are given equal opportunities in line with the Single Equality Duty
Reviewed by Ethos Committee:
24.11.15
ADOPTED BY BOARD OF GOVERNORS/DIRECTORS: 09.12.15
St Thomas More Roman Catholic Academy Mission Statement
St Thomas More Roman Catholic Academy is a Catholic school and as such we attempt to follow the example of Jesus Christ in our work, worship and relationships. Our Aims Are: to be a prayerful community based on Christian values, notably Love, Justice, Peace, Truth and Tolerance, and to encourage individuals in their commitment to these ideals. to provide a secure, welcoming and ordered environment in which individuals learn to value and respect both themselves and others. to give individuals the opportunities to develop their full potential as human beings, and to encourage and challenge them to do so. to encourage everyone to strive to do their best and to strive for the highest standards in all areas of activity. to help children grow into confident, open, resourceful young people with a sense of responsibility and of service.
Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Exam responsibilities The statutory tests and qualifications offered Exam seasons and timetables Entries, entry details, late entries and retakes Exam fees The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), special needs and access arrangements 7. Estimated grades 8. Managing invigilators and exam days 9. Candidates, clash candidates and special consideration 10. Coursework and appeals against internal assessments 11. Results, enquiries about results (EARs) and access to scripts (ATS) 12. Certificates
The purpose of this exam policy is:
to ensure the planning and management of exams is conducted efficiently and in the best interest of candidates to ensure the operation of an efficient exam system with clear guidelines for all relevant staff.
It is the responsibility of everyone involved in the centre’s exam processes to read, understand and implement this policy. This exam policy will be reviewed biannually. This exam policy will be reviewed by the head of centre, senior leadership team, exams officer and the governors.
1. Exam responsibilities Headteacher Overall responsibility for the school as an exam centre:
The head of centre is responsible for reporting all suspicions or actual incidents of malpractice. Refer to the JCQ document Suspected malpractice in examinations and assessments.
Exams Officer Manages the administration of public and internal exams and analysis of exam results:
Advises the senior leadership team, subject and class tutors and other relevant support staff on annual exam timetables and application procedures as set by the various exam boards Oversees the production and distribution to staff and candidates of an annual calendar for all exams in which candidates will be involved and communicates regularly with staff concerning imminent deadlines and events Ensures that candidates and their parents are informed of and understand those aspects of the exam timetable that will affect them Consults with teaching staff to ensure that necessary coursework is completed on time and in accordance with JCQ guidelines Provides and confirms detailed data on estimated entries Completes exam entries and provides HoDs with entry list to check before final submission Receives, checks and stores securely all exam papers and completed scripts Liaises with SENCO about access arrangements and makes applications for special consideration using the JCQ ‘Access
4
arrangements and special considerations regulations and Guidance relating to candidates who are eligible for adjustments in examinations’ Identifies and manages exam timetable clashes Collates past and predicted income and expenditure figures relating to all exam costs/charges Supports HoDs in submitting candidates’ coursework/controlled assessment marks, tracking despatch and passing on returned coursework and any other material required by the appropriate awarding bodies correctly and on schedule Arranges for dissemination of exam results and certificates to candidates and forwards, in consultation with the SLT, any appeals/re-mark requests Maintains systems and processes to support the timely entry of candidates for their exams Produces seating plan for exams and, when appropriate, name cards for desks Delivery of exam papers and other material to the exam venue(s) before the start of the exam Dispatch exam papers after the exam Produce and update the Contingency Plan for Examinations Administration during exam time in case of absence of the Exam’s Officer
Deputy Headteacher
Overall responsibility for examinations Negotiates specific arrangements for exams with HoDs i.e. invigilation and support for access arrangements Advises head of centre on any suspicions of malpractice Advises on appeals and re-marks External validation of courses followed at Key Stage 4 / Post-16 Plans and accounts for income and expenditures relating to all exam costs/charges Hold and implement the Contingency Plan for Examinations Administration during exam time in case of absence
Heads of Department
Collation of all subject specific information from examination board websites or subject teams such as grade boundaries and ums equivalences
Support teachers in collation of information/evidence of candidates’ persistent and significant difficulties and their impact on the teaching and learning in the classroom and the effect of any informal access arrangements, to support formal application
Accurate completion of entry and all other mark sheets and adherence to deadlines as set by the exams officer Check summary of entries Accurate completion of coursework/controlled assessment/assignments mark sheets and declaration sheets
5
Collation and moderation of coursework/controlled assessment/assignments samples ready for dispatch within time deadline Guidance to candidates who are unsure about exam entries or amendments to entries Liaise with exams office regarding seating arrangements for each exam Organisation, in consultation with SENCO (and learning mentors for students with EAL) of access arrangements for each exam and controlled assessments Organisation of equipment for exams and ensuring a subject specialist is present at the start of each exam Ensure that teachers invigilating from the department are familiar with the Guidelines for Invigilators Involvement in post-results procedures
Teachers
Record how a candidate's disability/difficulty has impacted in teaching and learning in the classroom. Provide evidence that proposed access arrangements are the candidate’s normal way of working and detail the impact of the arrangements Communication of coursework/controlled assessment/assignments regulations including issues of plagiarism Accurate completion of coursework/controlled assessment/assignments mark sheets and declaration sheets for individual teaching groups Submission of candidate names to heads of department Communication of exam arrangements to students
SENCO
Administration of access arrangements (see section 6) Identification and testing of candidates’ requirements for access arrangements Provision of additional support for pupils with SEN to help candidates achieve their course aims Advise HoDs on arrangements for pupils with EAL
Lead Invigilator/Invigilators
Ensure candidates are correctly seated with the correct exam paper and equipment Check and complete attendance register and immediately report absences to pastoral staff Collection of all exam papers in the correct order at the end of the exam and their return to the exams office
6
Pastoral Staff
Support invigilators at start of exam with the orderly seating of candidates Contact absent candidates to confirm reason for absence
Candidates
Confirmation and checking of entries Understanding coursework/controlled assessment regulations and signing a declaration that authenticates the coursework as their own
2. The statutory tests and qualifications offered The statutory tests and qualifications offered at this centre are decided by the head of centre, heads of department and the senior leadership team. The statutory tests and qualifications offered are NCTs, GCSE, A levels, Key Skills, BTEC National, OCR National, ALAN, ASSET Languages, ASDAN, AIDA, CIDA, DIDA. The subjects offered for these qualifications in any academic year may be found in the centre’s published prospectus for that year. If there has been a change of syllabus from the previous year, the exams office must be informed by the end of September each year. At Key Stage 4 All candidates will be entitled, and enabled, to achieve an entry for qualifications from an external awarding body.
3. Exam seasons and timetables 3.1 Exam seasons At KS3 internal exams take place within lessons. Mock GCSE exams will take place at the end of Yr 10 and during Yr 11 under external exam conditions. Mock AS/A Level exams will be held. External exams are scheduled in November and June. Which exam series are used in the centre is decided by the head of centre and the heads of department.
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3.2 Timetables The exams office will circulate the exam timetables for external exams once these are confirmed.
4. Entries, entry details, late entries and retakes 4.1 Entries Candidates are selected for their exam entries by the heads of department. A candidate or parent/carer can request a subject entry, change of level or withdrawal. The Deputy Headteacher will make the final decision, in consultation with the head of department and pastoral staff. The centre does not normally accept entries from external candidates. Departments will receive a summary of entries to check that they are correct. HoDs must inform the exams office immediately of any errors. 4.2 Late entries Entry deadlines are circulated to heads of department via email and in writing. Late entries are authorised by heads of department and exams officer. 4.3 Withdrawals HoDs must inform the exams office immediately of any students who are to be withdrawn from an exam. 4.4 Retakes Candidates are normally allowed to retake GCSE maths English and Core Science, paid for by the centre. Candidates are allowed to retake an AS module in Year 13, paid for by the centre. Retake decisions will be made in consultation with the candidates, subject teachers, head of sixth form and the heads of department. The head of centre will make any final decisions. A candidate may be entered for a retake, against the advice of the centre. In this case the entry will be paid for by the candidate. (See also section 5: Exam fees)
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4.5 Examination timetables The exams office will produce individual exam timetables for students and also statements of entry.
5. Exam fees GCSE, AS and A2 initial registration and entry exam fees are paid by the centre. Late entry fees are normally paid by the department. Amendment fees are normally paid by the centre. Candidates or departments will not be charged for changes of tier or withdrawals made by the proper procedures or alterations arising from administrative processes, provided these are made within the time allowed by the awarding bodies. Reimbursement will be sought from candidates who fail to sit an exam or meet the necessary coursework requirements with no valid reason. This fees reimbursement policy will be communicated in writing to candidates and parents/carers. Retake fees for first and any subsequent retakes are paid by the centre unless the entry is made against the advice of the centre. (See also section 4.4: Retakes) Candidates must pay the fee for an enquiry about a result or request for a script, should the centre not uphold the enquiry/request and the candidate insists on pursuing the enquiry/request. This fee must be paid before the enquiry/request is processed. If the EAR results in a grade change then the fee will be repaid. (See also section 11.2: Enquiries about results [EARs])
6. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), special needs and access arrangements 6.1 DDA The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 extends the application of the DDA to general qualifications. All exam centre staff must ensure that the access arrangements and special consideration regulations and guidance are consistent with the law.
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6.2 Special needs A candidate’s special needs requirements are determined by the SENCO. The SENCO will inform HoDs and subject teachers of candidates with special educational needs who are embarking on a course leading to an exam. The HoD can then inform individual staff of any access arrangements that individual candidates may be granted during the course and in the exam. 6.3 Access arrangements Making special arrangements for candidates to take exams and controlled assessments is the responsibility of the SENCO and head of department. If a teacher believes that a student may require access arrangements, they should gather evidence of the need and impact of such arrangements on the students work. This evidence should then be submitted via the appropriate form, in the first instance to the head of year who will check and then give to the Deputy Headteacher. The Deputy Headteacher will consider the evidence and judge whether the student should be assessed for access arrangements. Assessing students and submitting completed access arrangement applications to the awarding bodies is the responsibility of the SENCO. The assessment will be carried out by a qualified person and the process checked annually by the Deputy Headteacher. Rooming for access arrangement candidates will be arranged by the head of department with the Deputy Headteacher. Invigilation and support for access arrangement candidates will be organised by the head of department and the Deputy Headteacher, in consultation with the SENCO and the exams officer. Papers and materials for access arrangement candidates should be collected from the exams office at the start of the session. Candidates should meet and be registered in reception.
7. Estimated grades Estimated grades The heads of department will submit estimated grades, when requested, to the exams office.
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8. Managing invigilators and exam days 8.1 Managing invigilators Invigilation is normally carried out by teaching assistants with at least one teacher. All invigilators are subject to DBS clearance in line with the centre’s policy. The exams officer will run a training session for teaching assistants annually and also update HoDs and teachers of any regulation changes. A representative of each department with an exam will be required to be present at the start of the exam and will normally be the lead invigilator. 8.2 Exam days The exams office will monitor the receipt of exam papers and check against the entry statement. The exams office will book all exam rooms after liaison with other users and make the question papers, other exam stationery and materials available for the lead invigilator. The exams office will produce a seating plan, following discussion with the head of department. Site management is responsible for setting up the sports hall and main hall and the exams office will distribute name cards, if appropriate. The lead invigilator will start all exams in accordance with JCQ guidelines. The lead invigilator will check students have the correct equipment, including a black ball point pen. Subject staff may be present at the start of the exam to assist with identification of candidates but must not advise on which questions are to be attempted. All candidates’ identities will be verified before the start of the exam. Any invigilator who is unsure of the identity of a candidate should send for a senior member of staff who will check the identity. In practical exams subject teachers may be on hand in case of any technical difficulties. Exam papers must not be read by subject teachers or removed from the exam room before the end of a session. Papers will be distributed to heads of department/faculty at the end of the exam session.
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9. Candidates, clash candidates and special consideration 9.1 Candidates The centre’s published rules on acceptable dress, behaviour and candidates’ use of mobile phones and all electronic devices apply at all times. Candidates’ personal belongings remain their own responsibility and the centre accepts no liability for their loss or damage. Disruptive candidates are dealt with in accordance with JCQ guidelines. Candidates may leave the exam room for a genuine purpose requiring an immediate return to the exam room, in which case a member of staff must accompany them. Pastoral staff and Heads of Department are responsible for candidates who are late for their exams, or do not turn up at all. 9.2 Clash candidates Pastoral staff will be responsible as necessary for identifying escorts, identifying a secure venue and arranging overnight stays. 9.3 Special consideration Should a candidate be too ill to sit an exam, suffer bereavement or other trauma or be taken ill during the exam itself, it is the candidate’s responsibility to alert the centre, or the exam invigilator, to that effect. Any special consideration claim must be supported by appropriate evidence within five days of the exam, for example a self-certification form or a letter from the candidate’s doctor. The Deputy Headteacher will then forward a completed special consideration form to the relevant awarding body within seven days of the exam.
10. Coursework/Controlled Assessment/Assignments and appeals against internal assessments 10.1 Coursework/Controlled Assessment/Assignments Candidates who have to prepare portfolios should do so by the end of the course or centre-defined date. Heads of department will ensure all coursework/controlled
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assessment/assignment is ready for despatch via Post Office collection at the correct time and the exams office will keep a record of what has been sent when and to whom. Marks for all internally assessed work are provided to the exam board by the heads of department. 10.2 Appeals against internal assessments The centre is obliged to publish a separate procedure on this subject, which is available from the exams office. This covers all courses including BTEC and OCR Nationals. The main points are:
appeals will only be entertained if they apply to the process leading to an assessment. There is no appeal against the mark or grade awarded candidates may appeal if they feel their coursework has been assessed unfairly, inconsistently or not in accordance with the specification for the qualification appeals should be made in writing by 30 June to the head of centre (via the Deputy Headteacher) who will decide whether the process used conformed to the necessary requirements the head of centre’s findings will be notified in writing, copied to the exams officer and recorded for awarding body inspection.
11. Results, enquiries about results (EARs) and access to scripts (ATS) 11.1 Results Candidates will receive individual results slips on results days in person at school / by post to their home addresses (candidates to provide sae). Arrangements for the school to be open on results days are made by the head of centre. The provision of staff on results days is the responsibility of the head of centre in consultation with the exams officer. The centre aggregates at the end of Year 12 for AS grades. 11.2 Declining Grades It is no longer a requirement to decline an AS or A Level grade, in order to be able to improve the grade without having to retake all of the modules. 11.3 Enquiry about Results (EARs)
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EARs may be requested by centre staff or candidates if there are reasonable grounds for believing there has been an error in marking. Candidates must give written consent for remarking and accessing scripts. All EARs must be made through the centre. When the centre does not uphold an EAR, a candidate may apply to have an enquiry carried out. If a candidate requires this against the advice of subject staff, they will be charged and this must be paid before the EAR is made. If the EAR results in a change of grade then the fee will be refunded. (See section 5: Exam fees)
11.5 Appeals Appeals apply to the process leading to an examination result. Should centre staff or a candidate believe that any procedure during the examination process (including EARs) has not been correctly followed by the awarding body, they should raise it with the Deputy Headteacher. If the Deputy Headteacher agrees, the appeal will be processed in accordance with JCQ regulations. If the Deputy Headteacher does not support the appeal and a candidate disagrees with this decision they should follow the school’s complaints procedure which, in the first instance, consists of a written complaint to the Headteacher. There is no appeal against the mark or grade awarded to a candidate, only the process of award. 11.6 Access to Scripts (ATS) After the release of results staff may request the return of papers within three days’ scrutiny of the results. If a result is queried, the exams office and Deputy Headteacher will investigate the feasibility of asking for a remark at the centre’s expense. If a candidate requests the return of a paper that was not part of the centre request they will be charged the fee which must be paid before the request is processed. Centre staff may also request scripts for investigation or for teaching purposes. For the latter, the consent of candidates must be obtained. GCSE re-marks cannot be applied for once a script has been returned.
12. Certificates Certificates are collected and signed for from either the school office or the school reception, for those students no longer at school.
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Certificates may be collected on behalf of a candidate by a third party, provided they have been authorised to do so. Certificates may be withheld from candidates who owe fees. A transcript of results may be issued if a candidate agrees to pay the costs incurred. The centre retains certificates for three years.
Head of Centre
Deputy Headteacher
Date: November 2015 The policy is next due for review in November 2017
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