Exams (Brighton MET)
Topic outline
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Access arrangements are pre-exam arrangements made on behalf of a candidate with specific needs. Types of access arrangements are listed in the table below and have to assessed and approved.
Special note on GCSE's - arrangements provided in the mocks may not exactly replicate those on the day of the exam. Some access arrangements may not have been finalised for the mocks.
Please note that we can only provide AAs that have already been approved by the Access Arrangements team and where the learner has signed the DPN. If you think you require any AAs, please contact your course tutor for referral.
Access Arrangement
Definition
Practical Assistant
The Practical Assistant provides assistance to a candidate with mobility and other related difficulties.
Human Reader
The questions are read to the candidate, a human reader. There will be a shared reader(s) at a ratio of 4:1 unless specifically assessed as requiring 1:1 support.
A human reader cannot be used for the reading section of an English paper.
Computer Reader
The questions are read to the candidate by a piece of computer software (Claroread) or reading pen with the use of headphones.
Scribe
The candidate dictates their answers to a scribe.
In most cases, the exam may be accommodated in an alternative room or in a room where the dictation cannot be heard by the other candidates e.g. spaced out in a classroom.
Communications Professional (CP) for candidates using Sign Language
The questions are signed to candidates with hearing difficulties.
Bilingual translation dictionaries
Only to be used in examinations by a candidate whose first language is not English, Irish or Welsh.
Standard dictionaries are allowed in Functional Skills English exams but not in GCSE English.
Prompter
Where a candidate has little or no sense of time, loses concentration easily or suffers from an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A prompter may use prompts either vocally, on flash cards, tap the desk or the candidates arm.
Read Aloud
A candidate will read aloud to themselves if they persistently struggle to understand what they have read.
Word processor
A word processor will be provided with the spelling and grammar check/predictive text disabled to a candidate, where it is their normal way of working within the centre and is appropriate to their needs, this also includes an electronic brailler or a tablet.
Extra Time
Mainly for candidates with a specific learning difficulty.
Candidates are usually allowed a period of 25% (or longer) extra time to complete the examination.
Supervised Breaks
For candidates with specific needs, including temporary injury. The exam can be stopped and started accordingly. Times will be recorded.
These learners must remain under exam conditions during their break and must not be let out unaccompanied.
Alternative Rooming Arrangement
For candidates that can provide medical evidence that a regular exam room is not suitable and need a smaller environment.
Small Room
Most of our small rooms for exams hold around 25 learners.