Exams (Northbrook)
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 be 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. Mocks are spread out over a week so rooms will be less crowded.
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 by a human reader. Readers are shared at a ratio of 4:1 unless it specifically states the student is entitled to 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.
A break cannot be taken in the first 10 minutes and no more than 10 minutes per half an hour.
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
For students that would find a large exam hall or gymnasium very stressful.
Our largest rooms hold up to 50 and would not be used. Most classrooms set up for exams hold around 15, however if specialist equipment is required e.g. PC the room may hold up to 30.
We offer students the opportunity to view the room and select their seat to help ease anxieties.