EXAMS – Frequently asked questions
- How will I receive my exam timetable? A copy of your exam timetable will be sent to you by email and to your parents/carers. Copies will also be given to you during form time close to the time of exams. If you lose your timetable please speak to your Head of year or go to student reception
- What do I do if there is a mistake on my exam timetable or there is something I do not understand? You must speak to your subject teacher or the exams manager/assistant as soon as possible
- I have a clash in my exams what do I do? The exams manager/assistant will reschedule any exams that clash and this will be shown on your individual timetable. In all cases where a clash happens you MUST be supervised at all times and you may be required to bring lunch with you.
- What time do my exams start?
Morning exams start at 8.40am. Afternoon exams start at 1.30pm
Check your individual timetable carefully for clashes that may start at a different time
- What should I do if I am ill on the day of the exam? In all cases you should try to attend all of your exams, however if you are unwell you MUST call the school as soon as possible.
In some cases of absence, it may be possible to apply for special consideration as long as you have completed at least 15% of the total assessment. Special consideration is from 0% (consideration given, but addition of marks considered inappropriate) to 5% in exceptional circumstances.
You should be aware that any consideration is likely to be small. In all cases, medical evidence will be required before special consideration can be applied for, for example a letter from your GP or hospital.
- What should I do if I feel ill during my exam? Put your hand up and speak to an invigilator.
- What should I do if I am late for an exam? You should aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before the starting time of your exam. If you are more than 1hour late for an exam (where an exam in more than 1 hour in duration) the awarding body must be told and it will be their decision whether or not to accept your exam paper.
- What do I do with my mobile phone/airpods/watch? You should normally leave these items at home, however if you do not, you will be required to hand them in to an invigilator before entering the exam hall. These items will be returned to you once you leave the exam room. Failure to HAND IN ANY ITEMS WHICH ARE NOT PERMITTED in the exam, may lead to one of the following sanctions
- Electronic device found on you and turned off – Disqualification from the paper for which the item was found
- Electronic device found on you and turned on – disqualification of the entire subject award
- Electronic device rings during the exam regardless of whether it’s on you – disqualification from the subject including papers already taken.
- In all cases above the awarding body will be notified.
- What do I have to do with my wrist watch? All wrist watches MUST be removed and handed to an invigilator.
- Can I bring fizzy drinks or food into my exams?
No. You may bring your own water into the exam however the label must be removed before the exam starts.
- What do I do with papers/notes in my pockets? You MUST empty your pockets and place notes/paper in your bag.
- My pencil case is not see-through? You MUST take out the equipment you need and place the pencil case on the floor.
- What do I do with my glasses case or calculator case? Place them on the floor
- Can I leave the exam early?
No. You will be required to remain in the exam room for the entire duration of the exam. If you finish early, use the remaining time to check through your answers.
- Can I visit the toilet during my exam?
No. Visit the toilet before the start of the exam. If you have a medical condition which means you need to visit the toilet regularly, you must provide a letter from your GP.
