Exams
Additional Support
Pupils who are identified as having an English as an Additional Language need may be eligible for extra support for their exams (not the ESOL exams - please see section on ESOL).
This extra support generally consists of extra time to complete the exam and the use of a dictionary. Paper dictionarys are generally preferred by schools but an electronic dictionary can be used as long as it cannot access the internet. There are strict rules regarding what is and what is not allowed. If you are not sure, check with your school management.
Terminology
Prelims
This is a practice exam of the subject taken in January and February.
Schools usually arrange their own Prelim dates and times, and it is done during the normal school day.
Teachers use the results to predict the grade pupils can expect to receive from the official exams.
Teachers can use the results to identify weak areas in the pupils knowledge and understanding of the subject.
NO STUDY LEAVE.
Exams
The official exams are run by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The times of the exams are set by the SQA and occur on the same day across Scotland.
The exams happen from the 2nd week of April to the last week of May.
These results are used for entry to College and University.
It is possible to challenge a poor and unexpected result, using the Prelim result and course work.
Pupils are on Study Leave to prepare for exams.
Study Leave
For pupils in S4, S5, and S6 who are taking exam level subjects.
No requirement to attend school and is to be used to study for official exams.
There is no study leave for Prelims.
2nd week of April to the last week of May.