ICT and Digital Papers

Pupils who require ICT use to complete an exam would still use a paper copy of the exam to gather info on content and questions.  However, they would then use a computer or laptop to type their answers.

Generally, Digital question papers can be used by candidates identified as having additional support needs who have an approved assessment arrangement.  An example of an additional support need which qualifies for a digital question paper, would be dyslexia.

Every candidate is eligible for use of ICT in an SQA exam.

Like other assessment arrangements we use the SQA evidence based approach. Teachers and support staff will monitor and gather evidence for eligible pupils that they believe may benefit from a digital question paper.  This is to ensure a tailored approach for each young person.  

For example, not every young person with dyslexia will require a digital question paper and in some cases it can be detrimental.  Therefore a blanket approach is not the best approach in this circumstance.

Our candidates usually require IT support if :

• they have messy handwriting

• they are slower at handwriting than typing

• they have an additional support need that means ICT will help them achieve their potential

We run training sessions and check in with each of our young people who are sitting a digital question paper. If you are unsure about this process please come and speak to the support team direct.