The Exam Day

EXAMINATION REGULATIONS AND MALPRACTICE

A copy of the “Information for Candidates” and “Warning to Candidates” which is issued jointly by all the Examining Boards, is available on this site. All candidates must read these carefully and note that to break any of the examination rules or regulations could lead to disqualification from all subjects. The school must report any breach of regulations to the Awarding Body. 

ATTENDANCE AT EXAMINATIONS  

• Candidates are responsible for checking their own timetable and arriving at school on the correct day and time, dressed in school uniform and equipped. 

• Candidates will receive an email prior to the start of the exam series stating when and where they need to meet, along with rooming information.

• Candidates who arrive late for an examination may still be admitted but will not receive any additional time. If special consideration applies then you must speak to the Examinations Officer (see ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS). It is at the Awarding Body’s discretion whether the script is accepted from candidates who are admitted late to an exam.  

• The College will require payment of entry fees should a candidate fail to attempt an examination without good reason.  

• Full school uniform must be worn by all students.  

• All items of equipment, pens, pencils, mathematical instruments, etc. should be visible to the invigilators at all times. You must use either a transparent pencil case or clear plastic bag. 

• Pens should be BLACK ink or ballpoint only. Many papers are now scanned for marking, and anything other than black may not be scanned. No correction pens are allowed.  

• For Mathematics and Science exams, students should make sure their calculators conform to the examination regulations. If in doubt, check with your teacher. Remove any covers or instructions and make sure batteries are new.  

• Watches of any description are not allowed in the exam room. If these are stored in bags please make sure that alarms are switched off.  

• Do not attempt to communicate with or distract other candidates, as this could be an indication of malpractice and must be reported to the Awarding Body.  

• Examination regulations are very strict regarding items that may be taken into the examination room (see FAQs section). If you break these rules you may be disqualified from the examination.  

• If a mobile phone (or any other type of electronic communication or storage device) is found in your possession during an examination (even if it is turned off) it will be taken from you and a report made to the appropriate awarding body. No exceptions can be made. This may well lead to zero marks for  that paper, or even disqualification from that subject. If you must have your phone with you, please either hand it in to the invigilator as you enter the exam room (ensuring it is turned off) or store it in your bag, again ensuring that it is switched off. Phones that are not switched off will be removed from the exam room.  

• Please do not bring bags into school unless necessary. For candidates in the hall, coats and bags should be left on the balcony. In all other exam rooms you will be instructed by Invigilators as to where to leave your belongings. Please ensure that they do not block doors or walkways. 

• Listen carefully to instructions and notices read out by the Invigilators – there may be amendments to the exam paper that you need to know about.  

• Check you have the correct question paper – check the subject, component/unit and tier of entry along with the day, date and time of the paper.  

• Read all instructions carefully and number your answers clearly especially when using additional answer booklets or a laptop.  

• You will not be allowed to leave an examination room early. If you have finished the paper use any time remaining to check that you have completed your details correctly and to check over your answers. The extra marks you find may well be the ones to give you the next grade up.  

• At the end of the examination all work must be handed in – remember to cross out any rough work. If you have used more than one answer book ensure that it has been completed with your name, candidate number and centre number and place it inside your original exam script. 

• Invigilators will collect your exam papers before you leave the room. Absolute silence must be maintained during this time. Remember you are still under examination conditions until you have left the room.  

• Question papers, answer booklets and additional paper must NOT be taken from the exam room.  

• Remain seated until you are invited to leave the examination room. Leave the room in silence and show consideration for other candidates who may still be working.  

• If the fire alarm sounds during an examination, continue with your exam, the Exam Invigilators will tell you if you need to leave the room. Don’t panic. If you have to evacuate the room you will be asked to close your scripts and leave in silence. You will be evacuated in an orderly fashion and escorted to a designated assembly point. Leave everything on your desk. You must not attempt to communicate with anyone else during the evacuation. When you return to the exam room do not start writing until the Invigilator tells you to. You will be allowed the full working time for the examination and a report will be sent to the awarding body detailing the incident.

INVIGILATORS  

• The school employs external Invigilators to conduct the examinations. Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner towards all Invigilators and follow their instructions at all times.  

• Invigilators are in the examination rooms to supervise the conduct of the examination. They will distribute and collect the examination papers, tell candidates when to start and finish, hand out extra answer booklets if required and deal with any problems that occur during the examination, for example if a candidate is feeling ill. If you need any assistance during an examination, please raise your hand clearly and wait for an Invigilator to come to you.  

• Please note that Invigilators cannot discuss the examination paper with you or explain the questions.  

• Pupils who are disruptive or behave in an unacceptable manner will be removed from the examination room by Invigilators and reported to a member of the Senior Leadership Team.