Examination Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are pre-examination adjustments for students based on evidence of need and normal way of working.

Access arrangements are not designed to benefit a particular student but to provide an equal opportunity for all students in achieving in their exams.

 

To discuss your child's access arrangements, please contact the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCO) Adam Cave by calling 01623 663450 or emailing enquiries@tscacademy.org.uk.

 

Examples of access arrangements for exams

 

Supervised rest breaks 

• Student is allowed breaks for short periods of time in the exam
• This may be for medical reasons, anxiety, ADHD, Autism etc.
• Evidence comes from observations in school from teachers. Medical evidence may recommend this.

 

Alternative site

• Student may sit the exam at home or an alternative site.
• This is where the student usually receives the main portion of the education.

 

Practical assistant

• Student can direct a member of staff to support with diagrams or drawings that they may have to do as part of their exam.
• This is based on medical needs and a doctor's note may be provided.

 

iPad, tablet or mobile devices

• Student may use a mobile device in rare cases where this is their usual way of working. This could be:
  • used instead of a laptop as their usual way of working.
  • possibly visually impaired students.
  • students with diabetes who may need their mobile close to them.
• No testing is required for this, it is the usual way of working for students.

 

Word processor or laptop 

• Student may use a laptop to record their answers without spellcheck when this is their usual way of working. 

 

Prompter

• Student can be given verbal prompts such as "let's give this next question a try", "let's move on to the next part" or just general prompts.
• Used to help maintain focus and concentration.
• No testing is required for this, it is the usual way of working for students.

 

Read out loud

• Student is allowed to read aloud in their own room.
• Some students benefit from reading questions and their work aloud.
• No testing is required for this, it is the usual way of working for students.

 

Quiet Room

• Student is in a separate room and completes their examination here. This could be:
  • due to the size of the hall, and too many students present in this room.
  • because the student would distract other students.
  • it is the usual way of working for students.
  • Doctor may recommend a quiet room.

 

1 to 1 Room

• Student completes their examination in a room alone with an invigilator.
• This may be due to another access arrangement such as read  out aloud.
• No testing is required for this, it is the usual way of working for students.

 

Dictionary

• Student may use a dictionary if they are EAL (English as an Additional Language) and this is their normal way of working.

 

Overlay

• Student has a coloured overlay on their work.
• No testing is required for this, it is the usual way of working for students.

 

Modified or coloured paper

• Student has a modified papers (braille) or coloured papers.
• No testing is required for this, it is the usual way of working for students.
• May be recommended by classroom teachers.

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