25 Jan To: Parents of Pupils in Years 11 & 12
January 2016
As you are aware, students from years 11 and 12 have just completed their January examinations. Following a review, a number of issues were raised. To ensure that all future examination series run smoothly, I would like to bring these issues to your attention.
Equipment
It has come to my attention that a significant number of students attended examinations without the proper equipment. This not only included specialist items such as protractors and calculators but also basic items ie, pens and pencils. It is vital that your son/daughter arrives to an examination with the correct equipment for that particular examination. Please be advised that most examinations request that answers are written in black ink.
Mobile Phones
JCQ, the examinations regulatory body, state that mobile phones and such like objects are not allowed into the exam hall. Our initial advice is for mobile phones to be left at home on the day of an external examination. If this is not possible, then the mobile phone must be handed to the invigilator at the start of the examination. This will be kept safely in the school office and can be collected there at the end of the examination. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the candidate being refused entry to the examination. If a mobile phone or other data storage device is discovered to be in the possession of a candidate, they will be disqualified from the qualification.
Punctuality
For the sake of all candidates, it is important that students arrive to the examination promptly. As a guide, we recommend that your son/daughter is waiting outside the exam hall 15 minutes before the published start time.
General behaviour
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all students that a high standard of behaviour is expected at all times during the examination. Upon entering the exam hall, they should remain silent and not communicate with any other student. Any issue should be reported to the invigilator(s) by raising their hand. Students are expected to remain in the hall until the examination is officially finished at which point they will be dismissed.
A copy of the notice to candidates from the exam boards is on the back of this circular, I recommend that this is read carefully by both you and your son/daughter.
Many thanks for your support on these matters.
I Shanks
Examination Officer
Ulidia Integrated College
Exam Checklist
| Preparation |
| · Please know the dates and times of your exams |
| · Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the exam start time |
| · Full school uniform as described in the planner should be worn |
| What to bring |
| · Exam card |
| · Correct equipment, including pens, pencils, calculator, etc. |
| Mobile Phones |
| · If possible leave mobile phones at home |
| · If you have a phone with you:
-it must be switched off -it will be collected & left in the office until the end of the exam |
| At the start of an exam |
| · Wait outside the exam room until you are asked to take your seat |
| · All bags etc. must be left outside the room |
| · Seating plans will be displayed at the entrance of the exam room |
| · Enter the exam quietly and sit in your designated seat. |
| · If you are late report to the invigilator |
| During the exam |
| · You cannot communicate with any other student |
| · If you need assistance raise your hand and speak to the invigilator |
| · If you complete the exam before the finish time, read through to check. |
| · You may not leave before the published finish time |
| At the end of the exam |
| · Ensure your name and candidate number is on the exam paper. |
| · Leave all paper that you have written on. |
| · Leave in silence when instructed to do so. |
| · Do not remain in school unless you have a prior arrangement with a teacher. |
| If you have a problem |
| · Speak to the invigilator |
| · Contact the examinations officer |