Examinations

On your exam day

Ensure you know:

  • The date, time and location of your exam. Capture all of this information on a calendar or planner at home.
  • Who to contact at school in case there is an emergency that makes you late or unable to sit your exam.

What you will need:

  • A clear pencil case.
  • At least two black pens (blue pens are not acceptable).
  • An approved calculator (for relevant exams).
  • Appropriate apparatus (such as a ruler or protractor for relevant exams).
  • A clear water bottle if you wish to take one in (it must not have a label).

What you cannot take into exams:

  • Any type of phone.
  • Revision notes.
  • Any type of watch (including analogue, digital and smart watches).

Other important information:

  • Listen carefully to instructions from invigilators. If you are unsure about anything, raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to respond.
  • Fill in your details on the front of the answer booklet.
  • If you need an additional answer sheet, raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to respond. Add your details to the front of the new booklet.
  • Stay silent - remember that talking to a fellow candidate may result in disqualification from all your exams.
Do not book holidays during examination windows. There are a number of dates reserved for contingency exams so do not seek to go away at any time close to this important period. Examination dates are set nationally and cannot be changed.

Candidate information

Candidates should access all required information before sitting examinations and assessments.

Visit the JCQ website

The school recommends candidates pay particular attention to:

  • Information for Candidates – Written Exams
  • Information for Candidates – Non-Examination Assessments
  • Information for Candidates – On-screen tests
  • Information for Candidates – Social Media

Examination candidates must ensure that they are fully prepared examinations and assessments and have a full understanding of the rules and reguilations.

Malpractice

To maintain the integrity of qualifications, strict regulations are in place. 'Malpractice' means any act or practice which is in breach of the regulations. Examples of what constitutes malpractice include:

  • Collusion (working collaboratively with other candidates, beyond what is permitted).
  • Copying from another candidate (including the use of technology to aid the copying).
  • Allowing work to be copied (for example, posting work on social networking sites prior to an examination/assessment).
  • Disruptive behaviour in the examination room or during an assessment session (including the use of offensive language).
  • Exchanging, obtaining, receiving, passing on information (or the attempt to) which could be assessment related by means of talking, electronic, written or non-verbal communication.
  • Bringing into the examination room notes in the wrong format (where notes are permitted in examinations) or inappropriately annotated texts (in open book examinations).
  • The inclusion of offensive comments, obscenities or drawings; discriminatory language, remarks or drawings directed at an individual or group in scripts, controlled assessments, coursework, non-examination assessments or portfolios.
  • Plagiarism (unacknowledged copying from or reproduction of third party sources, including the internet and AI tools, or incomplete referencing).
  • Use of social media for the exchange and circulation of real or fake assessment material.

Remember...

  1. You must be on time for all your examinations.
  2. Possession of a mobile phone or other unauthorised material is not allowed even if you do not intend to use it. You will be subject to penalty and possible disqualification from the exam/qualification.
  3. You must not talk to, attempt to communicate with or disturb other candidates once you have entered the examination room.
  4. You must follow the instructions of the invigilator.
  5. You must not sit an examination in the name of another candidate.
  6. You must not become involved in any unfair or dishonest practice in any part of the examination.
  7. If you are confused about anything, only speak to an invigilator.

Questions?

If you have any questions about examinations, please speak to your Achievement Leader or the Examinations Officer. Parents and carers can contact us here.