Examinations: Important Information for Students

It is very important that students take note of the following:

• Any coats and bags left outside an exam room, e.g. in the PE corridor, will be at students’ own risk.
• Students should bring their own equipment for each examination. For regular examinations, students should ensure that they have two black pens (non-erasable biros) and a HB pencil. Some exams also require specialist equipment. For maths and science exams, students should also bring ruler, eraser, protractor, and pair of compasses. A calculator must also be brought for the maths calculator paper, and that paper only.
• Pencil cases are only allowed in the exam rooms if they are transparent.
• Mobile phones and other electronic equipment such as iPods, MP3 players. and smart watches are strictly forbidden.
• Only under very exceptional circumstances will students be allowed to go to the toilet. If permission is given, students will be escorted by an Invigilator.

Morning Examinations

When taking morning examinations, students should arrive at the usual time and place their bags, coats, valuables, etc. securely in their lockers prior to registration.

Form tutors will remind students of the daily arrangements, but it is essential each student knows where they are sitting before they leave registration. At the end of registration, students should make their way to the Atrium where they will wait in silence until they are given permission to enter the exam room.

At the end of the examination students should collect their bags, etc. and go directly to their next lesson or break/lunch as appropriate.

Afternoon Examinations

All afternoon exams start at 1.00 pm. To account for this, students will have an early lunch at the start of period 4, from 12.27 – 12.55pm, and any bags, coats, valuables, etc. should be left securely in their lockers during this time.

At 12.55 pm students should make their way to the Atrium where they will wait in silence until they are given permission to enter the exam room.

At the end of the examination students should collect their bags etc and go directly to their next lesson.

Personalised Examination Timetables

• When examination entries have been made, a personalised examination timetable will be issued to students. This lists the exact examinations that your son or daughter will be taking.
• If you have misplaced this timetable, please ask a teacher for a replacement.

Absence from Examinations

• If your son or daughter is unable to attend a GCSE examination due to illness, you must provide a medical note from your doctor which should be given to the Examinations Officer. A special consideration with the Examination Board can then be applied for.
• If your son or daughter fails to attend their examination(s) without a valid reason, the college can request that the cost of the examination(s) be paid by a parent or carer.

Adverse Weather Conditions and College Closure

• All GCSE examinations will take place as stated in the published timetable, even if the college is closed to other students due to adverse weather.
• Students must assume that all GCSE examinations will go ahead unless informed otherwise via the college website and local radio station.