Why assess for exam arrangements?
What are the benefits of assessing for exam arrangements?
The following difficulties are examples of when a young person may qualifiy* for exam dispensations:
- Slow handwriting/poor fine motor skills
- A difficulty getting ideas down on to paper
- Slow processing speed (cognitive or verbal)
- Slow reading speed
- Poor reading accuracy
- Poor comprehension skills
- Poor working memory
- Attentional problems
- High levels of anxiety
Assessing for exam arrangement ensures that a young person is put on a level playing field with other students who do not experience such difficulties. Advice is given as to what arrangement would be appropriate with the identified need.
Arrangements may include:
- Additional time
- Access to a word processor
- Access to a scribe
- Access to a reader
- Access to a prompt
- Rest breaks
- Separate exam invigilation
*Pupils must be assessed as having at least one below average score (equal to or below standard score 84) or have two scores falling in the low average range (85-89). Under the JCQ guidelines the pupil's school/college must support the access arrangement by demonstrating evidence of need. Please see the link below for more detail.
www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration
A post 16 report can be used to apply for Disability Student's Allowance for Higher Education.