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.