THE JAMES HORNSBY SCHOOL

GCSE Examinations

Guidance for Students & Parents

School Telephone Number: 01268 582400

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1

Coursework/Controlled Assessment ........................................................................................................ 2

Coursework ............................................................................................................................................... 2

Non-examination Assessment ................................................................................................................... 2

Internal Appeals Procedure ....................................................................................................................... 2

Before the Examinations ........................................................................................................................... 2

Examination Regulations ........................................................................................................................... 2

Examination Boards .................................................................................................................................. 2

Centre Number .......................................................................................................................................... 2

Candidate Name/Number/Learner Number ............................................................................................... 2

UCI Number .............................................................................................................................................. 2

Timetables ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Examination Clashes ................................................................................................................................. 3

Contingency Planning ............................................................................................................................... 3

During the Examinations ........................................................................................................................... 3

Attendance at Examinations ...................................................................................................................... 3

Invigilators ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Absence from Examinations ...................................................................................................................... 5

After the Examinations .............................................................................................................................. 5

Notification of Results ................................................................................................................................ 5

Post Results .............................................................................................................................................. 6

Presentation of Certificates ....................................................................................................................... 6

Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................................................................... 7

Internal Appeals Procedure ....................................................................................................................... 9

Internal Appeals Form ............................................................................................................................. 10

JCQ Information for Candidate Documents ........................................................................................... 11

Coursework assessments .................................................................................................................. 12-13

Non-examination assessments .......................................................................................................... 14-15

On-screen tests ....................................................................................................................................... 16

Witten examinations ................................................................................................................................ 17

Privacy Notice .................................................................................................................................... 18-20

Social Media and examinations/assessments ......................................................................................... 21

Exam Room Posters ........................................................................................................................ 22-23

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Introduction

It is the aim of The James Hornsby School to make the examination experience as stress-free and successful as possible for all students. Please read this booklet carefully so you are aware of the examination regulations and the procedures to follow in the event of any problems occurring. The awarding bodies (or examination boards) set down strict criteria which must be followed for the conduct of examinations and The James Hornsby School is required to follow them precisely. You should therefore, pay particular attention to the Information for Candidates documents on pages 12 to 21. It is your responsibility to read these documents so please familiarise yourself with them. Some of the questions you may have are answered at the back of this booklet. If there is anything you do not understand or a question that has not been answered, PLEASE ASK. If you or your parents have any queries or need help or advice at any time before, during or after the examinations please contact: The Examinations & Data Manager – Mrs S Montford (office behind reception – students can ask at student services). The school telephone number is: 01268 582400 Remember – we are here to help.

GOOD LUCK!

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Coursework/Controlled Assessment

Coursework

Please see the Information to Candidates for coursework assessments on pages 12-13. This gives guidance and explains the regulations you need to follow when completing coursework.

Non-examination Assessment

Please read the Information to Candidates for non-examination assessments on page 14-15. This gives guidance and explains the regulations you need to follow when completing non-examination assessments.

Internal Appeals Procedure

If you wish to make an appeal against an internally assessed mark (for controlled assessment / coursework for instance), you will need to complete an Internal Appeal form. There is a copy of the Internal Appeals Procedure and Appeal form on pages 9 and 10 of this booklet.

Before the Examinations

Examination Regulations

A copy of the JCQ Information to Candidate documents, Warning to Candidates and the Mobile Phone warning poster, which are issued jointly by all the Examining Boards, and displayed outside each examination hall are printed on pages 11 to 23 of this booklet. All candidates must read these carefully BEFORE ATTENDING AN EXAMINATION and note that to break any of the examination rules or regulations could lead to disqualification from all subjects. The School must report any breach of regulations to the Awarding Body.

Examination Boards

The School uses the following Examination Boards: AQA, Pearson, OCR, NCFE and City & Guilds.

Centre Number The centre number for The James Hornsby School is 16131 for AQA, Pearson and OCR. For NCFE

and City & Guilds it is 016131.

This will be displayed on the board in the examination venue.

Candidate Name

Candidates are entered under the name format of students (Legal) First Name plus one middle initial + (Legal) Surname, e.g. Adam J. Smith. It is very important that the name entered on the candidates exam paper is their LEGAL name and not the name they prefer to be known as at school, e.g. Jon should be Jonathon.

Candidate Number/Learner Number

Each candidate has a four-digit candidate number. This is the number you will enter on examination papers for all exams boards except NCFE. It will appear next to your name on seating plans. Your candidate number is on your personal timetable.

NCFE provide you with a nine-digit learner number. This will be on your personalised NCFE Student ID card that will be on your examination desk for your NCFE examinations. Please note that NCFE issue a different learner number per qualification, so your learner number will be different for each NCFE qualification if you do more than one.

UCI Number

In addition to a candidate number, each candidate must have a Unique Candidate Identifier (12 numbers and 1 letter) which is shown on the top of statements of entry. This number will usually begin with the Centre Number (16131) unless you have transferred from another school that had already issued your UCI.

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Timetables

Examination timetables are available on the School’s website, as well as being displayed in various locations around the school (e.g. your Head of College’s office door). You will also receive an individual timetable showing your own specific examinations with details of date, time, and duration of examination, venue and seat number. Check it carefully. If you think something is wrong, speak to Mrs Montford immediately.

Examination Clashes

An examination clash is when you have 2 examinations timetabled at the same time. You will be timetabled to sit the longest, or the one with the most candidates, examination first; then be given a supervised break of no more than 20 minutes. This must be conducted within the examination room, under formal examination conditions at all times. You will then take the next examination. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to leave the supervision of staff, should this happen you will NOT be allowed to take the next examination.

Contingency planning

The qualification regulators, JCQ and government departments responsible for education have prepared and agreed information for schools and colleges in the event of examinations being seriously disrupted. This jointly agreed information will ensure consistency of response in the event of major disruption to the examinations system affecting significant numbers of candidates. Further information may be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exam-system-contingency-plan-england-wales-andnorthern-ireland/what-schools-and-colleges-should-do-if-exams-or-other-assessments-are-seriouslydisrupted (JCQ ICE booklet, section 15) Wednesday 26 June 2019 has been designated as a ‘contingency day’ for examinations so all

candidates must remain available until then should an awarding body need to invoke its contingency plan.

During the Examinations

Attendance at Examinations

Candidates are responsible for checking their own timetable and arriving at school on the correct day and time, properly dressed.

For morning (AM) examinations students should go to the Dining Hall for 8:40am. Students will be registered and escorted to the examination hall for a 9:00am start. After the exam, return to timetabled lessons.

For afternoon (PM) examinations students should refer to their May 2019 study timetable detailing their morning lessons and early lunch times leading up to their exam.

If your son/daughter has an examination in the morning and afternoon, they will remain in school after the morning examination going to normal lessons until the afternoon examination.

Candidates who arrive late for an examination may still be admitted but not later than 1 hour after the start time (although this may be less for shorter examinations). If special consideration applies then you must speak to the Examinations Manager (see ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS on page 5).

Full School Uniform must be worn by all students attending school for examinations.

Please make sure that you know where to sit. Seating plans will be on display in the Dining Hall and outside each examination hall so you can check your seat number before entering. There will also be

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labels on the desks showing names and candidate number. If you do not sit in your allocated seat, you could sit the wrong paper/tier. If you are not sure where to sit please ask an invigilator for help.

Please make sure that any watch alarms are turned off and that you are not wearing a smart watch. Wrist watches must be removed and placed on your desk.

Do not attempt to communicate with or distract other candidates.

Examination regulations are very strict regarding items that may be taken into the examination hall (see FAQs at the end of this booklet). If you break these rules you will be disqualified from the examination.

Mobile telephones SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE EXAMINATION HALL. If you have a mobile phone/MP3 player/iPod/iwatch etc. on you when you enter an examination hall you will be asked to switch it off and place it in the plastic wallet provided on your exam desk. An invigilator will collect them and they will be returned to you at the end of the examination. Please see the “Mobile Phones” warning poster on page 23.

PLEASE NOTE If a mobile phone (or any other type of electronic communication or storage device) is found in your possession during an examination (even if it is turned off) it will be taken from you and a report made to the appropriate Examination Board. No exceptions can be made. Please see the penalty information on page 8.

Listen carefully to instructions and notices read out – there may be amendments to the examination paper that you need to know about.

No food is allowed in the examination halls. You may bring a sealed 500ml bottle of still water into examinations in a clear, unlabelled bottle – preferably with a sports type top.

Do not draw graffiti or write offensive comments on examination papers – if you do the examination board may refuse to accept your paper.

No paper for rough work will be given. If you need need to do rough work, this must be done on the proper exam stationery. Cross it through and hand it in with your answers. Make sure you add your candidate details to any additional answer sheets that you use.

Check you have the correct question paper – check the subject, paper, and if necessary, tier of entry.

Read all instructions carefully and number your answers clearly.

Candidates must stay in the examination hall for the duration of the examination. You will NOT be allowed to leave an examination hall early. If you have finished the paper use any time remaining to check over your answers.

Invigilators will collect your examination papers before you leave the hall. Question papers, answer booklets and additional exam stationery must NOT be taken from the examination hall.

Remain seated, in silence, until told to leave the examination hall. Remember you are still under examination conditions until you have left the hall.

If the fire alarm sounds during an examination the examination invigilators will tell you what to do. Remain seated and don’t panic. If you have to evacuate the hall you will be asked to leave in silence and in the order in which you are sitting. You will be escorted to a designated assembly point. You must not attempt to communicate with anyone else during the evacuation. You will be allowed the full working time for the examination and a report will be sent to the awarding body detailing the incident.

Invigilators

The school employs external invigilators to conduct the examinations. Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner towards all invigilators and follow their instructions at all times.

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Invigilators are in the examination halls to supervise the conduct of the examination. They will distribute and collect the examination papers, tell candidates when to start and finish the examination, hand out extra writing paper, if required, and deal with any problems that occur during the examination, for example if a candidate is feeling ill.

Please note that invigilators cannot discuss the examination paper with you, explain or read the questions.

Candidates who are disruptive or behave in an unacceptable manner will be removed from the examination hall by members of the Senior Leadership Team.

Absence from Examinations

If you experience difficulties during the examination period (e.g. illness, injury or personal problems) please inform the school at the earliest possible point, so we can help or advise you.

Only in ‘exceptional circumstances’ are candidates allowed special consideration for absence from any part of an examination. It is essential that medical or other appropriate evidence is obtained on the day by the candidate/parent and given to the Examination Manager without delay in all cases where an application is to be made for special consideration.

For the award of a grade by special consideration, where a student misses part of an examination through illness or personal misfortune, a minimum of 25% of the examination (including coursework) must have been completed.

Please note that misreading the timetable will not be accepted as a satisfactory explanation of absence.

After the Summer Examinations

Notification of Results

Results for the summer 2019 examinations will be available for collection on THURSDAY 22nd AUGUST 2019 from 10.30am until 12noon.

If you wish any other person to collect your results on your behalf, you must give your written authorisation to the school before the end of the summer term.

If you would like your summer results to be posted to you, then you must supply a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Mrs Montford BEFORE your final exam.

Candidates who do not collect their results on GCSE results day will be able to collect their results from the school reception from the beginning of September.

No results will be given out by telephone under any circumstances.

Pass grades at GCSE are from 9 – 1

Pass grades for Pearson BTEC First Award qualifications are: o Level 1 – P1/M1/D1 o Level 2 – P(Pass)/M(Merit)/D(Distinction)/D*(Distinction*)

Pass grades for Pearson BTEC Technical qualifications are: o Level 1 – P1 o Level 2 – P(Pass)/M(Merit)/D(Distinction)/D*(Distinction*)

Pass grades for City & Guilds Level 2 Technical and NCFE Level 2 qualifications are: o P(Pass)/M(Merit)/D(Distinction)/D*(Distinction*)

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Pass grades for Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate qualifications are: o Level 1 – P1/M1/D1 o Level 2 – P2/M2/D2/*2

Post Results

If you are not happy with one of your results and expected a better result, please speak to your subject teacher or the Examinations Manager who will advise you on whether it would be possible to make a ‘Review of Results’ (RoR).

This can involve having your paper sent for a review of marking, where the exam paper is checked to make sure it was marked correctly according to the mark scheme. Marks are changed if the new examiner feels there has been a clear marking error. If the school agrees that a RoR should take place then the fees involved may be paid for by the school. You should be aware that your mark could go down as well as up or even stay the same. The above requests must be submitted to the Examinations Manager by Wednesday 11th September 2019. You will receive the above information and a form to complete with your results on results day.

Presentation of Certificates

A Presentation Evening for leavers will take place in November where you will be able to receive your official certificates. Invitations to students and their parents will be sent out with full details nearer the time.

Students who are unable to attend the Presentation Evening will be able to collect their certificates from the school office after the Presentation Evening. Certificates will not be given to anyone other than the candidate without the candidate’s written authorisation.

The James Hornsby School is only obliged to keep certificates for a period of one year after issue. If candidates do not collect their certificates within this time (or if they lose their certificates) they can only be replaced by direct application to the appropriate examination boards at a cost.

Please be aware that some awarding bodies do not offer a replacement certificate service. In these

circumstances, the awarding body will issue you with a Certifying Statement of Results. Therefore it is of paramount importance that you keep your certificates safe.

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Frequently asked Questions

Q. Can I go to the toilet during the examination? Only if it is absolutely necessary, for instance if you have a medical condition that has previously been notified to the school. You will be escorted by an invigilator and will not be allowed any extra time. If you have a Toilet Pass, please take this to your examination desk to identify to the invigilators that you have a medical condition.

Q. What do I do if I think I have the wrong paper?

Invigilators will ask you to check before the examination starts. If you think something is wrong put your hand up and tell the invigilator immediately.

Q. What do I do if I have an accident or I am ill before the examination? Inform the School, as soon as possible, so we can help or advise you. In the case of an accident that means you are unable to write it may be possible to provide you with a scribe to write your answers. You will need to obtain medical evidence (from your GP or hospital) if you wish the school to make an appeal for Special Consideration on your behalf (see below).

Q. What is an Appeal for Special Consideration? Special Consideration is an adjustment to the marks or grades of a candidate who is eligible for consideration. The allowance for Special Consideration is from 0% (consideration given but addition of marks considered inappropriate) to 5% (reserved for exceptional cases). Parents should be aware that any adjustment is likely to be small and no feedback is ever provided. Candidates will only be eligible for Special Consideration if they have been fully prepared and covered the whole course but performance in the examination or in the production of coursework is affected by adverse circumstances beyond their control. Examples of such circumstances may be illness, accident or injury, bereavement, domestic crisis. The Examination Manager must be informed immediately (within 7 days of the last examination session for each subject) and the candidate will be required to provide evidence to support such an application.

Q. What do I do if I feel ill during the examination? Put your hand up and an invigilator will assist you. You should inform an invigilator if you feel ill before or during an examination and you feel this may have affected your performance.

Q. If I’m late can I still sit the examination? Provided you are not more than 1 hour late (although this may be less for shorter examinations), it may still be possible for you to sit the examination. You must not enter an examination hall without permission after an examination has begun. It may not be possible to allow you any extra time if you start the examination late.

You should also be aware that if you start the examination more than 30 minutes after the published starting time, the School must inform the examination board and it is possible that the examination board may decide not to accept your work.

Q. If I miss the examination can I take it on another day? No. Timetables are regulated by the examination boards and you must attend on the given date and time.

Q. Do I have to wear School uniform? Yes. Normal School regulations apply to uniform, hair, jewellery, make-up, etc.

Q. What equipment should I bring for my examinations?

All equipment needed for each examination is provided by the School, pens, pencils, rulers, calculators, etc. But should you bring your own equipment, this must be in a clear pencil case. You must not attempt to borrow equipment from another candidate during the examination.

Q. What items are not allowed into the examination hall?

Only material that is listed on question papers (e.g. an anthology) is permitted in the examination hall and students who are found to have any material with them that is not allowed will be reported to the

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appropriate examinations board. In such circumstances, a student would normally be disqualified from the paper or the subject concerned. Bags and coats and any other items not permitted under examination regulations must be left in the care of the invigilators at the front/back of the hall.

Q. How do I know how long the examination is?

The length of the examination is shown in minutes on your individual timetable under the heading ‘duration’. Invigilators will write the start and finish time of the examination on notices at the front of the examination hall. There will be a clock in all examination halls.

Q. Can I leave the examination early?

It is the School’s policy NOT to allow candidates to leave the examination hall early, as this is disruptive to other candidates. A candidate may not leave the examination hall without the permission of the invigilators.

Q. Why shouldn’t I bring my mobile telephone into the examination hall?

Being in possession of a mobile phone (or any other electronic communication device, e.g. iPod, iWatch headphones etc.) is regarded as cheating and is subject to severe penalty from the awarding bodies:

The minimum penalties are as follows:

Device found on you and turned ON - disqualification for the entire subject award.

Device found on you and turned OFF - disqualification from the specific paper you are sitting at the time.

Phone rings during the examination wherever it is in the room the examination board must be informed and you may be disqualified from all papers for the subject (including any already taken).

If you have a mobile phone/MP3 player/iPod/iWatch etc. on you when you enter an examination hall you will be asked to switch it off and place it in the plastic wallet provided on your exam desk. These will be returned to you at the end of the examination.

Q. What do I do if the fire alarm goes?

The examination invigilators will tell you what to do. If you have to evacuate the hall, leave everything on your desk and leave the hall in silence. You must not attempt to communicate with any other candidates during the evacuation.

Q. If I have more than one examination on a day can I get lunch at School?

Students who have examinations in both morning and afternoon sessions may obtain lunch from the dining hall in the usual way or bring a packed lunch. If you have an examination clash where you will be supervised over lunch, it would be best to bring a packed lunch.

Q. I am entitled to extra time – how will this affect the way I take my examinations?

Some students receive an allowance of up to 25% extra time. Where possible such candidates will be seated together to minimise disturbance from other candidates who finish earlier. The invigilators will include the additional time when they display the finishing time of your examination on the board.

Q. What do I do if I don’t get the grades I need for college?

Staff will be available to advise you on results day. If you feel strongly that it is necessary to make an enquiry about your result you should first consult the Head of Faculty to obtain their advice as to the advisability of requesting a review of marking. You should be aware that your mark could go down as well as up or even stay the same. Review of marking requests must be submitted to the Examinations Manager by Wednesday 11th September. There may be a fee for this service; cost varies with each examination board.

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Internal Appeals Procedure

The James Hornsby School

Centre No: 16131

1. Mr Back, Deputy Head Teacher, is the nominated senior member of staff who will manage the

appeals. (In his absence, a designated replacement will be found by the Head-teacher.) He will be responsible for giving information to all candidates and their carer/s about the appeals procedures and for informing the Head of Centre about the existence and outcome of these appeals.

2. The appeal must be made in writing by either the carer/s or candidate using the form available from

Mrs Montford, Examinations & Data Manager. This must be completed and handed in to Mr Back by the first working day in June. They should state the details of the complaint and the reason for the appeal.

3. The teacher concerned in making the internal assessment, which is the subject of the appeal, will

have the opportunity to see a copy of the appeal and respond to this in writing, sending a copy to the candidate.

4. The appeals procedure will allow the candidate bringing the appeal to have an opportunity to have a

personal hearing if they are not happy with the written reply they have received. 5. A candidate will be given at least a week’s notice of the hearing date; they should have available

any relevant documents (for example, the marks given, the assessments made) to the case in advance of the hearing.

6. Where a candidate is presenting their own case they will be allowed to be accompanied by a single

carer/friend. The teacher(s) and candidate will have the opportunity to hear each other’s submission to the panel at the hearing.

7. The panel will comprise of at least two individuals who have not previously dealt with the particular

case. One of the individuals will be senior member of staff and the second will be a governor. 8. The School will keep a written record of all appeals. The record will include the outcome of the

appeal and the reasons for the outcome. The School will send a copy to the candidate and where appropriate to the carer within 28 days.

9. The School will inform the awarding body if there is any change to an internally assessed mark as a

result of an appeal. 10. An internal dispute or appeal against an internal assessment decision must be resolved speedily,

since Awarding Bodies’ cannot change the dates on which certificates are printed and issued. 11. The School will take into careful consideration the dates between which appeals could be heard,

taking into account the result date for the relevant examination series.

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Internal appeals form FOR CENTRE USE ONLY

Date received

Please tick box to indicate the nature of your appeal and complete

all white boxes on the form below Reference No.

Appeal against an internal assessment decision and/or request for a review of marking

Appeal against the centre’s decision not to support a clerical check, a review of

marking, a review of moderation or an appeal

Name of

appellant

Candidate

name

if different to

appellant

Awarding body Exam paper

code

Subject Exam paper

title

Please state the grounds for your appeal below

(If applicable, tick below)

Where my appeal is against an internal assessment decision I wish to request a review of the centre’s marking

If necessary, continue on an additional page if this form is being completed electronically or overleaf if hard copy being completed

Appellant signature: Date of signature:

This form must be signed, dated and returned to the exams officer on behalf of the head of centre to

the timescale indicated in the relevant appeals procedure

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JCQ Information for candidates documents

The documents on the following pages have been produced by JCQ and have been written to help you. It is your responsibility to read these documents carefully. You can also access them by following this link: https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/information-for-candidates-documents If you have any questions about anything contained in these documents, please come and speak to the Examinations & Data Manager or Assistant.

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JCQ Information for Candidates Coursework assessments – page 1 of 2

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JCQ Information for Candidates Coursework assessments – page 2 of 2

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JCQ Information for Candidates Non-examination assessments – page 1 of 2

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JCQ Information for Candidates Non-examination assessments – page 2 of 2

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JCQ Information for Candidates On-screen tests

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JCQ Information for Candidates Written examinations

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JCQ Information for Candidates Privacy Notice- page 1 of 3

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JCQ Information for Candidates Privacy Notice- page 2 of 3

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JCQ Information for Candidates Privacy Notice- page 3 of 3

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JCQ Information for Candidates Social media and examinations/assessments

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JCQ Information – Exam Room Posters Warning to candidates poster

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JCQ Information – Exam Room Posters No mobile phones poster