As part of our dedication to a universal offer for all students in ensuring pupils/students can reach their full potential in future assessments, students may be screened for exam access arrangements during term 5 or 6 of Year 9 onwards.
You can find further details of exam access arrangements and the process that we will be following below, in accordance with the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) requirements:
As part of this process, should students require screening for exam access arrangements, we will assume consent to undertake these in school, unless we hear from you otherwise.
Should students qualify for exam access arrangements, parents/carers will be informed of the arrangements prior to the examinations.
Further Details
Exam access arrangements are interventions to ensure fairness for all students, removing barriers for their exams and to create a level playing field. These are put in place to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding in examinations without being disadvantaged by a recognised need. These needs can include difficulty with reading, writing, processing, or concentration.
The Learning Support team at Hardenhuish carefully manage the process of applying for access arrangements in accordance with JCQ regulations. Students are identified through teacher and support staff feedback, attainment data, and, where appropriate, specialist assessments.
Evidence must then be gathered over time to show a student’s normal way of working in the classroom, and formal testing must be carried out by a qualified assessor. Please note that the JCQ does not allow the use of private assessments as evidence for access arrangements.
Access arrangements awarded under JCQ regulations are valid for two years, therefore the school begins the assessment and application process towards the end of Year 9. This is to ensure that, where students are eligible for exam access arrangements and these have been approved with relevant evidence gathering, arrangements remain in place throughout the GCSE examination period.
Prior to Year 9, students may be given access arrangements on a trial basis where there is a demonstrable need. However, there is no guarantee they will be able to use these access arrangements in their GCSEs, as this is solely dependent on the decision of the JCQ.
If granted access arrangements, it is important that students learn to use them effectively. Once awarded these arrangements, students will be given information, advice and guidance as to how to maximise the impact of these. Should they not use these arrangements for assessments in year 10 and 11, such as in mocks, they can be withdrawn.
Even if the students are eligible for exam access arrangements and these have been processed for GCSEs, under JCQ regulations, we are required to reapply for them for students sitting sixth form exams, gathering teacher feedback for normal way of working and relevant evidence, when appropriate.
A brief summary of each access arrangement can be found below:
Should you require any further information please contact The Exam Access Arrangements Team: EAA@hardenhuish.wilts.sch.uk