Centre Number: 37611

Years 10 & 11 Exams & Assessment

-a Guide

Academic Year 2012 - 13

This booklet contains information about the rules and regulations that operate throughout the period over which you complete your public exam/assessment courses. To ensure that you arrive at your exam desk properly prepared, in the best mental and physical condition and with the correct exam paper in front of you as well as being able to complete any form of internally assessed components correctly, you need to read it carefully and follow the regulations and guidelines it contains.

Any problems or queries you might have about the exam/assessment procedures can be dealt with by the Exam Office, which is located in the Library.

Mrs. L Smith (Exams & Assessment Manager)

Mr. W Fraser(Exam Officer)

September 2012

Timetable of Events

Year 10

  • September: All lessons now geared towards General Qualifications (GCSE/BTEC etc.

Departmental programs of GCSE Controlled Assessments & Vocational

Units begin and will continue throughout Years 10 & 11.

  • November: 1st Review Cycle
  • January: GCSE Science exams.
  • March: Results from January exams

2nd Review Cycle

  • May –June: GCSE Science exams.

3rd Review Cycle & Parents Evening

Year 11

  • September: Results from June exams
  • October: 1st Review Cycle
  • November: GCSE Maths
  • January: GCSE Exam season

Entries made for summer exams.

2nd Review Cycle

  • February: Student check Statement of Entry for GCSE Units and Vocational Course

Registrations.

Parent’s Evening

  • March: Completion dates for all GCSE Controlled Assessments

PersonalExam Timetables posted home.

  • April: Second Personal timetableissued to students. Check for changes.

3rd Review Cycle

  • Mid-May to end of June: Main Written Exam period.
  • August: Final results.
  • September: Remarks of scripts where required.

Entries for November re-sits

  • November: Certificates available for collection after half term.

Re-sit exams (Maths only)

THE EXAMINATION SYSTEM

Separate Awarding Bodies run the public exams.While each one has its own administrative and documentation process, they are all run to the same standard. Departments are free to choose which Awarding Body syllabus they use and you should know which this is for each of your subjects.

Each Awarding Body has a website on which details of the course can be found as well as (in some cases) course and revision materials

The Awarding Bodies used by The College are:

AQA

Edexcel (includes BTEC courses)

OCR

WJEC

VTCT

The table below shows which Awarding Body runs the courses used by Garforth.

KS4 Courses 2012 - 13
AQA
/ Edexcel / OCR / WJEC

GCSE

/ Spec No /

GCSE

/ Spec
No /

GCSE

/ Spec.
No /

GCSE

/ Spec.
No
Art / 4201 / Drama / 2DR01 / Child Dev. / J441 / French / 4220
Biology / 4411 / Geography / 2GA01 / History / J415 / Spanish / 4520
Business Studies / 4133 / Maths Yr 10
Yr 11 / 1MA0 2MB01 / OCR NVQ Level 2
French / 04775
Chemistry / 4421 / Spanish / 08620
Des.Tech: Food / 4547 / BTEC Firsts / Spec Code / OCR Nationals
DesTech: Graphic Prod. / 4552 / Animal Care / PJ507 / Travel & Tourism Cert / 03724
Des.Tech Resistant Materials / 4562 / Applied Science / DR024 / Travel & Tourism Award / 06597
Des.Tech: Textiles / 4572 / Art & Design / DV823 / City and Guilds
English / 4702 / Business / EC132 / Hair Services / 3002-23
English Language / 4707 / Construction / EE934 / Beauty Therapy Services / 3003-40
English Literature / 4710 / Health & Social Care / EM862
Media Studies / 4812 / Music / ET991 / VTCT
Music / 3271 / Performing Arts: Acting / FC402 / Hair & Beauty
(Yr 10) / AD2HBPL
Perf. Arts: Dance / 4232 / Sport / FN007
Physical Education / Games / 4892 / Travel & Tourism / DFY35
Physics / 4451 / Workskills / DFH81/5
Religious St. / 4052
Science (A) / 4405 / Entry Level
Science - Additional / 4463 / Maths
Digital Applications
DiDA, CiDA, AiDA

Statements of Entry

  • Provisional Statement of Entry

These are produced in early February of Year 11 for students to check their GCSE exam and controlled assessment entries and Vocational Course registrations. They also show the personal details that will be sent to the Exam Boards and which will appear on your certificates.

Statements of entry will be given out and checked during a PHSE session in February. You need to make sure that the following details are correct:

  • spelling of your name
  • your date of birth.
  • your gender
  • that you are entered for all relevant exams, controlled assessments, awards (to claim a certificate) in all of your GCSE subjects and that you are registered on to any vocational courses you are doing.

Any mistakes need to be reported to the Exam Office which willinvestigate them before finalising any changes.

You will be asked to sign and return your statement of entry at the end of the assembly.

Failure to check your statement correctly may result in you not being entered for an exam, being entered for the wrong exam, not receiving a certificate or having incorrect personal details on a certificate.

Exam Timetables
  • Exam Board Timetables

Provisional copies of the College Exam Timetables will be posted on the Exam Notice Board (in the Crossroads Leisure area) as soon as they are known. These will be replaced by the confirmed dates in the Spring Term.

  • Individual Timetables

For exams prior to the main exam season at the end of Year 11, individual timetable will be distributed via Form Tutors. As soon as these are received all details (personal as well as exam information) should be checked and if correct, the timetable signed and kept in a safe place. If mistakes appear you must see the Exam Office immediately. If there are any exam clashes (two exams on at the same time) you must inform the Exam Officer immediately.

You must bring your signed timetable to every exam. It is proof of your identity and entry and also carries details that you will need to enable you to fill in the front cover of your exam papers

For the main exam season at the end of Year 11 students will receive two copies of their individual timetable. The first, before Easter, will be posted to the home address. The second will be distributed via Form Tutors shortly before the exams start and will reflect any changes that may have been made. It is vital that both are checked on receipt.

Replacement timetables are available but will be charged for.

It is good practice that when you receive your Exam Timetable you write down dates and times in your planner. It is also a good idea to write them on a calendar at home as this means other people know what you are doing and can remind you! Every year there are students who miss exams because they fail to do this – don’t let it be you this year!

  • College Timetable

A copy will be posted on the Academy Website: on the Student Exam Site on the Learning Platform and on Exam Notice Boards as soon as it is available.

The Exams

  • Times

Morning exams start at 9.00 a.m. Students must be in College by 8.30 a.m.

Afternoon exams start at 1.00 p.m. Students must be in College by 12.30 p.m.

  • Places to meet

Meet in the appropriate Leisure Areas where notices will be posted telling students in which area to sit. For large exams this may extend to the Main Hall. From these places you will be sent, in candidate order, to the exam room. This order must be kept to, as this will be the seating order in the exam room.

Coats and bags must be left in the specified places before you meet in the Leisure Area – they must not be taken into exam rooms.

  • Exam Rooms

Most exams take place in either the Sports Hall or Lower School Hall but other rooms are used as well.

  • Exam Regulations

The Boards set exam regulations. Failure to comply with them may lead to you being disqualified from an exam or, in extreme circumstances, from all exams in that session. A full copy is shown in Appendix 1 (written exams) and Appendix2 (on-screen tests) at the end of this booklet, the following is a summary:

  • You must not become involved in any unfair or dishonest practice in any part of an exam.
  • You may only take into an exam the materials and equipment that they need for that exam. At the Exam Officers discretion you may be allowed to have a still drink (in a clear, unlabelled bottle) and a packet of sweets (not wrapped) on their desk as well. Any unauthorised materials or equipment must be left outside the exam room or handed to an invigilator before the exam starts.

Awarding Bodies take a very strict line on Mobile Phones, PDA’s and MP3’s. Possession of one in an exam room, even if it is turned off, is considered as an attempt to cheat and would result in disqualification.

  • On entering the exam room strict silence must be maintained until leaving. No attempt should be made to communicate with other candidates in any way.
  • Students cannot leave an exam before the published finish time, except in an emergency
  • Students will be told whether they can use a calculator for an exam. Calculators with memories must have these cleared before the exam starts and operating instructions must not be used.
  • Pencil cases (unless they are transparent) calculator cases, purses etc. must be placed on the floor alongside the desk. If you require anything from the floor you must ask permission from an invigilator before you get it by raising their hand.
  • Write only in black ball point pen. The use of, felt/gel tipped pens, correcting fluids or pens, highlighters is not allowed. If you make a mistake simply cross it out.
  • Rough work must all be done in answer booklets but then clearly crossed through. If done on additional paper this must be attached to the answer booklet.

Good Practice

Before, and during an exam period, check you should check your timetable carefully to make sure you know what days and times your exams are scheduled.

If, for any reason, you know you are not going to be able to either get to an exam e.g. illness on day, or that you might be late e.g. transport problems, it is essential that you let the College know as soon as possible and ask for the message to be passed to the Exam Office.

Brains needs fuel just like a car! so have something to eat and drink for breakfast / lunch before an exam! If a you have an exam clash which will require being supervised over the lunch period, you must bring food and drink with you.

It may be necessary to make adjustments to normal travelling arrangements to ensure arrival at College in plenty of time

It is your responsibility to know before an exam what equipment you will need, that you have it, and that it works! This is particularly important for Maths,Science & Technology exams where calculators, drawing equipment and coloured pencils may be required. College can not provide such items.

Always take spare pens and pencils into an exam.

You must have your signed Exam Timetable with you at each exam as proof of your entry and identity. It also contains information you will require to complete the front cover of all exam answer booklets / supplementary answer booklets.

The normal Academy dress policy (including hair styles/make up/jewellery) applies during exam periods. You should not risk being prevented from taking an exam because you do not conform. The Sports Hall can be very hot or very cold so come prepared.

Still water (in a clear, unlabelled bottle) and sweets (unwrapped)can be brought into into exams but not fruit or fizzy drinks or sandwiches!

You should go to the toilet before you come into the exam room! Don’t embarrass yourself or the invigilator who will have to escort you if you need to go during the exam. No extra time is allowed for such visits and it also distracting to others in the room. Because of this toilet visits are not usually permitted in the later stages of an exam.

Candidates must listen carefully to instructions that are given at the start and finish of each exam.

If during an exam you have a problem and are in doubt about what to do, put your hand up and ask an invigilator.

When you are dismissed from an exam that must remember there may be candidates still working. Leave quietly and save discussions with others until outside the building.

Personal Problems

It is recognised by Awarding Bodies that candidates can find themselves, through no fault of their own, in situations where their performance in an exam may be impaired. As long as the Exam Office is made aware of such situations there may be procedures that can be put in place to either assist a candidate, or for consideration of the problem to be made when papers are marked. These are either:

  • Special Arrangements: These are applied for when it is known that a candidate has a particular problem before sitting an exam. For example this could be a difficulty in writing in which case we can arrange for an invigilator to write your exam for you, or for you to type it, or, if you have difficulties in reading, extra time can be allowed.

If you feel you qualify for this you must speak to the Exam Officer well before any

examso the necessary paperwork can bedone.

  • Special Consideration: This is applied for when something unexpected happens which may disadvantage a candidate. For example illness during an exam or a bereavement of a close member of your family or friend. The details are forwarded to the Awarding Body who will take them into account when grades are being awarded.

To apply for special consideration requires documentary evidence. In the case of illness

this needs to be a Doctor’s note. A letter from a parent or guardian would not be

sufficient.

In some cases these procedures can also be applied for in relation to coursework.

If you are too ill to take an exam please inform the Academy before the scheduled start time of the exam.

If you have any problems regarding exams please contact Mrs Smith or Mr Fraser in the Exam Office who will deal with it. All matters are dealt with in strictest confidence.

Controlled Assessment / Portfolios

This is an important part of most GCSE and all Vocational courses.

A Regulations

Make sure you follow all the guidelines set by Departments as well as those laid down by the Awarding Body. Your subject teachers should have already told you these but the official version is shown in Appendices 3 & 4.

B Advice

1Keep to the deadlines your teachers set.

2Take care of your work – keep it safe.

3Ask your teacher if you need any guidance.

4If you have been absent and have problems completing your work, talk to your teacher.

C Appeals Procedure

If you feel that you have been unfairly treated regarding internally marked

coursework there is an Appeals Procedure. Details of this are available from

the Exam Office.

Results and Certificates

  • Results

Final results will be available for collection from the Academy on the third Thursday in August. Dates, times and places will be communicated to students before they leave in Year 11.

Someone else can collect your results for you as long as they have a letter of authorisation from you.

Any results not collected on this date will be posted to your home address.

If you want results posted to a different address you must supply the relevant details to the Exam Office before the last day of term.

Results cannot be given over the telephone.

  • Post GCSE Results Advice

On GCSE results day, the Director of Sixth Form and Head of Year 11 will be available to offer advice on progression into the Sixth Form. Other subject tutors may also be available. Careers advice will be available for students intending to continue their education in other colleges and for those seeking employment.

On the first day of the Autumn term, all students wanting to join the Sixth Form must come intothe Academy to finalise their subject/course choices. The Director of Sixth Form, subject specialists and tutors will be available for consultation throughout the day. Timetables will be issued on the Sixth Form Induction Day, which will take place towards the end of the first week of term.

Remarks and Re-sits

  • Remarks (GCSE)

If your results are unexpectedly poor it may be that a problem has occurred in the marking process. It is possible to have papers remarked but it is expensive. If you think a remark is appropriate discuss it with your subject tutor as soon as the new term starts, before seeing the Exam Office.

  • Re-sits (GCSE)

The opportunities for re-sitting examined units vary between subjects but are limited. Once an award has been made not all units can not be re-used for a re-sit and the whole award may have to be retaken.