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Examinations

Instructions, Guidance and advice to Candidates & Staff

Examinations are evolving year on year, and are now becoming a part of nearly all paths of learning. As a group of Colleges that contains a number of exam centres, naturally Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has a duty to adhere to all guidance and instructions given to us by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and all Awarding Organisations (AOs) that we deal with.

Student wrting in an exam

With this in mind, all our exam candidates have a duty to abide by the rules set out by not only JCQ and the AOs, but also the practices we, as a group of Colleges, have implemented to ensure a consistent approach for all our learners, to ensure that these rules are followed.

This page has been written to help you, and aims to highlight to you, our candidates, the main regulations that you must follow when taking an exam, be it a paper-based exam or an on-screen test, at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. If you have any questions relating to these, or anything related to the conduct of exams, please ask your tutor in the first instance.

Section A: STRICT REGULATIONS

Make sure you are aware of these before sitting any exam at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai

  1. Be on time for all your exams. Aim to be present at least 15 minutes before the start time. If you are late you are at risk of your work not being accepted by the AO.
  2. You MUST bring a photo ID with you – if you do not have a college ID card then you must bring a valid, alternative with you – failure to prove your identity may result in you not being able to sit the exam.
  3. Do not become involved in any unfair or dishonest practice during the exam. If you try to cheat, or break the rules in any way, you could be disqualified - not only from that particular exam, but from ALL your exams.
  4. Any pencil cases taken into the exam room must be see-through.
    Important:
    possession of unauthorised material is breaking the rules - even if you do not intend to use it - and you will be subject to penalty and possible disqualification.

    You MUST NOT take into the exam room:
    • Watches;
    • Notes;
    • Potential technological/web-enabled devices such as an iPod, a mobile phone, an MP3/4 player or similar device.
  5. In addition to point 3 above, bags are not permitted in any of our exam rooms. You must make arrangements beforehand for the secure storage of your personal belongings. Speak to your tutor about the options available to you.
  6. For written exams, do not use correcting pens, fluid or tape, erasable pens, highlighters or gel pens in your answers.
  7. Do not talk or try to communicate with, or disturb other candidates once inside the exam room.
  8. When you enter the exam room, you are immediately under examination conditions, and you MUST follow ALL instructions given to you by the invigilator.
  9. Do not write inappropriate, obscene or offensive material.
  10. If you leave the exam room unaccompanied by an invigilator before the exam has finished, you will not be allowed to return.
  11. Do not borrow anything from another candidate during the exam – if you do then this will have to be reported to the AO who may cancel your paper(s).

Section B: INFORMATION

Make sure you attend all your exams and bring what you need

  1. Know the dates, times and locations of all your exams, and turn up at least 15 minutes before the start time.
  2. Make yourself aware of the contents of any warning posters displayed outside the exam room.
  3. Only take into the exam room the pens, pencils, erasers and any other equipment you need for the exam. Remember - bags, mobile phones, smart watches etc. are not allowed in the exam room.
  4. For written exams, you must write clearly in black ink. Coloured pencils or inks may only be allowed for diagrams, maps, charts etc. unless the instructions printed on the exam paper state otherwise.
  5. If you are permitted to use a calculator in an exam:
    • Make sure it works properly, and that you know how to use it - invigilators are not permitted to help you;
    • Check that the batteries are working properly;
    • Clear anything stored on it;
    • Remove any parts such as cases, lids or covers (irrespective of whether they include printed instructions or formulas);
    • Do not bring into the exam room any operating instructions or prepared programs.

Section C: DURING THE EXAM

  1. ALWAYS listen to the invigilator - and follow their instructions at all times.
  2. ALWAYS treat the invigilator with respect – any misbehaviour will be reported and disciplinary action may follow.
  3. Tell the invigilator at once if:
    • You think you have not been given the correct paper (or resource material if applicable) or have been entered for the incorrect on-screen test.
    • The question paper is incomplete or badly printed
    • You experience system delays or other IT irregularities during an on-screen test.
  4. Read carefully the instructions on your exam paper and/or answer booklet or on screen.
  5. For written exams, fill in all the details required on the front of the question paper and/or the answer booklet before you start the exam. Make sure you fill these details in on any additional answer sheets that you use.
  6. For written exams, ensure you write your answers within the designated sections of the answer booklet.
  7. For on-screen tests you may be given a question paper or the instructions may be on-screen. In either case, read them carefully and follow the instructions.
  8. For on-screen tests ensure that the personal details displayed within the exam software are correct before starting the exam/test. Inform the invigilator if any of these details are incorrect.
  9. Complete any rough work on the proper exam stationery. Cross it through and hand it in with your answers.
  10. Put up your hand during the exam if:
    • You have a problem and are in doubt what you should do;
    • You do not feel well;
    • You need more paper.
  11. You must not ask for, and will not be given, any explanation of the questions.
  12. Invigilators are generally only permitted to give a 5 minute warning before the end of the exam, so it is your responsibility to keep an eye on the clock and to plan your time accordingly.

Section D: AT THE END OF THE EXAM

  1. Make sure you follow the invigilator’s instructions and do not leave the room until told to do so by the invigilator.
  2. Do not take any stationery from the exam room. This includes the question paper, answer booklets (used or unused), rough paper work or any other materials provided for the exam.
  3. For on-screen tests, ensure that the software closes properly at the end.
  4. For on-screen tests, if you are required to print off work outside the time allowed for the test, ensure that you only collect your own work. You must not share your work with other candidates.

SECTION E: THE INVIGILATOR

Do not view the invigilator as the enemy - they play a key role in upholding the integrity of all external examination and assessment processes.

The role of the invigilator is to:

  1. ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities;
  2. ensure the security of the examination before, during and after the examination;
  3. prevent possible candidate malpractice;
  4. prevent possible administrative failures

ALWAYS listen to the invigilator - and follow their instructions at all times.

SECTION F: SUMMARY

Familiarise yourself with the contents of this page and pay particular attention to:

  • No bags, mobile phones, smart watches etc. are allowed into any of our exam rooms;
  • It is your responsibility to make arrangements beforehand for the secure storage of your personal belongings. Speak to your tutor about the options available to you.
  • If you see any of our ‘Exams in progress’ signs on display - please respect them and keep as quiet as possible - you will be in an exam situation yourself soon and will expect others to respect the rules, so make sure you do so yourself;
  • Pencil cases must be in clear cases;
  • Any drinks bottles you take with you must have no labels on them whatsoever;
  • No food is permitted in any exam room, unless accompanied by a medical note;
  • Any other unauthorised material (eg. medication) must be given to the invigilator prior to the exam starting;
  • Do not speak, or attempt to communicate with any other candidate when in an exam room;
  • If you try to cheat, or break the rules in any way, you could be disqualified - not only from that particular exam, but from ALL your exams.
  • All computers used in an on-screen test are subject to random checks by ICT staff to ensure no unauthorised activity has taken place.

Important points to remember

  • Always bring your photo ID
  • Be silent once in the exam room
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before the exam start time
  • Listen to, and act upon the Invigilator's instructions at all times

What do I need to bring?

  • Your photo ID
  • All necessary equipment for the exam e.g. a black pen, pencil, calculators (no stored information or lids allowed)
  • A see-through pencil case/glasses case - no writing allowed.

What can't I take into the exam room?

  • Bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, or any web device
  • Drinks must be label free
  • Any notes or written materials

What happens if...

I cheat in an exam or assessment?

Notes and unauthorised materials will be confiscated, the incident will be reported to the awarding body, and you may lose all marks for that exam and for all other exams for that awarding body.

I take my mobile phone/watch into an exam or assessment?

It will be confiscated, the incident will be reported to the awarding body, and you may lose all marks for that exam and for all other exams for that awarding body.

I'm late?

Report to Reception, Exams Office, or inform your tutor and wait to be supervised. If you are very late you may not be able to sit the exam, andeven if you are allowed to sit the exam your paper may still not be marked by the awarding body.

If I'm unwell or need assistance?

Put your hand up and tell the invigilator, who may then assist you or call the Exams Department of your circumstances.