Exam time
Now that you have prepped the series and exams are underway, there are still a wide range of tasks for Exams Officers to complete. Below are details that cover a few key areas around exam time which will help you run them according to regulations, JCQ ‘ICE’ – Instructions for conducting examinations, as well as what to do when incidents may occur during exams and how to return scripts to AQA for marking.
Malpractice
Malpractice is when there has been a breach of regulations or where the integrity of an exam or assessment is not upheld. The JCQ produce a document to support centres and the AQA Malpractice webpage has lots of information about what to look out for, how to prevent it and how to report it. (link to malpractice email)
Further details can be found in the JCQ ICE booklet and on their JCQ Malpractice site including forms,information sheets and policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these documents, train staff and inform candidates so that no one be given an unfair advantage or jeopardise their results. The most common reason for malpractice is still mobile phones so ensure students are aware of this and its potential impact.
Safeguarding
AQA are committed to the welfare of everyone we work with and our customers. Our Safeguarding page gives more detail about the work we do in this area and we apply the highest standards in safeguarding children and adults at risk. You will also find forms, policies and codes of behaviour that we adhere to.
We are also involved in investigating any safeguarding concerns in a student’s paper if it is identified by the marker. These are referred to the AQA safeguarding team who will triage the query and take the necessary steps to resolve it. In most cases, the safeguarding team at AQA will contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the centre directly, so it’s important all contact details are up to date and your emergency contacts are appropriate.
Safeguarding can be a very delicate and sometimes upsetting subject to deal with so work closely with your centers designated safeguarding lead if you have any concerns about anyone you work with as well your students.
You can contact our safeguarding team at safeguarding@aqa.org.uk or by completing this form
Sending back scripts, registers and labels
Our main Exams page has lots of information to help you with everything related to question papers including downloading papers, labels, stationery and other useful information.
When exams are completed, you will need to dispatch the scripts along with the attendance registers and record the relevant information on a dispatch log. Please ensure that registers are clearly marked to assist with a smooth scanning process. Stationery and sacks will be sent to you for packaging and if required, you can order additional items by completing and returning this form.
Our Send scripts for marking page has very useful details on the overall process and many related tasks both before and on the day.
Please note that Ifyou're sending marks and samples for non-exam assessment (NEA), see submit non-exam assessment (NEA) files.
Special Consideration
If a student is disadvantaged at the time of the exam, the JCQ have defined what constitutes Special Consideration, how to apply and who is eligible. If approved, a small percentage is added to the students raw mark.
You can do all your planning and be confident that everything is in order for any exam series but there are plenty of issues that can arise that are out of your control. Unforeseen circumstances on exam day are wide ranging but there are processes in place to help you and you students through this.
There is also information on the AQA Special consideration page with details of access arrangements that might need to be applied for at very late notice, depending on the issue being tackled.
Further detailed information of access arrangements and how you use them can be found on the JCQ website - Regulations and Guidance - JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications
(insert link to special consideration email – time specific 1 may)
Useful Links
Below are some links to websites you may find useful as general sources of information and support, and we would recommend signing up for their updates.
DfE – Department for Education.
JCQ – Joint Council for Qualifications.
Ofqual – The Office for Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.
The Exams Office – The Exams Office provides training, conferences and support for a yearly fee.
AQA – the pages below on our website are visited regularly by our exams officers: