Exam contingency policy

Purpose

In case of localised disruption to InspireU, or more widespread disruption to the exam system, the following contingencies should be followed. They are based upon the:

  • ‘joint contingency plan’
  • guidance issued by OFQUAL to all awarding organisations and other stakeholders

The plan is exhaustive and ranges from contingencies that affect only the awarding organisations to those that affect individual pupils. Those contingencies that are likely to affect InspireU and its pupils are included in this policy.

The key to dealing with any disruption is communication and planning. This is particularly important with regards to any form of disruption that affects:

  • individual learners
  • external exams

The advice in such cases is to contact InspireU at the earliest opportunity by:

Policy

The term ‘centre’ in this policy refers to all InspireU sites across Lincolnshire.

Disruption of teaching time – InspireU site is closed for an extended period

InspireU site is closed, or candidates are unable to attend for an extended period during normal teaching or study supported time. This interrupts the provision of normal teaching and learning.

  • where there is disruption to teaching time and students miss teaching and learning, it remains the responsibility of the provision to prepare students, as usual, for exams
  • in the case of modular courses, the provision may advise candidates to sit exam in an alternative series
  • provision has plans in place to facilitate alternative methods of learning

Disruption in the distribution of exam papers

If disruption to the distribution of exam papers to InspireU centres in advance of examinations occurs:

  • awarding organisations should provide InspireU centres with electronic access to examination papers via a secure external network
  • awarding organisations should source alternative couriers for delivery of hardcopies

Candidates unable to take examinations because of a crisis – InspireU centres remain open

 If candidates are unable to attend examination centres, take exams as normal

InspireU centres to:

  • liaise with candidates to identify whether the exam can be sat at an alternative venue in agreement with the relevant awarding organisations
  • offer candidates an opportunity to sit any examinations missed at the next available series
  • apply to awarding organisations for special consideration for candidates where they have met the minimum requirements. Candidates are only eligible for special consideration if they have a medical certificate or have been advised by their InspireU centre not to attend an examination. If a candidate chooses not to sit an exam, they should be aware that special consideration rules will not apply
  • follow and adhere to awarding body guidance in the event that UK wide crisis prevents exams going ahead

InspireU centre is unable to open as normal during the examination period

  • a centre which is unable to open as normal for exams must inform each awarding organisation with details of which exams are due to be taken as soon as is possible. The responsibility for deciding whether it is safe for a centre to open lies with the head of centre. The head of centre is responsible for taking advice, or following instructions from relevant local or national agencies in deciding whether they are able to open
  • the centre  should open for exams and examination candidates only, if possible
  • the centre should use alternative venues in agreement with relevant awarding organisations (for example, use other public buildings, if possible)
  • the centre may offer candidates an opportunity to sit any exams missed at the next available series
  • the centre should apply to awarding organisations for special consideration for candidates where they have met the minimum requirements
  • InspireU centres should follow and adhere to awarding body guidance in the event that UK wide crisis prevents exam going ahead

Disruption to the transportation of completed exam papers

Delay in normal arrangements for the return of completed exam scripts.

  • in the first instance the centre should seek advice from awarding organisations
  • the centre should ensure secure storage of completed exam papers until collection or deposit

Assessment evidence is not available to be marked

Large scale damage to or destruction of completed exam scripts or assessment evidence before it can be marked.

  • advice should be sought from awarding body in the first instance
  • awarding organisations to generate candidate marks for affected assessments based on other appropriate evidence of candidate achievement as defined by the awarding organisations
  • candidates should retake affected assessment at subsequent assessment window

Exams officer is unable to fulfil role

Exams Officer is unable to come to work due to illness, injury or other crisis.

  • one of the InspireU senior leads are able to fulfil the duties of the exam’s officer with the assistance of other members of the senior leadership team and administration team