Exam access arrangements are essential to ensuring that all students, including those with learning difficulties or disabilities, have a fair chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills during exams. These arrangements are tailored to individual needs and can include various accommodations, such as extra time, the use of assistive technology, or breaks.
This article explores the types of accommodations that are available to students with specific challenges, how they can support students during exams, and the steps required to obtain them.
General Process for Accomodations
Identify the Challenge:
Teachers, parents, or the child may notice that they struggle in a particular area.
Collect Evidence:
An assessment by a specialist, such as an educational psychologist or specialist teacher, is required to confirm a particular issue.
Submit the Evidence:
The school will compile the evidence (assessment reports, classroom work records) and submit an application to the exam board (via JCQ for most UK exams).
Receive Confirmation:
If the application is approved, the child will receive an accommodation for example, if it's a processing speed issue, it might be an extra 25% extra time.
Challenge 1
Slower processing speed
Children with slow processing speed may struggle to complete exam tasks within the standard time frame, or struggle to concentrate for the whole exam.
Accommodation 1
Extra time
Providing extra time is one of the most common accommodations for students with slow processing speeds. It allows these students to process the exam questions and formulate responses at their own pace without the pressure of strict time limits. Typically, an additional 25% of the standard exam time is granted, though more time can be provided depending on the severity of the child's needs.
Age Range:
This accommodation can be applied from Key Stage 2 (ages 10-11) through to GCSEs and A-levels (ages 14-18), and even in university exams.
Accommodation 2
Rest breaks
Rest breaks allow students to pause during the exam to rest without the pressure of the clock. These breaks give the student time to recover, refocus, and continue without feeling rushed. Breaks are scheduled in advance or given when needed, and the time spent resting does not count against the total exam time.
Age Range:
Rest breaks are available from Key Stage 2 (ages 10-11) and can continue through to higher education.
Challenge 2
Handwriting, motor skill or visual issues
Children with significant physical impairments, visual impairments, or severe handwriting difficulties may find it difficult to write their exam answers by hand.
Accommodation 1
Use of a Word Processor or Computer
Allowing students to use a word processor or computer during exams can ease the strain of writing by hand. With this accommodation, children can type their answers, which is particularly useful for those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, or physical impairments that affect handwriting.
Age Range:
This accommodation is typically granted from Key Stage 2 (ages 10-11) onwards, though it can be implemented earlier for students with significant motor or handwriting challenges.
Accommodation 2
Scribe
A scribe is a person who writes down the answers as dictated by the student. This accommodation is typically used when the student is unable to write or type due to physical or learning challenges. The scribe does not influence the content but simply transcribes what the student says.
Challenge 3
Reading difficulties
Children with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia or visual impairments, may struggle to read and comprehend exam questions in written format.
Accommodation 1
Reader or Reading Software
A reader or reading software can be used to read the exam questions aloud to the student, helping them process the information more effectively. This accommodation can ensure that reading difficulties do not interfere with the student’s ability to understand and respond to exam questions.
Age Range:
This accommodation is commonly granted from Key Stage 2 (ages 10-11) and beyond.
Accommodation 2
Modified Papers
Modified papers, such as those in Braille or with enlarged print, are available to ensure students with visual impairments can access the exam content in a way that suits their needs. Modifications may also include different coloured paper or specific contrast settings.
Age Range:
This accommodation applies to students of all ages, from Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7) through to higher education.