Association of Colleges

Examinations and Severe Weather - DCSF Q&A

Publication date: 11 January 2010

DCSF Policy team have decided to issue a message to Local Authorities and schools about reviewing the measures they have in place for dealing with severe weather. They have also updated a Q&A on exams following queries from schools and some Colleges.

AoC has been asked, by DIUS, to issue the Exam Q&A to Colleges following a conversation that Ofqual had with a College about exams due to take place in January. Apparently there are College closures in some areas.

For information, the DCSF message to Local Authorities and schools can be found at the following link: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/educationoverview/severeweather/

Colleges, of course, differ from schools in their relationship with DCSF/DIUS and will have emergency plans in place, seeking to stay open if possible. However, the exam Q&A may be useful, as concerns have been raised. Therefore, it is reproduced below:

 

EXAMINATIONS AND SEVERE WEATHER - DCSF Q&A
 
This advice covers general qualifications, including GCSEs, GCEs (A levels) and the Principal Learning, Project and Functional Skills components of the Diploma.
 
Further information is available on the awarding body websites. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and Ofqual have also provided information on their websites, which can be accessed via the following links:
 
JCQ: http://www.jcq.org.uk/

Ofqual: http://ofqual.gov.uk/

Q If the college is to be closed until shortly before examinations start, how do I make arrangements for any outstanding examination papers to be securely delivered?
A It is important that you liaise with the awarding body. They will be able to make arrangements to ensure papers can be securely delivered in such circumstances.
 
Q Where the college is closed during the exam series, would candidates still be able to sit exams?
A The college will need to decide whether it would be feasible to open to run the examinations. If not, then there are two further options: the candidates could be re-entered to take their examinations in the summer series or a later examination series.

Alternatively, it may be possible for the candidates to take the examination at an alternative location (see ‘Can arrangements be made for candidates to take examinations in a college nearby?’ below).

The awarding bodies have said they would look favourably at applications for ‘Special Consideration’ from colleges where this is the last examination slot for a candidate taking a re-sit for a legacy specification.
 
‘Special consideration’ allows an awarding body to award a grade where an examination cannot be taken or the pupil has been disadvantaged, provided there is sufficient evidence to make a reasonable judgement. This is the fairest possible approach for all candidates. The requirements for special consideration are published by Ofqual in the GCSE, GCE and AEA Code of Practice. http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/files/2009-04-14-code-of-practice.pdf

Information on ‘Special consideration’ and application forms are available on the JCQ website.

Q Can arrangements be made for pupils to take examinations in a college nearby?
A We think it is unlikely that this would be a useful option in most cases, and could create significant difficulties if large numbers of candidates were involved. However, please contact your awarding body to discuss the issues if you think this may be an option. You would also need to confirm that the neighbouring college is agreeable and has the capacity. 
 
Q If the college is closed after an examination takes place, how do I make arrangements for scripts to be collected?
A You must contact the Parcel Force helpdesk who will advise on collection; they will have contingencies in place.
 

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