Extra help for tests and exams are called ‘Access Arrangements’.
Access arrangements are adjustments made to allow students with special educational needs, disabilities or medical needs an equal chance to others to show what they know and can do in tests and exams.
The adjustments made are usually the same as or similar to the additional support that is regularly provided to the student or is suited to overcome a particular difficulty. For example, a student who uses a laptop in class would be allowed to use a laptop in exams.
Access arrangements should be appropriate to the exam and the student. For example, a student with dyslexia may need extra time for a written exam, but not for a practical one. A student with memory or processing difficulties may require extra time for both written and practical exams.
The types of access arrangements that can be made available include:
- Extra time, to read, understand and give answers – a typical amount of time would be 25%
- Help from an assistant, for example:
- A reader – this could be a person or a piece of software like a screen reader
- A scribe – this is a person or piece of software that writes down exactly what you say
- Assistive technology, such as a word processor, computer equipment or software
- A separate room with an invigilator, for example, if you need a space without others around
- Supervised rest breaks
- Modified exam papers, such as in a different colour, braille, large print or with symbols
- A prompter, to keep you focused
- A practical assistant, for example to help with practical exams and physical carrying
- Coloured overlays
- Other medical support arrangements
Your school or college may be able to make some adjustments without making an application for approval but for other arrangements, your school will need to apply in advance. This means that access arrangements should be discussed and prepared for as early as possible and well before the exam date. This also gives you time to practice and get used to your adjustments before you are put under exam conditions.