Exams Guidance: JCQ Regulations
Exams Guidance: JCQ Regulations (2024-25)
The Examinations Office at Harris Academy South Norwood (HASN) oversees all aspects of external examinations for various boards, including AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC. We also support candidates taking University Admission Tests such as the BMAT.
Support for Students
We understand that exams can be a challenging time for students, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions about them. At HASN, we aim to reduce unnecessary stress by equipping students with the knowledge and resources to feel confident and prepared.
We are committed to:
- Keeping students well-informed about the exam process.
- Providing opportunities to practise exam routines.
- Delivering high-quality interventions to help students access the curriculum.
- Supporting effective revision techniques.
- Promoting positive mental health and well-being strategies.
- Offering bespoke support for students who need it.
Our exam guidance is divided into three key sections:
- Pre-Exams: Information about non-examination assessments and coursework.
- During Exams: Rules, timetables, and guidance for illness or extenuating circumstances.
- Post Exams: Details on collecting results, post-results services, and certificates.
1. Pre-Exams
Non-Examination Components / Coursework
Students taking subjects with internally assessed components must read the JCQ Notice on Non-Exam Assessment. This can be accessed through the links at the bottom of this page.
Re-Takes
- Vocational Subjects: Re-takes are permitted if allowed under the qualification’s registration rules.
- English and Maths GCSE: Re-takes are available only for Sixth Form students.
- Other Re-Takes: We do not accept external candidates or offer additional GCSE/GCE re-takes.
Access Arrangements
Access arrangements support students with special educational needs, disabilities, or temporary injuries. These adjustments must be organised in advance through our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo).
- Students eligible for access arrangements will already receive these as part of their usual working practices, including during mock exams.
- Temporary injuries must be reported to your Head of Year and exams@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk as soon as possible.
All candidates must review the relevant JCQ documents regarding exam rules and regulations, including:
- Warning to Candidates
- Social Media Information
- Unauthorized Items
- Preparing to Sit Your Exams
Links to these documents can be found at the bottom of this page.
2. During Exams
Exam Timetables
Exam timetables will be updated throughout the year.
JCQ Rules and Regulations
- All candidates must read the JCQ Information for Candidates notices.
- Students must comply with HASN uniform regulations during exams.
- No Mobile Phones or Watches: Devices must be switched off and stored in bags.
- Water Bottles: Only clear plastic bottles without labels are permitted.
Lateness
- Candidates must arrive 20 minutes before the exam start time.
- If delays occur, contact Reception immediately. Extreme lateness may result in disqualification.
Illness and Extenuating Circumstances
- If feeling unwell but not contagious, attend the exam.
- For contagious illnesses (e.g., COVID) or severe illness, contact your Head of Year and exams@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk immediately. Medical evidence may be required.
- If you feel unwell during an exam, notify an invigilator.
- For other difficulties, inform your Head of Year no later than 24 hours after the exam.
3. Post Exams
Results Days
Results days for November, January, and Summer exams will be announced on the website.
- Results for November and January exams will be handed out directly by Heads of the Year.
- Summer results: If you cannot attend, email exams@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk in advance to authorise someone else to collect your results.
Post-Results Services
The exam boards offer services for students who are unhappy with their results, such as reviews of marking. Key points:
- Mark changes are made only if the exam board determines the mark scheme was incorrectly applied.
- Marks can go up, down, or remain unchanged.
- Reviews of marking often involve a fee. Requests must be submitted in writing to exams@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk.
Qualification Certificates
Certificates from Summer 2024 will be available in late Autumn 2024. Students will be notified about collection details.
- Certificates for current students will be distributed by Heads of Year.
- For leavers, email exams@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk to arrange collection.
- Certificates must be collected within 12 months of issue or they will be destroyed, in line with exam board regulations.
Older Certificates
For certificates prior to 2022, email exams@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk to check availability.
Lost or Damaged Certificates
HASN cannot replace lost or damaged certificates. Instead, contact the relevant exam board for a Certifying Statement of Results. Links to major boards:
Click here for further information
