Assessments Affected by Exceptional Personal Circumstances
The Assessment Boards are empowered to take account of unusual circumstances, such as illness, when arriving at a student’s final mark. See Extenuating Circumstances for details of the procedures to follow.
It is important to note that the Assessment Boards can normally only take such circumstances into account if they are informed of the circumstances by the student in advance of the meeting of the Board, and normally in writing. Accompanying evidence such as sick notes should also be provided where available. All communications with the Assessment Boards and with College staff about extenuating circumstances are treated as strictly confidential.
Extra Support for Students
Students who have a disability, health problem, dyslexia or other issue that causes them difficulty with assessment can request extra support.
Students are encouraged to declare dyslexia and other special needs so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Evidence is required. In the case of dyslexia this will be in the form of a recent report from an educational psychologist or other appropriate expert. In the case of disability or a health problem we may require evidence such as a letter from a doctor or other professional practitioner. Students who do not declare and provide evidence are assessed without adjustments or allowances.
Students who have reading difficulties, due to dyslexia or other conditions, may apply for different provision for tests or exams. For example, students can be allowed extra time to read test and exam papers before the test or exam commences. This is typically 5 minutes for 20 minute tests, and 30 to 45 minutes for three hour exams. Students can also be allowed to use a word processor with spell checker, or to have an amanuensis (scribe). Students must discuss their situation in advance with the Student Services Manager.
When marking assessments tutors are required to make allowance for students who have dyslexia and who have declared this to the College and provided evidence in the form of an educational psychologist’s report. These students will tick the box on the front sheet of their assessments to alert tutors to their dyslexia. Tutors will make allowance for spelling errors and errors of grammatical construction, seeking to mark for the underlying content rather than the form. Students with dyslexia are encouraged to use bullet points and lists when writing their answers, and will not be penalised for doing so. Despite these allowances, students’ written assessments must be comprehensible and marks will be lost if grammatical construction and spelling obscure meaning. Students with dyslexia are therefore advised to seek study skills support early on.
Students must negotiate such arrangements as those described above via the Student Services Manager/Officer and confirm them in writing. Evidence of medical conditions may be required.
The College will also do our best to support students who have specific needs. For example, word processing facilities can be made available where a disability or health problem makes handwriting of exam papers difficult. It is also possible to allow students with health problems or disability to have a break in the middle of an exam. Students requiring additional support may also be able to use the processes to request extensions in relation to assessments. We will also do our best to assist students should cultural issues cause any difficulty with assessment. Please do not hesitate to talk to us.
Students can seek further guidance on student support from Student Services.
