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Original poster

Warning about talking in GCSE exams.....

32 replies

seeker · 21/05/2012 15:41

....massive kerfiuffle this morning- so warn your own GCSE takers! DD went into the exam hall this morning to fins somebody sitting in her seat by mistake. The papers hadn't been handed out. Dd said something like "I think that's my seat" and the other girl said "oops, sorry, yes it is" and moved. The invigilator came and told the off for talking, the girls apologised. Afterwards, the invigilator told their head of year, and said that she had considered sending them both out, which would mean that they couldn't sit any of their science GCSEs this sitting, but had decided not to. Head of year rang me in a flap to explain that there was no suggestion that dd had said anything that she shouldn't have- and the papers were still in the envelope anyway, but they mustn't say ANYTHING at all once they are through the door. And a even grumpier invigilator could have disqualified them for this.

Just thought I'd pass on the warning!

OP posts:
whathaveiforgottentoday · 21/05/2012 16:05

Its important to get the message right at the start of taking exams - i'm assuming your DD is in year 10. Its much easier to have a blanket no talking rule once they enter the hall. Is it really that difficult to not talk at all?
The invigilator was doing his job as was the head of year. If they need to ask a question, they can put their hands up and ask an invigilator. The exam boards make these rules not the school.

Kez100 · 21/05/2012 16:01

Does seem very hard on them if the papers were still in the envelope. Especially in a big room, surely students often sit in the wrong places when you are dealing with hundres of seats and stressed kids.

AThingInYourLife · 21/05/2012 15:55

That is ridiculous. Until the papers have been handed out there is no need for silence.

I'd be quite concerned about such a poor invigilator if they were threatening to remove pupils from exams.

Before the exam has started there will be plenty of occasions when pupils need to speak. Threatening them with fucking up their GCSEs is just throwing your weight around.

Are the school going to make a complaint to the exam board about this unfair threat to two hard-working pupils?

They should.

Original poster
seeker · 21/05/2012 15:50

Dd said the school actully had told them, but it didn't cross her mind that it would apply to something like this. I'm sure I would have done the same as she did, actually, no matter how many times I'd been warned!

OP posts:
ripsishere · 21/05/2012 15:49

Poor dos by the teacher IMO. The papers hadn't been handed out.

LeeCoakley · 21/05/2012 15:47

Well I think that 'No Talking' is obvious going into an exam hall (usually notices on the door) but you would automatically think it doesn't really apply until you have started the paper. A timely warning!

OddBoots · 21/05/2012 15:44

Your poor DD, that must have been upsetting for her. The school is really at fault for not making this all very clear to them. It's been years since my exams but I guess the protocol is to raise your hand an wait for an invigilator.

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