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Original poster

Cheating in GCSE exams - how common?

34 replies

Pissedoffatschool · 20/12/2013 08:45

I have name changed because I have mentioned DD's school in previous posts.

Dd sat 2 GCSEs early in year 9 last summer, this is school policy. Yesterday she mentioned that in her Spanish written exam there were people with their notes next to them on their chairs, floor etc. This came up because we got the school newsletter and 2 kids had got A* for both GCSEs. She said she was one of the few who didn't cheat in that exam. She did admit though that the teacher did give her a bit too much "help" in the oral exam.

The teacher has since retired but was renowned for the number of As her class received. I feel sick at this. I know in my other child's school they err on the side of caution and are incredibly strict in all exams and assessments. I don't know if it is a maverick teacher or if this is widespread in the school. Has anyone come across it?

I don't feel I can complain because it might affect all the results but I am really annoyed.

OP posts:
Lancelottie · 20/12/2013 09:24

They're policed to the hilt at DS's school.

We have reason to know this, as DS is the kind of child who mutters to himself when thinking, and he has been hauled out of assessments for it (the school accepts that he wasn't communicating, but is still not prepared to take the risk of appearing to cheat).

The 40-word plans had to be submitted in advance and signed off by the teacher here.

Original poster
Pissedoffatschool · 20/12/2013 09:19

Olivo, I will try and do so. I hope it was just a one off.

OP posts:
olivo · 20/12/2013 09:08

I would raise it with another teacher, personally. I am a teacher, and I would act fast if i thought another colleague was allowing students to cheat. I know the teacher is no longer there, but maybe systems need tightening up. Many teachers work hard to help the students get their best results, but it is unfair for some to bend the system.

Sorry, rant over. Angry

Original poster
Pissedoffatschool · 20/12/2013 09:04

I think they were allowed a plan of 40(?) words. But people had written it out and then put it on the floor so they could copy it out. Some openly had it on the desk or next to them. Teacher saw but turned a blind eye.

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 20/12/2013 08:57

Sounds odd. This was an actual exam, not a continuous assessment piece of work? For some of those, I think notes are allowed. But if that was the case your DD should have been clear about what was allowed, so either way its not right.

Original poster
Pissedoffatschool · 20/12/2013 08:56

Yes that happens for exams the whole year group take at school and for ALL exams at DD1's school. Obviously not for this one.

OP posts:
Chlorinella · 20/12/2013 08:54

The teachers also check the pupils as they go in .
Not in a class room , but the performance hall or the studio

Original poster
Pissedoffatschool · 20/12/2013 08:51

Yes, they had the exam in the classroom with the teacher invigilating. It was very short. I was gob smacked but DD is adamant that took place.

OP posts:
Chlorinella · 20/12/2013 08:49

Im surprised at this .
At my DC school they need clear plastic pencil cases on the tables , no bags or books allowed in .
No phones allowed in , and teachers patrol up and down between the desks
I thought that was the normal way to do things

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