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Original poster

Extra time for GCSE

26 replies

Cfcadv · 22/02/2023 12:03

Does anyone know how common it is to gain extra time for GCSE exams? Who actually checks if students qualify? In my daughter’s school, those who top Maths, Science, French, Music … are students who do their exams in a special room as they qualify for extra time. Most of their parents are either volunteers for the school or staff- unsure if it is coincidence.

OP posts:
LIZS · 22/02/2023 12:15

There are strict regulations with JCQ about extra time and most other exam access arrangements. In most cases a need has to be independently evidenced, ie by a medical consultant or EP, although some SENDCO maybe able to run the relevant tests to assess, and it has to be established as a mode of working.

Breadcrumbsforall · 22/02/2023 15:06

In our school that would be a coincidence. DC got 25% more time as they have well-documented issues (logged and verified by the SEN) going back years. It took a lot of paper work to get it (AQA and Edecxel boards).

Comefromaway · 22/02/2023 15:09

It is students who have a diagnosed need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or autism and get below a certain centile on standardised tests for things like speed of information processing.

Very often teachers or those who work/volunteer in education are those who pick up on these issues with their own children, or are able to start the process/pay for them to be assessed by an educational psychologist.

TeenDivided · 22/02/2023 15:14

Cfcadv · 22/02/2023 12:03

Does anyone know how common it is to gain extra time for GCSE exams? Who actually checks if students qualify? In my daughter’s school, those who top Maths, Science, French, Music … are students who do their exams in a special room as they qualify for extra time. Most of their parents are either volunteers for the school or staff- unsure if it is coincidence.

How much of this is hearsay?

My DD gets extra time due to processing speed & writing speed. All the extra time in the world can't help her analyse things better or do maths questions that are beyond her.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 22/02/2023 15:26

Dd gets no extra time but she does do her exams in a smaller space. She's in the top set for maths but she's autistic and has the capacity to disrupt the entire hall very easily if she gets too anxious.

SocialLite · 22/02/2023 15:52

My DD has dyslexia and physical disabilities. She gets extra time for the dyslexia, and a laptop and rest breaks for her physical disabilities. As a result of the rest breaks, she's also in a separate room and that combined with the 25% extra time can mean her exams take a very very long time!

ShanghaiDiva · 22/02/2023 15:56

No it’s not a coincidence, they are clearly playing the system….is that the response you want？
access arrangements need to be approved by the exam board.

SocialLite · 22/02/2023 16:17

ShanghaiDiva · 22/02/2023 15:56

No it’s not a coincidence, they are clearly playing the system….is that the response you want？
access arrangements need to be approved by the exam board.

It's not always a case of playing the system. Yes you need to be entitled, but it's also a logistical nightmare for schools and in a lot of cases, unless the parents push for it (and know to do that) it won't happen. If they volunteer etc they may have more knowledge about that sort of thing than most parents.

Springintoabetterlife · 22/02/2023 16:21

SocialLite · 22/02/2023 16:17

It's not always a case of playing the system. Yes you need to be entitled, but it's also a logistical nightmare for schools and in a lot of cases, unless the parents push for it (and know to do that) it won't happen. If they volunteer etc they may have more knowledge about that sort of thing than most parents.

Show quote history

I think @ShanghaiDiva was being sarcastic.

Greenbeans123 · 22/02/2023 16:31

Dc1 got extra time due to dyslexia/poor processing/asd. Dc was assessed at beginning of autumn term and results used as proof.
Dc2 has senco needs that mean a smaller room is preferable but does not need extra time so therefore proof is via care plans.

Original poster
Cfcadv · 22/02/2023 16:46

Is happening in her school. Theres ceremony for top achievers for each subject n so the cohort gets to see who is the top pupil.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cfcadv · 22/02/2023 16:46

This is useful, thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cfcadv · 22/02/2023 16:49

Yes, that is the response i want. If the school is not being honest, it is unfair not only to their other students but also all students in the country. But before i report, i want to b certain here r actually rules n regulations n they hv no way of cheating the system.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cfcadv · 22/02/2023 16:52

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 22/02/2023 15:26

Dd gets no extra time but she does do her exams in a smaller space. She's in the top set for maths but she's autistic and has the capacity to disrupt the entire hall very easily if she gets too anxious.

You see, in this case, i think is understandable.

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catndogslife · 22/02/2023 16:55

There is a procedure that needs to be followed for dcs to receive extra time in exams and other access arrangements. There would be consequences for the school if the JCQ guidelines are not followed.
In the past, many schools only picked up that there was a need for extra time if pupils were underachieving, however, it is now recognised that even high ability pupils may have additional needs.

MrsHamlet · 22/02/2023 16:56

You don't just get extra time because you ask for it or because your parents have a link to the school.

Original poster
Cfcadv · 22/02/2023 16:56

Thank you all for your responses, I m able to make a decision now. Hv created n account inly coz of this question so will delete my ac now. Thank u once again. @ShanghaiDiva is people like u who really frightens me. It is n honest question from me. Thats all.

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MrsHamlet · 22/02/2023 16:59

I assume what you mean is "I don't think it's fair that Fred gets extra time so I'm going to complain so that my kid can"
Meanwhile, in schools, we're busting our arses to get it right for everyone.

TeenDivided · 22/02/2023 17:00

@ShanghaiDiva was definitely being sarcastic.

There is a regular recurring theme on MN that those of us who have children who are getting extra time are somehow cheating the system. I guess it may happen in a tiny percentage of cases, and maybe OP your school is cheating, but for most kids it is just attempting to level the playing field. It doesn't really completely level it, but it is a start.

ShanghaiDiva · 22/02/2023 17:01

Cfcadv · 22/02/2023 16:56

Thank you all for your responses, I m able to make a decision now. Hv created n account inly coz of this question so will delete my ac now. Thank u once again. @ShanghaiDiva is people like u who really frightens me. It is n honest question from me. Thats all.

Only an honest question, no doubt! 🤣

TheFallenMadonna · 22/02/2023 17:01

Extra time requires evidence from a qualified assessor. It has to be approved by the JCQ. Schools are inspected, and part of that includes access arrangements. It's highly unlikely that the school haven't followed the process, as the consequences would be very significant. Whether the process itself is equitable is another matter, but reporting the school wouldn't address that.

BooksAndHooks · 22/02/2023 17:02

It was very strict criteria even for DS who has an EHCP and had a place in the attached autism base it wasn’t automatic.

BungleandGeorge · 22/02/2023 17:07

Very strict criteria and assessment. They also need to prove that it’s needed as an ongoing thing
extra time only really benefits those with slow processing. If you don’t know the answer it’s no help! It’s also pretty difficult to have to stay in the exam room finishing off an already long exam whilst your class mates leave
many children with SEN are highly intelligent and capable

SMaCM · 22/02/2023 18:35

It might be that the parents have got jobs in the school because they know their child will need additional support and they will be able to keep an eye on them. My daughter had a separate room and extra time and it took years to get it approved and needed backup from more than one medical professional.

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