Applying for Special Consideration for GCSEs and A levels

[Squiddles]

The kids dad and I are going through divorce and house sale to enable separation at a bloody appalling time. One dd doing GCSEs the other doing A levels. Although I'm trying to prioritise the girls needs, in particular that of calm atmosphere and stability, he typically is far from considerate and his temper is worse than ever.

I have been told to contact the exams office at the school in writing to request for 'Special Consideration' from the exam boards when marking their papers. Does anyone have any experience of this and able to advice me on what I should be putting in writing?
Thanks

Yes you can apply for Special consideration to cover the divorce and it's emotional effects. There is a category for domestic crisis which fits this. I don't think you need to write a lot and am sure the school will provide guidelines.
See the link to attached JCQ guidelines:
www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/regulations-and-guidance/a-guide-to-the-special-consideration-process-2015-2016
It doesn't affect how the paper is marked, but goes to a specialist committee who make the decision about how many marks to add on. It's only a relatively small number of marks though and will only make a significant difference if they are close to a grade boundary.

Isn't the special consideration for things like bereavement or illness? Domestic upheaval could be claimed by anymore from less than ideal backgrounds, couldn't it?

Yes it is, Molly, and also for cases like this (though it depends how they determine 'domestic crisis at the time of the assessment').

I agree floggingmolly. But in their defence they've come from a relatively happy calm home which has quite literally turned upon its head

Sthanks for the link catslife, I'll have a look

It's up to the exam board(s) to work out whether your circumstances qualify (or not). It isn't just bereavement and illness (although these are the most common) it covers many other circumstances that could occur at exam time and may disadvantage a candidate.
As well as doing this OP, I would ask the school's advice about contacting university admissions tutors etc. Given that you are in a difficult situation, they may offer to do this on your behalf.