GCSE Supporting - first week nearly over

[overthehillswegoo]

New thread

Hello all.... Week 1 done! Mine's only sitting 3 subjects and from home / online. I thought this would be nice and easy, but hell no! It's been a mess so far but hopefully it'll improve as feeding back all the issues and changes are being made the system as we go along.

We have 2 weeks clear now... Wonder if the experience this week will prompt some revision?!?

Gel pens- papers are scanned and gel pens sometimes don't scan properly. If they can't be read the examiner will have to request original.

They do specifically say at the start of each exam not to use them. They used to say the same about erasable pens- friction pens etc. I used to have to walk around telling loads not to use them. I continually tell my DCs to listen to the instructions! ( I don't think they do!)

I hear you. We're on MH first, anything else is a bonus

Oh gosh! Is that still the advice for Frixion pens? That’s all my son uses!

We have been told black biros only.

Mine have been using Pilot liquid ink pens so I'm hoping they're ok. I don't remember seeing anything from school about types of pen to use.

https://www.pilot-frixion.uk/uk/frequently-asked-questions/#:~:text=%233%20Can%20I%20use%20FriXion,cheques%20and%20on%20official%20documents.

#3 CAN I USE FRIXION PENS FOR SCHOOL EXAMS OR TO COMPLETE AND SIGN OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS?
Definitely not. Due to the ink erasability feature, the FriXion pens must not be used for school exams, cheques and on official documents.

Possibly not best ones to use - probably worth checking with the school though.

Mine have been using ordinary biros - but I have just bought these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/STABILO-Exam-Grade-Point-Black/dp/B0084574SO

Though they won't come till after DD1 A-level day with two exam both essay subjects so wish I'd though before now to order some.

Maybe this is why DC school used to insist they use their pens - to avoid such confusion.

They're fine!

Anyone know the covid rules around exams? I’ve tested positive as felt really unwell last couple of days. DDs both felt like they had a cold over the last 10d so I’m assuming they had it and bounced back but now I’m worried if eldest hasn’t and goes down hill again what about her exams. 😞

If she is ill but able to sit the paper, the school can apply for special consideration which gives up to 5%.

If she is too ill to sit some papers, provided that she has done more than a certain percentage of the exams, the board can give a grade based on papers sat. Again, school would have to ask.

Both need evidence, I think - not sure what - covid test or note from Gp maybe

@ggccsseeeee thank you....I've been having a pit of a panic!

Thanks @SheilaFentiman ive just tried to google and last gov. guidance in March it said 3-days away from others.. our GP won’t see anyone covid positive so no idea how you can get a “note”.. she’s already at 89% absence due to a couple of nasty viruses this year strep A / tonsillitis and covid in March previously arrhhh it’s my worst nightmare really. Her school are utter pants under ofsted scrutiny as failing for years now so just go hard on any absence and don’t authorise anything now ffs this isn’t what we need.

Oh that sucks. What papers does she have next week?

If she had it in March hopefully can miss it this time

They are told by the invigilator not to use gel pens...Black biro only

I invigilate, and we have supplies of everything they need! Maths is constant hands up for protractor, compasses and rulers!!

@AuntieMarys Aha, that’s reassuring. I forgot to ask him when he got back, mind you.

@Spring45Mermaid DD also unwell with high temp and cough but Covid negative thankfully. I let the school know following yesterday's exam that she felt dreadful all the way through. They said they will let they exam team know to see if special consideration can be given. However the school said that really they should be told pre exam so the invigilator can be aware and if necessary DD can be checked by school nurse. I hoped paracetamol would take effect in the morning and just see her through but she really struggled.

My DS does his exams in a separate room and has extra time fyi and during the maths exam another boy was sick all over himself, was removed and was loudly sick outside the room, poor kid!!

My DS said it really distracted him, do you think the school could apply for special consideration for the disturbance or is that ridiculous? Thanks a lot.

Hope everyone who is ill feels better by Monday 🤞🏼

Depends if viewed as a serious disturbance or minor disturbance

https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Guide_to_spec_con_process_June22_FINAL.pdf

Might get 1%:
Reserved for more minor problems:
• noise during examination which is more than momentary;
• illness of another candidate which leads to disruption in the examination room; • stress or anxiety for which medication has been prescribed;
• hay fever on the day of an examination;
• minor upset arising from administrative problems.

Thank you, would the examination officer be the best person to check in with do you think?

Revision is not going well today. Ds has a very bad case of the can't be arseds.

DS2 having a break, watching Spurs match on tv which brings its own stresses 🤣

Hopefully, he’ll get down to some revision this afternoon and the majority of tomorrow.

Yes, I think so.