GCSEs - how ill before we flag it

[fretaway]

Dd has started GCSEs exams. She has come down with something viral - headache, really sore throat and feeling generally unwell.
She managed to get to her first exam yesterday though she said she lost 15 minutes due to headache, even though she had taken paracetamol.
Today she feels even worse. She at least has the weekend to improve but how ill does she have to be for us to inform the school? If she is feeling unwell but still sits exams is it just a case of sucking it up?

We’ve been in the same situation. The advice from her school was to let them know (so they can handle with the exam board if necessary) but yeah, unless they are physically unable to come in (eg being sick), then they still have to come in to sit the exam. Absence from the exam for a medical reason would require a medical certificate.

I hope your daughter recovers quickly and it doesn’t affect her too much. Definitely lots of rest this weekend.

Ask to speak to the Exams Officer on Monday, Op.

When my DD was ill during GCSEs - twice! - we went to the doctor's so everything was on record. I think if my memory serves me right my DD was too unwell to sit one exam at all, she got a grade based on predicted grades and coursework, and for the second exam it was taken into account that she wasn't well. But that was a while ago.

She should go in as much as possible.

Worth contacting the exams officer /seeing a doctor as she can get special consideration for being ill (they will up her marks a bit).

Try to avoid missing completely unless you have to.

Definitely let the school exam office know and they will be able to advise. Make a GP appointment so you have evidence of illness. My dc had some health problems around the time of the EPQ presentation and while the presentation was done I think evidence of illness was submitted for consideration of extenuating circumstances.

Tell school and they can make necessary adjustments.

Dd hurt her neck the night before one, and they gave her comfort breaks so she could move about every 15 minutes.

Thank You so much for all the advice, I’ll speak with the exam officer on Monday. Dd is stressed enough as it is about the exams and now this has been thrown in it’s another thing to worry about!

Speak to the exams officer - they have dealt with this many many times.

If she does miss and exam the exam board look at the other exam in that subject and where she has placed and then give her the same placing in the missed paper. It is as fair as it can be.