Typing in GCSEs 2025

[KnottyAuty]

Just started looking into typing for DS’ exams next year.

I can see lots of references to typing but this seems to cause DS a problem switching back and forth between a plain word processing sheet on screen and a paper copy of the exam.

Seems like one of those situations where the help creates a whole load of other problems and isn’t as easy or helpful as it should be!!

Has anyone got permission to type on to a pdf version of the question paper using a PDF editor (eg Adobe Reader etc)?

it would make it equivalent to doing the exam on paper but just with electronic assistance.
thanks

As an examiner, I've never seen this. I'm not sure that schools would have access to a PDF copy, as this would cause issues, given the papers have to be kept securely before issue to candidates. A PDF would have to be emailed, which may cause security issues.

No I don't believe you can. You can not use wp for some subjects depending on format

Thanks! @LIZS and @missy111 . Looking at the exam board websites it is possible to order PDF copies. They are only downloadable 60 mins before the exam which sounds a faff. Edexcel has interactive forms that can be typed into but AWA and OCR only have the non interactive type.

given how widely used secure pdfs are nowadays I am surprised this isn’t the way everyone would access typing accommodation…

That should say AQA obvs

This us why in 2015 my DD only typed controlled assessments and then Englush exams. She did maths and science and mfl exams on paper. She couldn't cope with the switching.

This is really interesting for me as I have one DC sitting exams this summer and we are struggling to understand formats and how best to practice. I hadn't even got as far as switching issues.

With Edexcel - do you know what intended use is for the PDF?

Working on screen would be wonderful for my DC. I wonder how they tackle diagrams?

I think the downloadable pdf format is for emergency use on the day only e.g. if there are not enough exam papers.
Diagrams are usually completed by hand.

This is why a pdf editor would be the most equitable solution. You add text boxes on top of an electronic “print” (fixed image of the actual question paper) then type into those. You can also add lines (straight and freehand), shapes (circles/squares etc) and shading as you would by hand. Adobe reader is free and given that security controls on pdfs are well advanced I can’t see any problems. I use a different editor for work which I pay for and is probably too fancy for use in exams but it has no spelling or grammar help (which means I make regular typos!!)

Old thread but my ds typing exams and will be switching from paper to computer for science subjects. Not had much practice with this and needs to make sure numbers questions properly on paper ie correct number! His writing is truly awful and only doing maths on paper.

You are assuming here that students entitled to use word processing would be competent in the pdf editor software. This is not something that students are necessarily routinely taught. The manipulation of text boxes and diagrams etc can cost them more time if not used to it.

Lots of typists at the school I work at- all just type onto blank paper. It’s all pre set on special PCs- some switch between paper in science exams etc

Definitely get him to practice. It is difficult to do.

If someone can use word processing software then they can use a pdf editor. The versions for exams have to be basic/stripped down and obviously they have to be trialled/usual way of working (or at least for mocks/other school tests) before the national exam accommodations approved. DS has taken to it like a duck to water. His grades went up 2 points now he can type directly on the paper - such a relief. It took a lot of organising

PDF versions of exams are for those students who need their exam paper printed on a different colour paper or in a larger font. I don’t believe accessing a pdf on screen is permissible.

Edexcel and OCR offer "interactive pdfs" which are like forms which can be filled in using pdf software.

AQA are "non interactive" but can still be written on with pdf software