Should extra time for A level class tests match exam arrangements?

[Marshmallowsandtoast]

If you have a child in year 12 doing A levels and they have extra time for exams should the school put in place the extra time for class tests or just the mock exams and actual exams? How can they do this for class tests if the test is the same length as the lesson?

In an ideal world yes they would be given the pro-rata extra time they are allowed but as you say lesson times are fixed. The teacher may then offer a lesson before lunch etc or come at break and into the next period or even after school...

Yes, but having had a child with access arrangements and 25% extra time since they were 7 years old, we only ever got extra time in end of year exams, mocks and actual exams.

Mainly because it was basically impossible to allow for the extra time within class and within the timetable.

It was very annoying.

I always offer it but no one ever wants to stay into break or lunch or after 3.30

DD at GCSE level used to start early in break or finish late in lunch if at all possible.

I am trying to get it for my daughter. The thing is, extra time is based on their "normal way of working". I am concerned that if she doesn't get regular extra time, they can claim that having extra time is not her normal way of working.

In addition, it will affect her self-confidence. Her results are worse than if she'd have enough time. And it will affect how teachers view her, because her results are not as good as they could be.

I understand that extra time is difficult to implement, but that should not be my daughter's problem. She is severely disadvantaged as it is.

Yes, and DS runs class tests into break, lunch or past the bell - or at 6th form if he has a free next.
That catches most - and did the same at GCSE.

I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve the extra time, but what can teachers actually do? The lesson is an hour, the test is an hour. Teachers can do a lot of things but they can’t change time.

This recommendation used to drive me up the wall as a teacher, as really it shouldn’t just be for tests, it should be for all tasks. ‘Ok kids, write 3 sentences to describe X. You have 5 minutes.’ 5 minutes later, and someone actually needs another 75 seconds. So do they miss the next bit of the lesson? Or does the rest of the class sit in silence waiting while the extra time kids have their extra time?

There is no easy solution. I mean ideally tasks would at not be timed but there’s a lot to get through and even giving 5 mins for a task there will be some kids finished in 2 and waiting and others form whom 10 wouldn’t be enough. Such is mixed ability teaching.

We make all our tests short enough so the 25% extra also fits into the lessons.
ie, all tests 40 mins, extra time 50mins, 5 mins to get in and pack up, job done.
works really well