Year 12 just been advised her should use computer for exams?

[jamimmi]

My year 12 ds has been in 6th form since September. 3 essay heavy a levels. All well at parents night earlier this month. College routinely screen for SEN on admission and his test was he tells me borderline. They spoke to him not me in December. Advised his test results were "borderline" and had issues been mentioned before. He was told he had dyslexic tendencies in year 6 but had no extra support all through secondary. One teacher post class test referred him back to the SEN unit this term. He was assessed and told he qualified to use a keyboard in exams. His handwriting in apparently red. I have to admit it's not easily readable. I'm concerned his 1st attempt to use his keyboard will be in his year 12 exams. I'm not sure he can type faster than he writes. Extra time has been mentioned but he was told to try the keyboard 1st. I'm a bit concerned and he's refusing to let me contact college. He wants to manage this alone. I think it's due to the dyslexia which was poorly handled at primary. Can any one advise on keyboard use and speed in exams v writing?

What you do in exams should be your normal way of working, so I'm assuming from now on he will be expected to use a computer for all classwork.

My son used a laptop all the way through secondary school and college, and definitely types faster than he writes.

www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration

Thanks for that. No mention of that in class currently but they can use either and I think he uses the lap top more as its easier so perhaps we are on the right track. Just feeling guilty I didn't push more at secondary as I think it did impact his English grade. 4 vs the predicted 6.

Daughter uses laptop in exams but also in her lessons. He needs to get used to using it in class. Otherwise he can have 20 to 25% extra time wise for exam if they apply for it. Exams vary. Dygraphia which is handwriting specific used to stand along but the term dyslexia has been expanded to include fortnight but it is also an ordering problem. Many children can manage very well until formal exams arrive. He may find he needs the time for planning his approach rather than the laptop?

News to me that it was an either/or thing?

Thanks for your messages. I'm really nit sure what they are basing this on thinking might be dygraphia. Hes agreed to let me speak to them. I do wonder cabbageking if he would be better with time to think ot through.

Sorry for the typos I've fat fingers on my phone!

Using a wordprocessor and getting extra time in exams are not mutually exclusive. You can be granted both if appropriate.