Form 8 v Form 9 for transfer to 6th Form

[NotDonna]

DD in yr11 has ADHD and for GCSEs has computer/reader, extra time & rest breaks. You all know that this will have been hard fought and we’ve been lucky in the last year to have had a new senco specialising in neurodiversity so gets DD’s issues.
PROBLEM - DD is moving to another school for 6th Form. The Senco at the new school has made it sound like DD won’t get the access arrangements she’s previously had and will be re-assessed. I’m very worried that all her access arrangements will be removed.
Senco at current school has said she’ll send over the Form 9 but on looking at JCQ this doesn’t seem to be the ‘passport’ for continuing Access Arrangements; it seems that Form 8 is needed - I’m guessing DD hasn’t got a Form 8 but I’m so confused. Can anyone explain please?
It’s half term so can’t speak to either Senco.

Form 8s are used for applications under learning difficulties (as long as they don’t have an EHCP) criteria.
Form 9s are used for other applications.

The top of page 48 covers those with a Form 9 progressing from GCSE to A level. There will need to be new Form 9 completed with evidence from the centre the arrangements are still required.

Thank you @perpetualplatespinning She’s medicated now so she is so much calmer than previously (she’s both H & A). How will the new school determine whether the arrangements are still needed or not? They won’t be qualified to do a ADHD assessment so how will they know please?

Exam access arrangements are based on needs, not diagnosis. An ADHD diagnosis alone doesn’t qualify someone to access arrangements.

They use evidence from teachers and other support staff to show how the difficulties impact teaching and learning and on exams to complete the Form 9. So things like how the student presents in class, with classwork, mocks, etc. to paint a picture of need and confirm normal way of working.

This is then accompanied by professional evidence confirming the disability. For example, diagnosis letter will suffice for this element.

Even if DD remained in the same setting, she would need a new Form 9 for A level.

Thank you. My concern is how on Earth are teachers expected to ‘see’ all this when she’s brand new to the school? It sounds incredibly subjective too.

They will be used to doing it. And remember the Form 9 won’t need submitting straight away. There will be time to build the evidence.

Are classroom teachers taught how to look for evidence? As there’s only been a handful of teachers at the current school who have noticed.

The SENCO and the Exams Officer are the ones that will be looking for evidence. They will be asking specific questions, highlighting to staff what to be looking for, etc. Although any good teacher who teaches exam years will know what kind of evidence is required for (at least the more common) EAA/the signs to look out of that indicate (at least the more common) EAA may be necessary.

Thanks but I am worried it’ll all be taken away! Which will be a nightmare.

I'd hope it will be straightforward.

In Hants everyone moves for 6th form. Both my DDs had access arrangements for GCSEs which seemed to transfer without difficulty to their colleges.

@TeenToTwenties oh I pray this is the case! Just DD had to explain what adhd stands for in her interview with the deputy head of 6th form. I’m concerned they’ll think it’s a made up condition.