Starting your examination

Learners will be told what time they should be in school before the examination. It is important that they are in school at the time they are given so that they can be sat in the correct seat. Once they enter they must be silent, they will be quickly directed to their seat. Stand behind your seat and check that the candidate card on the desk belongs to you. If you cannot find your seat you should put your hand up.

Toilet Breaks

Toilet breaks should only be allowed to learners who have a toilet pass issued by their learning manager. Learners are advised to go to the toilet before the start of the exam.

Misconduct

If you are caught cheating or attempting to cheat you will be reported to the examination board (this is called ‘misconduct’). We have a legal responsibility to report all cases of misconduct. In nearly all cases you will face disqualification.

If you disrupt or disturb an examination by any means this is also considered ‘misconduct’ and you will be reported to the examination board in the same way. In nearly all cases you will be disqualified.

Please be aware that misconduct can lead to disqualification from several examinations, even if they are with other boards. This will be at the discretion of the examination boards concerned and is not decided by The Link Academy. You may also be charged by the school in order to recover the costs we have incurred.

Examples of misconduct:

• Being in possession of a mobile phone or electronic device, even if it is switched off
• Using unauthorised materials or aids
• Having any notes on your hands or clothes
• Communicating or attempting to communicate (talking, tapping, humming or other noises, making signs, turning round, laughing/sniggering)
• Copying or allowing others to copy (do not hold up your papers - keep them on the desk)
• Frequently rocking on your chair

Please note this is not a full list.

The rules on misconduct apply from the time you enter the examination room until the time you leave.

Vandalism and graffiti

You must not vandalise or graffiti on any equipment or materials. You must not write on the examination desk or on your examination card. You will be expected to pay for any damage and this might be reported to the examination board. You should not doodle on your examination papers.

If you have finished your paper then use the time to check through your answers.

If you need help

If you need help at any time during the examination you should put your hand up and invigilator will come to speak with you. Please remember that invigilators cannot help you with questions and answers (such as reading a word to you or suggesting which questions you answer etc).