Examination Arrangements May 2020

New examination format:

In light of the move to remote learning and assessment, the format of the end of semester exams has changed:

  • Each exam will be available for 24hours, except where specifically stated otherwise.

  • You are not expected to work for 24 hours - the tasks set are only intended to take as long as the original exam.

  • You can choose to complete the work in one sitting, or break it into chunks and spread it out across the whole day.

  • Tasks will be released via Blackboard, and completed answers will be submitted via Blackboard (Turnitin).

Please see the exam timetable page for more detail, and times of your exams.

Individual adjustments:

The new format of these exams has been designed to be inclusive, and so many individual adjustments (e.g. extra time, use of computer, exam support room etc.), are no longer necessary. If you usually have extra time and / or rest breaks, please take these during the 24 hour period as required.

If you feel that the new format of these assessments is not accessible to you, please contact Disability Services to discuss this as soon as possible.

Marking considerations (Yellow Slip)

For students with this adjustment, please remember to copy and paste a yellow slip into each exam script before you submit (you can find your yellow slip in your PLSP: if you are unsure how to do this, please email the Dyslexia Advisers).

Good practice for this format of assessment:

  • Prepare as you would for a standard exam.
  • If you have IT / connectivity issues, please contact the IT Services Helpdesk; they can help resolve issues remotely (email from your Uni email address if possible, and include a contact telephone number).
  • If IT issues cannot be resolved, you will be able to request a First Sit or Alternative Arrangements – see below.
  • Decide what time you will stop for the day to ensure that you get adequate rest.
  • Don’t leave it until the last minute to submit the work, in case of technical / connectivity difficulties on the day. Consider submitting in the evening (even though the deadline will be 8.59am), as this could allow better rest overnight.

What if I can’t sit the exam at the time it is released?

This could be for a range of reasons, including internet connectivity / technical issues, illness and self-isolation. If you are unable to complete the exam at the time it is released, please use the Request Centre to ask for a First Sit or Alternative Arrangements’. If you are unable to access the Request Centre, call 01248 388400 during weekdays 10-12 and 2-4 so that staff can help you.

To reflect the widespread impact of the current situation, all students will be classified as having Covid-19-related ‘Special Circumstances’. This will be applied automatically so there will be no need to submit further Reports of Special Circumstances for these unless you experience IT issues; the Request Centre has been updated to include IT Issues (Major - e.g. no computer access at all, no internet access); IT issues (Minor – e.g. having to share a computer) in relation to the online assessments.

Any non-Covid-19-related Reports of Special Circumstances, should be submitted in the normal way.

 

 

Updated 07.08.2020