Exams
At Educate U, we are committed to providing a supportive environment for our young people pursuing various qualifications, including GCSEs, Functional Skills, ASDAN certification. Our comprehensive exam procedures, policies, and resources aim to create a smooth and successful examination experience for all our young people with special educational needs. Here's what you need to know
Overview Of Functional Skills
Functional skills are the core skills you need to successfully navigate life. They focus on personal attributes such as communication and teamwork.
We use the exam board Pearson for both Functional Skills in Maths & English. Outcomes are either marked as a ‘Pass’ (P) or ‘Unclassified’ (U).
There are three different levels of Functional Skills, which are ‘Entry’ level. ‘Level 1’ and ‘Level 2’. Entry Level – the achievement is below GCSE level
Level 1 – the achievement is equivalent to a Grade 3 at GCSE Level 2 – the achievement is equivalent to a Grade 4 at GCSE
Overview of GCSE’s
GCSEs are General Certificates of Secondary Education. Outcomes range from a 9 to a 1 with 9 being the highest grade obtainable and a 1 being the lowest.
Scheduling
We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate individual needs for Functional Skills examinations.
Graduated approach to assessments
For example, a young person will visit the exams room so they can see what it’s like in there and spend time in the room with no expectations or pressure. The student may complete a piece of work in the exam room with a member of staff, to again alleviate any stress, prior to formal assessments.
Mock exams
We aim to give each student a ‘mock’ exam. These are practice exams to see what exam room conditions look like, help with their time management, take off any undue stress of not knowing the exam environment, another form of revision and they can act as performance indicators.
Access Arrangements
There are pre-examination adjustments for candidates based on evidence of need and normal way of working. They enable a level playing field to be provided, by overcoming a potential disadvantage when they are applied.
Exam Formats
Depending on the qualification, exams may include written or online examinations. Candidates receive detailed instructions regarding the format and requirements of their specific exams.
Security
Our exams are invigilated to maintain fairness and integrity. Whether in-person or remote, our invigilators uphold strict standards to ensure compliance with exam regulations.
Exam Board Information for Candidates
(Updated each September)
- JCQ – non-examined assessment
- JCQ – Coursework assessment
- JCQ – Written Examinations
- JCQ – Privacy Notice
- JCQ – social media
- JCQ – Preparing to sit your exams
Exam Board Policies are detailed below and can be found under the Policies section of our website
• Access Arrangements
• Child Protection/safeguarding policy, including Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)
• Complaints Policy • Conflicts of Interest Policy
•Data Protection Policy & GDPR
• Emergency Evacuation Policy (Exams)
• Equalities Policy
• Examination Contingency Plan
• Internal Appeals Procedure (internal assessment decisions) • Internal appeals Form (internal assessment decisions)
• Internal appeals procedure (review of results and appeals)
• Malpractice Policy
• Non-examination Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Word Processor Policy
Managing Exam Stress: