5 Exam Tips for SEND students

It is hard enough with exams but if you have special educational needs or are disabled it can be that much harder.  Below I have included my top 5 tips for SEND students to help when sitting examinations.
  • Tip 1: Plan ahead
Make sure that you know how to access the examination room and that if you have special requirements (e.g. wheelchair access) the examination centre or school staff know this.
  • Tip 2: Know Your Rights
This sort of follows on from Tip 1.  If the school or examination centre has been made aware that you as a SEND student have certain requirements for sitting the exam and it has been agreed before the exam date this special measures will be put in place then you have the right to complain.  Also if the measures haven't been followed and you couldn't sit the test this can be taken into account by the exam board under extenuating circumstances.  See my blog-post on missed exams.
  • Tip 3: Use Your Entitlement
Some students (Dyslexic, Autistic students etc.) have the right to extra time and/or a scribe and/or a reader.  If this is the case definitely make the most of this if it will support you.  Don't feel under pressure to leave when your classmates leave if you have the time my suggestion is use it.
  • Tip 4: Paper in Right Format
Blind or you require the paper to be on a particular colour etc.?  Arrangements can be made to have the exam paper in the format that works best for you.  This should be organised prior to the exam
  •  Tip 5: Medical Conditions
Maybe your an SEND student that requires extra breaks (e.g. due to fatigue).  You are entitled to this if agreed with previously.

Have any further tips?  Leave your comments below.

Looking for tutoring before the big day?  Check out RK Tutors (www.rebecca.kesler.co.uk).
 

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