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ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS

Access Arrangements

Some students might struggle to access exams, because of handwriting, mental health issues, processing difficulties or other specific learning difficulties and therefore need arrangements to be put in place to enable equality of opportunity in exams.  These arrangements could include extra time, rest breaks, laptop use, use of a scribe or taking exams in a separate room.  These arrangements are called Exam Access Arrangements.

The school follows the JCQ Regulations and Guidance on Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments - you can access this information from JCQ here

We follow the JCQ calendar in assessing students for Access Arrangements – we begin the year by processing applications for those students who are in Year 11 and Year 13 taking external exams, and then ensure all other year groups have been completed by the summer term.

  • Teachers may refer students they have concerns about 
  • Parents are welcome to get in touch about concerns they may have

Some parents commission reports from Psychologists or other assessors.  Please note that we do not have to accept these reports, and that at most, they form background information to our own screening and collection of evidence from teachers.  

For Access Arrangements information and to discuss your child, please contact the Access Arrangements Administrator accessa@fortismere.org.uk

Laptop use in school

Some students may require the use of a laptop in school.   Use is permitted when:

  1. A specialist has recommended its use for a specific student and meets JCQ requirements, or it is part of a student's Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  2.  Students use a laptop as their usual working method in class and for exams.
  3. Students have first completed 24 levels of Touch Type Read and Spell (TTRS) or equivalent to ensure the appropriate levels of speed and accuracy are in place.  
  4. A student’s writing speed is significantly below average for their age and 25% extra time would not compensate for this deficit.
  5. A student’s writing is illegible and has been a persistent problem.

Please also note that:

  • If it has been agreed that a personal laptop can be used in school, the responsibility of insuring a personal laptop lies with parents/carers. 
  • The School does not provide personal laptop storage and it remains the student's responsibility. 
  • The student may not need to use the laptop every day in each subject. 
  • The award of a laptop does not mean it should be used every day in every class.  The skill of handwriting should still be developed alongside the use of the laptop.
  • The laptop model we recommend is the Asus C202 as it is portable, hard-wearing and inexpensive.  As a Chromebook, it is compatible with the Google Classroom system used in school.
  • Before bringing a laptop to school, this has to be agreed with the SENDCo and the Access Arrangements Co-ordinator, so the student can be added to the register.

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