The following information has been taken from guidance for professionals from RNIB. You can access the original information including links to all exam boards using the following link: Access to exams and tests | RNIB
For exam officers, please note that the deadline for application for modified papers is earlier than that for other access arrangements in order to give awarding bodies the time to produce the papers in the formats requested.
Additional guidance is available from The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). They produce a document on access arrangements and reasonable adjustments, which is updated annually. This document contains more information on the available range of accessible formats and can be accessed using the following link: Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (JCQ)
‘Guidance for the modification and production of examination papers for candidates with a visual impairment’ best practice document is produced by the UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAAF) on behalf of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and in consultation with awarding bodies and OFQUAL.
It provides important information for anyone preparing students for external exams or producing practice exam material locally. Similar standards are followed in the production of SATs tests. Download the latest Best Practice Guidance (UKAAF)
Create an exam calendar with key dates and actions (specific dates will change annually).
Include:
September: Deadline to order modified exam papers for summer GCSE and A’ level exams. School/ college exams officer will order modified papers on access arrangements online. Keep copies of the list of papers ordered.
November: Deadline to apply for access arrangements for summer GCSE and A’ level exams. Applications for extra time over 25% and practical assistant will be automatically rejected by AAO and directed to the exam boards to review whether these are to be authorised.
April: Discuss rooming arrangement with children and young people – consider lighting and distractions. Pass this information to exams officers. Make arrangements for IT including iPads, laptops, calculators etc. Arrange for them to be in exam mode.
May: Prepare a list of expected papers to be shared with the exams office and have a marking in system. Follow up any papers which have not arrived a few days in advance of the exam. Prepare an exam box with necessary equipment for each student (bumpons, wikki stix, talking calculator etc.)
During exam period: On the morning of each exam, keep the room where any papers are being enlarged secure and deliver papers on time.