Exam Information
Important information about exam conduct, expectations and results below.
A level Results 2024 Information
GCSE External Students Results Day guidelines 2024
GCSE Internal Students Results Day guidelines 2024
GCSE Post-Results Services 2024
IB Diploma Retake Form for November 2024
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School is committed to ensuring that candidates are fully briefed on the examination and assessment process in place in the centre, and are made aware of the required JCQ/awarding body instructions and information for candidates.
This video clip is easy-to-understand instructions for candidates from the Exams Office.
Malpractice
To maintain the integrity of the exams’ process, strict regulations are in place. Malpractice means any act or practice which is in breach of the Regulations.
The Top 5 Forms of Malpractice 2023 (According to JCQ & OCR):
- Possession of a mobile phone (marks reduced) and use of a mobile phone (disqualification);
- Foul Language – removal from the exam room results in disqualification (nothing should be written on your papers except your answers or, in some cases, your working out);
- Communication – including turning around, verbal & non-verbal communication;
- Passing notes – can result in disqualification;
- Disruptive Behaviour – removal from the exam room results in disqualification;
Candidate malpractice can take many forms including plagiarism, collusion, fabrication or falsification of results and anything else intended by those committing it to achieve credit that they do not properly deserve. Any alleged, suspected or actual incidents of malpractice will be investigated and reported to the relevant awarding body/bodies.
Things to be aware of on Social Media
- Don’t buy/share exam content – real or fake;
- Don’t pass on rumours of exam content;
- Don’t work with others so that your coursework isn’t your own independent work;
- Do not discuss the exam content via social media after the exam (for the IB, exam start times differ around the world due to time zones).
Timetabled Written Exams
Candidates receive two timetables: the first before Christmas, to check that their entries are correct, and one in the Spring term with resolved exam clashes and tier entries (although these can happen quite late in the spring term). If you think anything about your exams is incorrect please contact Mrs Slade, the Exam Officer: sslade@tbgs.torbay.sch.uk.
Rules in the Exam Room
- When you enter the room, you are under exam conditions;
- Adjust your mindset from the time you walk into school;
- Rest breaks (if granted as an access arrangement), in the main, should be taken at your desk with your paper closed, this is not extra thinking time for the next question, but a chance to reset and recharge (10 minutes maximum );
- Movement breaks (if granted as an access arrangement), can be taken in the foyer only with an invigilator stood between hall and foyer (10 minutes maximum);
- Toilet breaks will not be permitted in the first and last half an hour of an exam, unless you have a medical need registered with the SENCO. Toilet breaks should be avoided by planning ahead. Valuable time will be lost by going to the toilet during an exam;
- Once everyone is seated the announcer will give you further instructions. It is important to listen carefully because incorrect completion of a paper can result in disqualification or partial marks.
Contingency sessions – Summer 2024
The awarding bodies have designated the following days as ‘contingency days’ for summer 2024 examinations:
- Thursday 6 June 2024, afternoon;
- Thursday 13 June 2024, afternoon;
- Wednesday 26 June 2024 full day.
It is important that you are available for contingency days which will be used in the event of an exam board rescheduling one of your papers due to circumstances beyond their control.
Clashes
If there is a clash with your exams, the Exams’ Officer will do their best to resolve it even if, on rare occasion, it takes you past the end of the normal school day. We will ensure that there is plenty of notice to arrange alternative transport home.
The maximum you can sit in one day is 5 hrs for GCSE, 6 hrs for A ‘level in one day or 4 hrs in one session for International Baccalaureate.
Venue
Most of your exams will be taken in the Centenary Hall. For some candidates their access arrangements or medical conditions may dictate the necessity of a small or individual room.
Timings
Candidates must be aware of the length of their papers; several things can have a bearing on these timings. TBGS starts IB exams at 8.45am and GCSE/GCE at 9.15am. Students will need to arrive at the venue in good time.
It is important to have awareness and respect for fellow candidates when entering and leaving the hall, as candidates will finish at different times and they, like yourself, need to continue working with as few distractions as possible.
Supervision
The exam will be supervised by a specially trained team of invigilators and the Exams’ Officer who are governed by strict regulations laid down by JCQ and the Awarding Bodies.
We use more than one method to identify candidates entering the exam room and reduce the chance of malpractice.
Equipment
- You should bring a clear pencil case with pens, pencils, highlighters (highlighters must not be used on answer sheets, answer booklets or booklets where answer spaces are combined);
- Basic mathematical equipment ruler, rubber, protractor, compass;
- A scientific calculator (with no internet access or program saving ability);
- A clear drink’s bottle without labels or motifs,
Calculators must not be internet capable or have the capacity for pre-stored programs. Candidates will be asked to have their calculators ready for inspection on the way into Maths, Science and other calculator required examinations.
What you should not bring into the exam room
- Please see the JCQ and IB prohibited items posters below;
- Please bring with you only what you need;
- Check your blazer pockets at the beginning of the day;
- Refrain from writing anything on your arms or hands as it could be misconstrued;
- Please bring your exam mindset;
- Please bring only water in a clear bottle into the exam room;
- Food is only allowed if supporting a medical condition and must be unwrapped in a clear container.
What you should wear for your exams
Please wear your school uniform, clean with shirt tucked in. Please arrive early; these are the first steps to a productive exam mindset.
Where your personal belongings will be stored during your exam
- In the Centenary Hall, bags will be stored in the foyer;
- In the Language Block, bags will be stored at the front of rooms;
- In the English Block for IB, a separate room will be allocated;
- In individual rooms, bags will be stored away from candidates;
- Please leave mobile phones and any other electronic devices at home if possible.
- If you have to bring them ensure that they are off, and in your bag.
What to do if you arrive late for your exam
Late Candidates need to be accompanied from the time they enter the exam room. If they enter less than 60 minutes into the exam or before the end of an hour-long paper they may sit the paper but they need to be warned that the Exam Board may not except their paper depending on the circumstances. If later than an hour, the Exams’ Officer will decide if they can sit the paper.
What to do if you are unwell on the day of your exam
The school would determine how candidate absence from an exam is dealt with. We would identify at what point a candidate will be considered absent from an exam and all efforts are made to contact an absentee and if so, which member(s) of staff will deal with this. An absent candidate may subsequently arrive once the exam has started, becoming a late or very late arrival.
The next steps would depend on:
- How late the school is notified;
- If it is after the end of the paper;
- If the candidate has had contact with anyone who may have seen the paper;
- The nature of the absence, whether special conditions could be applied;
- Absence is dealt with on a case by case basis.
We wish all students the best of luck with exams. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Slade, the Exam Officer: sslade@tbgs.torbay.sch.uk.
