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ACCESS ARRANGEMENT

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 access arrangements to be put in place to enable equality of opportunity in examinations.  These arrangements could include extra time, rest breaks, laptop use, scribe or separate room.

We follow the JCQ calendar in assessing students for Access Arrangements – we begin the year by processing applications for those students in Year 11 and 13 taking exams, and ensure all 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 Ms Saira Carrim on scarrim@fortismere.org.uk

Laptop use in school

Laptop use is permitted when:

1. A specialist has recommended its use for a specific student and meets JCQ requirements, or it is part of the student’s  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. Student’s writing speed is significantly below average for their age and 25% extra time would not compensate for this deficit.

5. Student’s writing is illegible and has been a persistent problem.

Please note that:

6. If it has been agreed that personal laptops can be used in school, the responsibility of insuring personal laptops lies with parents/carers. 

7. The School does not provide personal laptop storage and this remains the students’ responsibility.  They may not need to use the laptop every day in each subject. 

8. 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.

9.  The laptop model we recommend is the Asus C202 as it is portable, hardwearing and inexpensive.  As a Chromebook, it is compatible with the Google classroom system used in school.

10.  Before bringing a laptop into school, this has to be agreed with the SENDCo and the Access Arrangements co-ordinator so the student can be added to our register.