Frequently Asked Questions
In this section we attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions. The section is divided into two subsections dealing with your examination and your examination timetable.
If the information in these sections does not answer your query, you can contact the Examinations department on:
Telephone: 020 8952 2803
Email: info@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Exams Stress
A little exam stress is inevitable, but make sure you talk to someone about how you are feeling. Check out our "Exam Stress" section on our "What's worrying me"page:
Your Examination
What time do examinations start?
GCE and GCSE exams start at:
8.30am for the morning session and 1.15pm for the afternoon session
You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the examination begins – you will not be given extra time if you are late.
What am I allowed to take in to the examination room?
You will need to bring with you a black ink pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, sharpener, a maths set and a calculator (without the lid). You will not be allowed to borrow any equipment from other students and nor will you be able to borrow equipment from the invigilator. Please note that you are required to write in black ink. You must not use correcting pens, fluid or tape, erasable pens, highlighters or gel pens to write your answers.
Any bottles of drink you bring into the examination room should not have a label on them.
What if I need rough paper?
All rough work must be done in the answer booklet provided and then crossed out. You will not get any additional paper for rough work.
What if I need to go to the toilet?
You will be allowed to use the toilet after the first hour of your exam and not in the last 15 minutes unless there is a medical condition that we are aware of. You will need to raise your hand and wait until you have the attention of the invigilator. They will take you to the toilet and wait outside.
Will I be able to leave the examination room if I finish early?
You will not be allowed to leave the examination room until the end of the examination. Students who are permitted extra time for their examinations may leave before or during their extra time as the extra time is not compulsory.
What if I am late for the examination?
If you are late for an examination, the invigilator will ask you what the reason for your late arrival is as we need to inform the Examination Board, and they will decide if your paper will be marked. It is entirely at the discretion of the centre whether you will be allowed to sit the examination if you arrive late.
What if I am ill during the examination?
You will need to raise your hand until and wait until you have the attention of the invigilator. You will need to explain to them what the problem is. They will either take you the medical room or to the Examinations office. You must remember that you are under examination conditions and must not use you mobile or any other electronic devices or talk to anyone other than the invigilator.
The invigilator will make a note of the stoppage time and if you are well enough to return to the examination room you will receive this time to continue with you examination. If however you are not well enough to return to the examination, the school will call your parents/carers and ask them to collect you. If you would like the school to inform the Examination board of the circumstance, you will need to bring a letter to the Examination office from your GP or hospital, within 4 days of the examination in question. It must state why you could not continue the examination. Without this evidence we are unable to submit any requests for special consideration.
What if I am ill and unable to attend the examination?
You or your parent/carer will need to call the Examinations office and inform them why you are not able to attend. If you would like the school to inform the Examination board of the circumstance, you will need to bring a letter to the Examination office from your GP or hospital, within 4 days of the examination in question. It must state why you could not continue the examination. Without this evidence we are unable to submit any requests for special consideration.
Please note that if there is another assessment opportunity, the Examination Board will not grant the special consideration and you will be re-entered for the examination that has been missed. The school will pay for the re-entry cost as long as you have provided the letter from your GP or hospital within 4 days of the examination in question. If we do not receive this letter, you will be charged the entry cost for the missed examination.
If you fail to provide medical evidence, you will be asked to pay the whole examination fee. Please note that results and certificates cannot be issued if you have outstanding fees
Your Examination Timetable
What if there is an error on my statement of entry/examination timetable?
It is important that the details are correct and up-to-date on your statement of entry/examination timetable as these are the details the Examination Board will use when they issue your certificates. If you notice that an amendment needs to be made the Examinations office must be notified before the examination takes place. Any changes that are requested after this time will incur a charge from the Examinations boards.
When will I receive my examination timetable?
Timetables are normally sent approximately 6-8 weeks before your first examination via e-mail. If there any issues, please speak to the Examination office.
What if I have a clash on my examination timetable?
If you notice that you have a clash on your examination timetable you must notify the Examinations office immediately. If there are two or more examinations in a session (morning or afternoon) the school will decide the order in which you will sit the examinations. You will get a short supervised break between the examinations.
If you are taking two or more examinations in a session and the total time is more than three hours including extra time and/or supervised rest breaks, the school will arrange for you to sit one of the examinations in a later or earlier session within the same day. You will be supervised between the sessions and are not permitted to use your mobile or any other electronic devices or talk to anyone; you may use the time to revise if you wish to do so. It is extremely important for you to notify the Examinations office as early as possible otherwise we will not be able to make the necessary arrangements for you.
What if the total time of my examinations exceeds 5 hours 30 minutes at GCSE or 6 hours at GCE and I have been entered for three or more examinations timetabled for the same day?
If this is the case, it is your responsibility to notify the Examinations office. We will apply for special consideration to the Examination Board and you will receive allowance on the last paper taken on that day.
Parent/Guardian
How to help your child study for exams
We all can acknowledge how difficult it is to balance work, family, friends and worries. Some young people find it difficult to make the connection between working hard now and succeeding in later life. They may be focused on the here and now and motivated by short-term gains of Social Media as well as friendships. Whilst these things may be important, we need to make sure they have the right balance between work and study.
They are getting a great deal of support from their teachers with regards to study techniques as well as additional revision classes but it is vital that you talk to them about how they are managing their time.
What can you do to help?
- Help them set time-limits for their studies.
- Offer rewards and incentives.
- Encourage them to attend every class and revision session.
- Revision can be overwhelming, help them to break down large tasks into smaller pieces.
- Praise them while they are working, we all like to be praised.
There is not a perfect study technique which works for every student but as long as their revision is active (for example, making notes, practising questions) rather than just passive (reading the textbook). We have met many of you at Parents’ Consultations and I know how proud and supportive you are of your child’s achievements so far.
NHS advice - Help your child beat exam stress: