Assessments

Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are available to give those candidates with difficulties which significantly affect their performance during examinations fair opportunities to demonstrate what they know and can do in each subject.

They exist to provide reasonable adjustments to allow equality of access to assessment in education. They aim simply to allow candidates the opportunity to ‘show what they know and can do without changing the demands of the assessment.’ (JCQ, 2023)

Further information about access arrangements can be obtained from the following sources:

My experience in access arrangements:

I have nearly twenty years’ experience in assessing learners to gather evidence for access arrangements and maintain a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). I work with a range of centres, including secondary schools, colleges and training providers, and am familiar with the unique challenges that can be presented in each setting.

As well as my assessment work in schools, I have written and had published books and materials that are used as reference guides in access arrangements, I create and deliver training packages, and I sit on boards which consult with the JCQ and government bodies in setting standards and frameworks in this area.

Overview of Assessment Process

  • Access Arrangement Assessment Process

    In my role as assessor, I work with the school or college to ensure a ‘joined-up’ approach in determining appropriate access arrangements.

    Before the assessment takes place:

    I provide the school or college with evidence of my qualification to assess.

    The school or college provides me with information to outline the student needs and normal way of working (JCQ Form 8 Part 1). I use this information to tailor the assessment to the student’s individual needs.

    The assessment session:

    This takes between ten to forty-five minutes, depending on the areas assessed. Group testing is possible for some areas. Testing can be carried out in the centre or remotely.

    Following the assessment:

    I provide the school or college with the assessment outcomes (JCQ Form 8 Part 2) and make recommendations for access arrangements based on the assessment evidence.

    The SENCo or access arrangements coordinator will determine appropriate access arrangements based on the centre evidence and the assessment outcomes.

  • Access Arrangements Assessments with Lia

    I work with schools, colleges and training providers to carry out assessments for students requiring access arrangements in GCSEs, A levels and other Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications. Each assessment is tailored to the student’s individual needs and can provide the required assessment evidence for access arrangements, usually extra time and/or a scribe. Assessments can also inform the need for a reader or computer reader.

    Assessments can take place in a quiet space within the school or college, or remotely through my secure digital online platform.

    I adopt a flexible strategy appropriate for each setting, which can incorporate group and individual assessments. This means that I can assess between 8 and 25 students in a full day.

    Following the assessment session, I provide JCQ Form 8 Part 2 and an individual assessment summary sheet for each student. I can also provide a spreadsheet of the scores for all students.

    Access Arrangements Assessments Services

    I provide assessments for access arrangements in the following:

    · GCSE and A level examinations

    · 11+ examinations

    · Senior school entrance exams

    Please get in touch to find out more and to discuss costs and availability.

    [Note, parental or student requests for access arrangements assessments can also be accommodated. Please contact me to find out more.]

    Location

    I am based in the Midlands and work both nationally across England and Wales, and internationally in schools and colleges offering UK examinations, either on-site or remotely.

    Other Access Arrangements Services

    In addition to assessments, I also provide the following services relating to access arrangements:

    · Mentoring for assessors and SENCos/access arrangements coordinators

    · Reviews of access arrangements processes and policies

    · Training on access arrangements

Contact Lia