IGCSE extra time

I’m a Year 10 student (14 years old) and will be taking my IGCSEs in Year 11. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 8 and have been on medication for the past four years. I didn’t declare my condition at school because I didn’t need extra support until now.

Recently, my parents received a notification from the school about applying for special access arrangements. I believe I need extra time during exams, as I sometimes struggle to finish tests on time. I’ve never experienced a 2-hour or longer exam, and I’m concerned about losing focus, especially on essay-type questions.

I usually achieve grades between 7 and 9, and I’m worried that anxiety during the GCSEs might affect my performance.

My questions are:
1. Should I apply for extra time, and is it worthwhile?
2. Will it be noted in my report that I received extra time, and could this impact my future university applications?

I appreciate any advice or insights you can provide.

Thank you!

Reply 1

HumanBeans

Hi, I have been to 2 high achieving grammar schools where grades are similar to yours and many people have extra time. My brother has ADHD and he benifits from extra time and rest breaks (where you can step outside the exam for a small amount of time). He also uses a small room.
1) Yes, it is absolutely worthwhile if you are entitled to extra time to take it - it is there for a reason. You are in year 10 and you don’t want your grades to start dropping for something that isn’t your fault.
2) As far as I am aware no, I know kids hoping to be applying to Oxbridge who have extra time so even if it did I don’t think the universities care - it is an access arrangement after all. It is just helping you do as well as someone else like you without ADHD.