Can I/Should I apply for extra-time?
Although I don't think I have anything like dyslexia or any mental disorders, I really struggle with timing in exams. For subjects like maths and science, I usually finish on the dot and don't have any time to check through my work. Subjects that require to write essays I struggle as well and rarely finish. It has always been like this since Y10 and now I'm in Y11 and it hasn't changed. Also during the last mocks I struggled with anxiety(not diagnosed) which prevented me from doing basic things which hence, in my opinion, made me do mediocre on my exams and I am worried this will happen again but during the real thing. Some people said I should see if I can apply for extra-time but I am worried that I am 1) too late or 2) not eligible.
Speak to someone at your school.
They might trial you using rest breaks or a laptop before extra time to see if that helps.
To get extra time you’ll need below average test scores on some standardised tests which your school has to arrange if they have sufficient evidence that they think you might qualify.
As youre currently in year 11, it’s getting very close to the deadline for application so you may not be able to receive extra time for your gcse depending on assessor availability and whether they can justify normal way of working. Id suggest bringing it up anyway and asking for some evidence you can use to ask for this at college if you dont get extra time for your GCSEs
They might trial you using rest breaks or a laptop before extra time to see if that helps.
To get extra time you’ll need below average test scores on some standardised tests which your school has to arrange if they have sufficient evidence that they think you might qualify.
As youre currently in year 11, it’s getting very close to the deadline for application so you may not be able to receive extra time for your gcse depending on assessor availability and whether they can justify normal way of working. Id suggest bringing it up anyway and asking for some evidence you can use to ask for this at college if you dont get extra time for your GCSEs
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by black tea
If you don't have any diagnosed conditions, you are not going to get extra time...
This is completely incorrect for uk students who take exams under JCQ. A diagnosis can be used to get extra time for some conditions such as a sensory impairment, neurodevelopmental condition or mental health disorder using a form 9 however students can get extra time without any diagnosis if they have below average standardised scores from extra time testing. You can read all the rules in the JCQ guidelines 🙂
Original post by Toomanyenny
Although I don't think I have anything like dyslexia or any mental disorders, I really struggle with timing in exams. For subjects like maths and science, I usually finish on the dot and don't have any time to check through my work. Subjects that require to write essays I struggle as well and rarely finish. It has always been like this since Y10 and now I'm in Y11 and it hasn't changed. Also during the last mocks I struggled with anxiety(not diagnosed) which prevented me from doing basic things which hence, in my opinion, made me do mediocre on my exams and I am worried this will happen again but during the real thing. Some people said I should see if I can apply for extra-time but I am worried that I am 1) too late or 2) not eligible.
I agree with Draco, you don't need to be diagnosed to get extra time, however it does make it easier to apply.
In my case, I am in year 13, never had extra time in my GCSEs but usually did not finish most of my exams in time. However, in year 12 I got diagnosed with depression which impaired my processing and other abilities even more, which finally prompted me to see if I could get extra time. Now I was told that it is rare for a student in Sixthform to get it because it's usually picked up on by teachers before GCSEs, but they asked me to bring supporting documents that outlined my difficulties. My teachers were also asked about it, and most of them probably said that I don't finish my exams. I gave my documents from a neurologist and some time after, I was told that the educational psychologist had agreed to assess me.
February last year, I was assessed for extra time, I already knew I did under average for the first test because I only answered 5 of 14 questions... The assessor said to qualify I needed to have scored under average on one test and on the lower end of average for another.
Lo and behold, I was awarded extra time, and it indeed has helped. I still don't finish some of my exams on time, but that might be exam stamina and having to think about what to say, but I am able to write more in some cases than I would have been able to.
In conclusion, I believe you should look into extra time at your school if you believe it would help you and that you could qualify for it based on performance on standardised tests.
Original post by black tea
If you don't have any diagnosed conditions, you are not going to get extra time...
Hey, are you sure about that? I think it might be incorrect. I had extra time without being diagnosed with anything
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