what do exam rest breaks look like?

i’ve recently been given access arrangements by my school after an accident i was involved in which caused neurological problems. what do you do in a rest break, do you have to take it? what happens if you don’t want to? can you eat and drink?

i’ve recently been given access arrangements by my school after an accident i was involved in which caused neurological problems. what do you do in a rest break, do you have to take it? what happens if you don’t want to? can you eat and drink?

I don't have rest breaks, but I know people who do, and they can raise their hand at any point in the exam and the invigilator will take them out and they can go outside, go to the toilet, etc. (I'm not sure whether or not you can eat and drink though). So you'd be able to take it whenever you want, and if you don't want to you don't have to. And they'll pause the time while you're gone and add it back on at the end of the exam. I think the exact details vary slightly though for different people, so you might want to check with your exams officer at your school! Hope that helps 🙂

Hi! I have neuropathic pain and take rest breaks to help manage it in my exams. When I need a rest break, I put my hand up and the examiner comes to my desk, they usually have a form that records the start and end of my rest break and also writes the new finishing time according to the time I’ve taken. Whilst taking a rest break, remember to shut your paper. During them, I sometimes sit in my chair and stretch a bit, sometimes I leave the room and stand up and walk around, take some pain relief, drink some water, etc. It’s important to make sure you take the time you need to reset yourself and manage your medical condition! I don’t think you’re allowed to eat during the rest breaks unless you have a medical need. Also, don’t feel pressured to take rest breaks, however exams can be long and taking them can be useful so you don’t burn out. Hope this helps!