Descriptive vs Narrative Essays
The IGCSE English First Language exam places a strong emphasis on creative writing, with writing descriptive and narrative essays being
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Exam centres can apply for access arrangements on behalf of candidates with special needs. Access arrangements aim to meet the particular needs of an individual candidate without affecting the integrity of the assessment.
Access arrangements are approved before an examination or assessment. They allow candidates/learners with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access the assessment.
There are different types of access arrangements available. Some require the application of an access arrangement, while others are centre-delegated, and you do not need to apply.
| Type of Access Arrangement | Application process |
| 25% extra time | Apply for access arrangement |
| Bilingual dictionary | Apply for access arrangement |
| Braille | Apply for access arrangement |
| Coloured/Enlarged/PDF paper | No application – contact a Customer Services Specialist who can arrange this. |
| Computer reader/Reader | Apply for access arrangement |
| Fidget spinners | Centre delegated, no need to apply – can be used calm the nerves of candidate |
| OLM (Oral Language Modifier) | Apply for access arrangement |
| Practical assistant | Apply for access arrangement |
| Prompter | Centre delegated, no need to apply |
| Read aloud / reading pen | Centre delegated, no need to apply |
| Scribe | Apply for access arrangement |
| Sign Language Interpreter | Apply for access arrangement |
| Supervised rest breaks | Centre delegated, no need to apply |
| Word processor | Centre delegated, no need to apply |
For centres based in the UK:
Use the JCQ Access Arrangements online tool, accessible via Edexcel Online, to make an application.
If your application is not approved, you may refer to it electronically (refer to Pearson). This will go to the Special Requirements team in Pearson, with any additional information for review.
For international centres:
Use the Pearson Access Arrangements online tool, accessible via Edexcel Online, to make an application.
If your application is not approved, you may refer to it electronically (refer to awarding organisation). This will go to the Special Requirements Team in Pearson, with any additional information for review.
Note: Relevant info taken from Pearson Edexcel.
CIE offers access arrangements for candidates with particular needs, such as using a scribe, modified papers, or extra time. They are pre-exam arrangements that allow candidates to access the assessment and remove unnecessary barriers without changing the demands of the assessment.
It is open for all candidates with permanent or long-term disability, illness or learning difficulty and/or a temporary disability or illness.
Access arrangements are classified into two groups. Access arrangements (you must tell your school/exam centre if you plan to use these) and modified question papers (you must apply for these).
| Arrangements | Forms and Deadline | |
| Group 1: Access arrangement | – Colour naming – Coloured overlays – Computer reader – Exemptions – Extra time up to 25 percent – Extra time over 25 percent – Human reader – Practical assistant – Prompter – Reading aloud (candidate) – Reading pens – Scribe – Supervised rest breaks – Transcript of candidate’s work – Visual aids – Voice-activated software – Word processor | Preparation – Form 1 June series: 21 February November: 21 July |
| Group 2: Modified papers | – Braille contracted / uncontracted – Coloured paper – Enlarged font A3 or A4 18 point bold – Enlarged paper (unmodified) A3 – Simplified carrier language – Tactile diagrams – Transcript of listening CDs | Preparation – Form 3 June series: 21 January November: 1 July |
You must fill out the necessary application forms and submit them before the deadline. Furthermore, medical reports and evidence may be presented with the application forms.
Q: My daughter has a few visual challenges. We have assessed her visual abilities and given a report to the school. The report says the question paper has to be in A3 sheet paper, with adequate spacing. The school says that they cannot do special requests now since they are not sure whether the IGCSE board will allow it. We feel that there will be no fair assessment of a challenged child.
A: Enlarged paper is available when you apply for modified papers using Preparation – Form 3. You must submit a final entry for the relevant candidate, syllabus and component.
Q: My daughter has a type 1 diabetes since the age of 5 and would be sitting in for her Year 11 board examination. We would like to know the provisions/guidelines for students with this disability, also advise us if there is any medical evidence that needs to be shared with the IGCSE governing body.
A: It is suggested that you inform your school regarding your daughter’s medical condition. CIE offers centre-delegated access arrangements during the examination as well as post-exam adjustment in case of emergency.
Q: I have moderate dyscalculia, I would like to know if there’s any way to help with maths.
A: There are specific access arrangements that take the learner’s difficulty into account when performing assessments or learning tasks. Please request through your school or centre.
Q: How do the exam board consider the special needs kids who have sat their IGCSE in terms of marking and grading?
A: CIE assesses all candidates according to the same marking criteria so that their grades and certificates have the same validity and are a true reflection of each candidate’s attainment.
Note: Relevant info taken from CIE.
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Lanja Omer
United Arab Emirates
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