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April 2025

Dear Parents/Carers,

Year 11 Public Examinations – Summer 2025
We are writing to inform you of the arrangements for the upcoming public examinations for our Year 11 students. The GCSE exam season begins on Thursday 8^th May 2025. The last day of teaching will be on Wednesday 7^th May 2025, with the final exams taking place towards the end of June. After this date, students will only be expected to attend school for their scheduled exams or revision sessions agreed with teachers.

Please note, JCQ has designated Wednesday 11th June (PM), and Wednesday 25th June (AM & PM) as national contingency days, and students must be available on these dates in case of exam disruptions.

Leavers’ Day will take place on Friday 23^rd May 2025 following their morning English Language exam, marking a celebration of our students’ time at West Hatch. More details will follow regarding this celebration.

Exam Protocol & JCQ Regulations

All exams will follow the official guidelines as set by JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications). Students must:

1. Arrive 30 minutes before each scheduled exam and line up silently on the netball courts in their designated exam rows. Morning exam time starts at 9.00am and afternoon exams start at 1.30pm.
2. Wear full school uniform for every exam.
3. Follow all invigilator instructions without exception.
4. Bring only approved equipment: black pens (minimum 2), pencil, ruler, protractor, rubber, calculator (where allowed), in a transparent pencil case.
5. Not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices into the exam room. Any such possession may result in disqualification.
6. Use only approved calculators, free from stored data or printed lids. Dictionaries or spell checkers are not allowed unless authorised.
7. Remain silent at all times in the exam room.

All JCQ regulations are available to read and we have attached these documents to this Parentmail. Please ensure your child is familiar with them, including social media usage guidelines​.

Study Arrangements & Supervision

During the examination period, students will not follow their normal timetable. They will be expected in school only for their exams. If students have multiple exams in one day, they may remain on site between sessions, where supervised rooms will be available.

Timetables & Equipment

Students have been issued with personal exam timetables showing dates, times, and durations of each exam. Please assist them by ensuring they:

• Know when and where each exam takes place.
• Have the required equipment (available for purchase from school: stationery set £2.00, calculator £7.50).
• Bring a water bottle (label removed from plastic bottles and if using reusable bottles these must be clear and transparent with nothing written on the sides including measurements, logos or branding, if needed.

Access Arrangements

Students entitled to access arrangements (e.g., extra time) may finish later than the usual end to the school day. If this affects transport home, please ensure alternative arrangements are made.

Conduct & Consequences

We are proud of the maturity and responsibility shown by most of our students during exam periods. However, to protect the integrity of the exam experience:

• Any disruption or failure to comply with regulations will lead to removal from the exam that could lead to disqualification.
• Any graffiti or inappropriate material on exam papers could also lead to disqualification as it is classed as malpractice.

Lost Property & Valuables

Due to space limitations, bags may be left in the main foyer before line up. Students are strongly advised not to bring valuables or mobile phones, as the school cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the public exams, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Exams Officer, Mrs D Platman

Thank you for your continued support. We wish our Year 11 students every success as they approach this final stage of their compulsory education journey.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Natalie Steadman

Deputy Headteacher/ Exams Manager

April 2025

Dear Parents/Carers,

Year 13 Public Examinations – Summer 2025

We are writing to inform you of the arrangements for the upcoming public examinations for our Year 13 students. The A Level and vocational exam season begins on Monday 12th May 2025, with the final exams taking place towards the end of June.

Please note, JCQ has designated Wednesday 11th June (PM), and Wednesday 25th June (AM & PM) as national contingency days, and students must be available on these dates in case of exam disruptions.

Leavers Day will take place on Friday 9th May 2025, marking a celebration of our students’ time at West Hatch. After this date, students will only be expected to attend school for their scheduled exams or revision sessions agreed with teachers.

Exam Protocol & JCQ Regulations

All exams will follow the official guidelines as set by JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications). Students must:

1. Arrive 30 minutes before each scheduled exam and line up silently on the netball courts in their designated exam rows. Morning exam time starts at 9.00am and afternoon exams start at 1.30pm.
2. Wear full school uniform for every exam with lanyards for identification.
3. Follow all invigilator instructions without exception.
4. Bring only approved equipment: black pens (minimum 2), pencil, ruler, protractor, rubber, calculator (where allowed), in a transparent pencil case.
5. Not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices into the exam room. Any such possession may result in disqualification.
6. Use only approved calculators, free from stored data or printed lids. Dictionaries or spell checkers are not allowed unless authorised.
7. Remain silent at all times in the exam room.

All JCQ regulations are available to read and we have attached these documents to this Parentmail. Please ensure your child is familiar with them, including social media usage guidelines​.

Study Arrangements & Supervision

During the examination period, students will not follow their normal timetable. They will be expected in school only for their exams. If students have multiple exams in one day, they may remain on site between sessions, where supervised rooms will be available.

Timetables & Equipment

Students have been issued with personal exam timetables showing dates, times, and durations of each exam. Please assist them by ensuring they:

• Know when and where each exam takes place.
• Have the required equipment (available for purchase from school: stationery set £2.00, calculator £7.50).
• Bring a water bottle (label removed from plastic bottles and if using reusable bottles these must be clear and transparent with nothing written on the sides including measurements, logos or branding, if needed.

Access Arrangements

Students entitled to access arrangements (e.g., extra time) may finish later than the usual end to the school day. If this affects transport home, please ensure alternative arrangements are made.

Conduct & Consequences

We are proud of the maturity and responsibility shown by most of our students during exam periods. However, to protect the integrity of the exam experience:

• Any disruption or failure to comply with regulations will lead to removal from the exam that could lead to disqualification.
• Any graffiti or inappropriate material on exam papers could also lead to disqualification as it is classed as malpractice.

Lost Property & Valuables

Due to space limitations, bags may be left in the main foyer before line up. Students are strongly advised not to bring valuables or mobile phones, as the school cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the public exams, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Exams Officer, Mrs D Platman

Thank you for your continued support. We wish our Year 13 students every success as they approach this final stage of their compulsory education journey.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Natalie Steadman

Deputy Headteacher/ Exams Manager