The SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) will work with teaching staff, and where necessary senior leaders, to determine access arrangements which are both appropriate and reasonable in the context of the Practical Endorsement.
As the Practical Endorsement in A-level Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics is not a timed component and is carried out during normal lesson time, there is no need to award extra time and/or supervised rest breaks.
A candidate who has an access arrangement, put in place by the SENCo, which is their normal way of working, may use the arrangement in the Practical Endorsement if it is required and does not undermine the assessment. The only exception is the use of a practical assistant, as this does not allow a candidate to show their independent skills/competency of the practical skills.
The centre may request an exemption where a candidate, because of their disability, cannot demonstrate one or more of the competences in the required practical skills, use of apparatus and techniques. If agreed, an indication will appear on the candidate’s certificate. The candidate should participate in as much of the practical activity as possible to support their knowledge and understanding for the indirect assessment of practical skills in the written examination.
Specific examples for the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) are detailed below.
CPAC1 requires candidates to follow written procedures.
CPAC2 requires candidates to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment.
CPAC3 requires candidates to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials.
CPAC4 requires candidates to make and record observations.
CPAC5 requires candidates to research, reference and report.
For CPAC2 and CPAC3, the manipulation of equipment is a skill which is being assessed and is a practical activity which must be demonstrated by the candidate. Therefore, a practical assistant cannot perform tasks on behalf of the candidate.
