Exam Information for students
Key Times
Key Times are a defined point in a timetabled session when candidates must be in the exam or under Full
Centre Supervision. Candidates must take their exams in the correct timetabled session. We can start the exam
any time within the session. Key Times do not apply for windowed exams. For example, speaking tests, Art &
Design exams.
Below are examples of how Key Time may be applied:
As Baobab College, we tend to go for example 2 as our default. However, due to the fact that some papers are
longer than others being written in the same session, clashes, and extra-time, some students may have to be in
Key time supervision after they have written their exam, or in between their clashing papers. Where Key time
supervision may be needed is indicated on your timetable, including start and finishing times. On days when you
may have long key time supervision, carry a reading book or enough notes to keep you busy during that period.
During Full Centre Supervision, candidates must not:
be in the same room as any other people except candidates taking the same exam, and their
supervisor(s)
have access to telephones, mobile phones, laptops/computers, smart watches, or any electronic device
with or without internet access
have access to any other means of communication outside of the supervised group
be allowed to communicate in any way with anyone who is not under Full Centre Supervision at the
centre or outside the centre.
During Full Centre Supervision candidates can:
have access to their printed books and notes. Candidates must not look at books and notes on an
electronic device
talk to each other
leave the room accompanied by a supervisor.
Identity Card
It is a requirement that you bring your School Identity Card to every examination. If you have lost your ID, please
make arrangements with Admin to have your ID card replaced. We recommend that you get a lanyard for your ID
card to keep secure.
Equipment
You must provide your own stationery, which must consist of various writing implements. Correction fluid
or tape is not allowed. Consult your teacher if you are unsure of any specialist equipment you may need.
All equipment must be placed in a transparent pencil case/plastic wallet. If you need any
drawing/mathematical instruments, you must remove them from the box and transfer them to the
transparent pencil case/plastic wallet. You cannot ask for any paper for planning purposes. You are
expected to do all planning on either the question papers or answer booklet. Should you run out writing
space, the invigilator will provide a special continuation booklet.
Your pockets must be empty. Keep your wallet/purse/money in your bag. If you are worried about their
security, you may hand them in to the invigilator. Mobile phones, smart watches, and any other “smart”
devices are not allowed.
You are allowed to have a non-text enabled, non-programmable scientific calculator. You cannot use the
calculator functions of any other device. It is your responsibility to ensure that your calculator is in good
working condition before and during exams. Calculator covers are not allowed in the exam room.
You are not allowed to have any snacks or drinks in the exam room. You may have water, which must be
in a clear bottle that has no labels or writing of any kind on it.
You are expected to be in full uniform during the duration of the exam period.
Behaviour
You should be in school at least 30 minutes before the stated start time of the earliest exam in that
particular session, even if your start time is scheduled for a later time. There may be changes to start
times necessitated by changing circumstances with venues and/or invigilators.
Please remember that from the moment you enter the exam room until you are told that you can leave,
you are considered to be under exam conditions. This means there should be no communication (verbal
and non-verbal) of any kind. Invigilators have the authority to remove any candidate whose behavior
disturbs or disrupts other candidates. Exaggerated stretching, or turning around to see what’s going on in
the exam room is not allowed. If you finish your exam before the stated end time, you must sit quietly
and upright until you are told that you can leave the room. You cannot put your head down on the desk.
