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Distraction in the tests

Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:31 pm
by Last time Mum
Hello
Back in 11 plus turmoil again! Thankfully it's my 3rd and last time.
I have been talking to my daughter over the last few days about how she got on in the tests - she came out of both of them (more so the first) quite happy feeling that she had done quite well. Then over the weekend she has told me something that I am quite upset about regarding the conditions she took the exam under. At her school the children are sat 2 to a table (end to end) alphabetically. She was sat on the same table as a boy who in turn was sat across from another boy on the next table. The boy on my daughters table finished the papers really quickly and proceeded to start talking to the boy next to him and my daughter had to ask him to be quiet 3 times during the second test and once during the first. He also was tapping his pencil continuously on the table which obviously was very distracting for my daughter. I asked her what the teachers were doing and was told that they were sitting at the front of the hall marking. I am angry/upset that she was distracted like this and am now worried that it may well have affected her result. Do you think I should write to the Head of the school with my concerns? Not sure if it would have any relevance at appeal? Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks for this forum - its a life saver.

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:36 am
by Guest55
Yes you should write and try to corroborate this. Teachers should also be patrolling not marking!!

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:46 pm
by Etienne
I agree. If you should find yourself in a selection appeal, the panel will want to see copies of your correspondence with the head.

Don't delay. Letters dated long after the event may not carry so much weight.

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:34 pm
by Bougalou
absolutely, get a letter sent off straight away!
all the best bougalou

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:35 pm
by Last time Mum
Thank you for your advice - i appreciate it. I have just finished writing a letter to the Head to take in tomorrow. Roll on the 21st November. Good Luck to you all. x