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12.6Arrangements for pupils who have difficulties writing
Schools can make the following access arrangements at their own discretion; they do not have to request permission. However, the appropriate template in the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website at www.naa.org.uk/tests should be downloaded, completed and sent with the pupil’s test scripts to the external marker.
For more information on access arrangements for the mental mathematics test for pupils with motor difficulties, see section 12.12.
Using amanuenses
In a small number of cases, a pupil will need to use an amanuensis to enable them to access the key stage 2 tests. An amanuensis is a writing assistant (or scribe) who writes out answers dictated by the pupil. The amanuensis should not be another pupil at the school or a relative of the pupil taking the test. The amanuensis may also act as a reader if required.
The use of an amanuensis must be normal classroom practice. Schools must have evidence to show resources are routinely committed to providing this support (except in the case of unforeseen injuries).
Whenever a pupil uses an amanuensis, the school must complete the form ‘Use of an amanuensis’ and attach it to the pupil’s test scripts. The form ‘Use of an amanuensis’ can be downloaded from the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website at www.naa.org.uk/tests. The amanuensis for each pupil must be identified by name. Schools do not need their login details to access the ‘Templates and notifications’ page of the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website.
If an amanuensis is being provided because of an unforeseen injury and the pupil is unfamiliar with working with an amanuensis, the school should consider providing 25 per cent additional time. For further guidance, see section 10.6.
When can an amanuensis be used?
An amanuensis can be used when a pupil is:
- physically unable to write down their own answers or use a word processor
- physically able to write, but suffers from a severe motor disability that causes physical discomfort when writing (they should regularly use an amanuensis as part of normal classroom practice)
- physically able to write, but writes very slowly
- physically able to write, but finds writing very difficult.
In all cases, schools should consider using a word processor or transcription or ordering enlarged print tests (if the pupil has large handwriting) before deciding to use an amanuensis. An amanuensis should only be used if none of these options is appropriate and the pupil regularly uses an amanuensis as part of normal classroom practice.
There may be instances where the pupil will not need to use an amanuensis for the whole test, for example if the pupil suffers from fatigue part of the way through or if a visually impaired pupil writes over their own handwriting and this needs to be made clear. If this is likely to occur, the school should make arrangements for an amanuensis in advance. The pupil may start the test as normal and begin using an amanuensis when needed.
The inappropriate use of an amanuensis may lead to the annulment of a pupil’s results.
The role of an amanuensis
When writing out a pupil’s answers, an amanuensis must:
- ensure that all language, punctuation and phrasing are the pupil’s own
- not pause for spellings to be dictated (apart from in the spelling test) unless the pupil usually works in this way
- work at the pupil’s own pace and not hurry them if they need time for reflection, reading or rest
- follow precisely the pupil’s instructions to draw or add to diagrams, charts and graphs in the mathematics and science tests
- ask the pupil to dictate punctuation as well as words in the English writing test
- ask the pupil to spell out each word clearly in the spelling test (they will probably need to be tested in a separate room)
- make a correction on a typescript or braille script if asked to do so by the pupil
- not transcribe a braille script to print.
An amanuensis must be able to write legibly, at a reasonable speed and, ideally, have a working knowledge of the subject.
If an amanuensis is used in the English writing test (longer task), a mean mark of 2 (out of 3) is awarded for handwriting.
Using transcripts
If it will be very difficult for the external marker to read a pupil’s writing, a school can transcribe all or part of the pupil’s test script. Pupils for whom a transcript might be required should be identified before the tests. The original paper must always be sent to the marker with the transcript. If the marker can read the pupil’s writing, they will mark the original work. The marker will always look at the pupil’s original script to mark the handwriting for the writing test (longer task).
When making a transcript, the following guidelines must be adhered to:
- a transcript can only be made at the end of the test
- a test administrator should transcribe the work as soon as possible after a pupil has completed the test, keeping the pupil isolated until the transcript is complete
- care must be taken to ensure that no original answers are changed
- all punctuation and phrasing must be the pupil’s own
- spelling can be corrected except in the spelling test. For further details, see section 10.2 ‘Assistance with spelling’
- a different colour pen must be used to transcribe onto the pupil’s script
- extensive/full transcripts should be transcribed onto a new test paper.
Pupils who cannot read their own writing should use a word processor or amanuensis, if this is normal classroom practice.
Whenever a school makes a transcript of a pupil’s work, it must complete the form ‘Use of a transcript’ and attach it to the pupil’s test scripts. The form ‘Use of a transcript’ can be downloaded from the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website at www.naa.org.uk/tests.Schools do not need their login details to access the ‘Templates and notifications’ page of the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website.
Braille scripts should not be transcribed as the NAA will make appropriate marking arrangements.
Using word processors
Pupils who normally use word processors may use them for the mathematics and science tests. However, for the English tests, word processors may only be used by:
- pupils with special educational needs who would not be able to access the tests otherwise
- pupils with considerable writing difficulties who normally use a word processor or similar aid for writing across the curriculum.
Pupils who are eligible to use a word processor for the writing test (longer task) will be awarded a mean mark of 2 (out of 3) for handwriting. If pupils are physically able to write and do not use a word processor as part of normal classroom practice, they will be awarded zero marks for handwriting.
A pupil who uses a word processor for its editorial functions must not use it in the tests.
For all tests, word processor tools that help with spelling, punctuation and grammar must be switched off. Spellcheckers must not be used in the spelling test.
Whenever a pupil uses a word processor, the school must complete the form ‘Use of a word processor or technical or electrical aid’ and attach it to the pupil’s test scripts. The form ‘Use of a word processor or technical or electrical aid’ can be downloaded from the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website at www.naa.org.uk/tests. Schools do not need their login details to access the ‘Templates and notifications’ page of the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website.
Using technical or electrical aids
Voice-activated software may be used as long as any editorial functions are turned off and the validity and reliability of the tests are maintained.
Predictive text can be used for pupils who have:
- a physical disability that prevents them from accessing the test in the given time without using predictive text
- a severe learning difficulty that prevents them from accessing the test without using predictive text.
The use of predictive text must be normal classroom practice (schools must have evidence to show resources are routinely committed to providing this kind of support).
Predictive text is not allowed in the spelling test.
The word bank from which the words are drawn must be no shorter than an average-sized school dictionary – it is not acceptable to use packages that rely solely on word lists created by teachers.
Whenever a pupil uses a technical or electrical aid, the school must complete the form ‘Use of a word processor or technical or electrical aid’ and attach it to the pupil’s test scripts. The form ‘Use of a word processor or technical or electrical aid’ can be downloaded from the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website at www.naa.org.uk/tests. Schools do not need their login details to access the ‘Templates and notifications’ page of the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website.