To provide equal opportunity for all candidates, CAIE offers Access arrangements for candidates with particular needs. It is open for all candidates with permanent or long-term disability, illness or learning difficulty and/or a temporary disability or illness. Access arrangements are classified into two groups. To apply, you must fill out the necessary application forms and submit it before the deadline. Furthermore, medical reports and evidence may be presented together with the application forms.
| Arrangements | Forms and Deadline | |
| Group 1: Access arrangement | – Colour naming – Coloured overlays – Computer reader – Exemptions – Extra time up to 25 percent – Extra time over 25 percent – Human reader – Practical assistant – Prompter – Reading aloud (candidate) – Reading pens – Scribe – Supervised rest breaks – Transcript of candidate’s work – Visual aids – Voice-activated software – Word processor | Preparation – Form 1 June series: 21 February November: 21 July |
| Group 2: Modified papers | – Braille contracted / uncontracted – Coloured paper – Enlarged font A3 or A4 18 point bold – Enlarged paper (unmodified) A3 – Simplified carrier language – Tactile diagrams – Transcript of listening CDs | Preparation – Form 3 June series: 21 January November: 1 July |
FAQs
Q: My daughter has few visual challenges. We have assessed her visual abilities and given a report to the school. The report says the question paper has to be in A3 sheet paper, with adequate spacing.The school says that they cannot do special request now since they are not sure whether the IGCSE board will allow. We feel that their will be no fair assessment of challenged child.
A: Enlarge paper is available when you apply for modified papers using Preparation – Form 3. You must submit a final entry for the relevant candidate, syllabus and component.
Q: My daughter happens to be type 1 diabetic since the age of 5 years and would be sitting in for her Year 11 board examination. We would like to know the provisions/guidelines for students with this disability, also advise us if there is any medical evidence that needs to be shared with the IGCSE governing body.
A: It is suggested that you inform your school regarding your daughter’s medical condition. CAIE offers centre-delegated access arrangement during examination as well as post-exam adjustment in case of emergency.
Q: I have a moderate dyscalculia, I would like to know if there’s any way to help with maths.
A: There are specific access arrangements that take the learner’s difficulty into account when assessments or learning tasks are performed. Please request through your school or centre.
Q: How do the exam board consider the special needs kids who have sat their IGCSE in terms of marking and grading?
A: CAIE assess all candidates according to the same marking criteria, so that their grades and certificates have the same validity and are a true reflection of each candidate’s attainment.
Note: Relevant info taken from CIE.