Extenuating Circumstances

2013/14

Definition of ECs

‘Extenuating Circumstances are circumstances, normally exceptional and outside the control of the student, which

have prevented him/her from performing in assessment at the level expected or

required of him/her or from undertaking the assessment.’

Options available to staff

1. Extension to Deadline• Short extension before Assessment Board is

required

2. Extenuating Circumstances• Unforeseen event affecting Assessment Point

3. Learning Plan• Foreseen event affecting Assessment Point

4. Suspension of Studies• Long term absence is required

EC Appeals

• 2013/14 students able to appeal decision

• Appeals must:• be submitted on relevant form and

sent to Academic Registrar• be received 10 working days after

letter

Grounds for Appeal

A student must provide:

• relevant evidence which was not submitted in accordance with this procedure; AND

• Evidence to show that there is good or reasonable cause why the additional evidence was not submitted at the appropriate time.

Learning Plan

‘ Where a student presents with a long term condition or disability, the student and Programme Leader will work together to develop a Learning Plan which will be presented to the Extenuating Circumstances Panel for approval.

The evidence provided in support of the Learning Plan will be sufficient to cover the period until the next assessment opportunity; fresh evidence will not be

required.’

What is a Learning Plan?

It is required:• when there is a long term condition • when an extension is needed over an

Assessment Board period

It is not:• a replacement for an Assessment of

Need

Types of reasonable adjustment•Making presentations and handouts available before each lecture

•Allowing students to digitally record lectures and tutorials

•Printed materials in larger font and on appropriately coloured paper

•Specialist software

•Learning Support Assistant to take notes

•Additional writing time for examinations or assessments

•Rest breaks within examinations

•Readers and or amanuensis for examinations

•Alternative exam room

•Use of coloured overlays in exams

•Use of induction loops

•Timetabling of exams in morning or afternoon sessions only.

Further Guidance

• Members of the EC Panel• Regulations, Assessment & Awards Unit• Student Services• Online resources

• Equality & Human Rights Commission• Equality Challenge Unit• education.gov.uk

Thank you.Any questions?