Change from 'unseen' to 'seen' examination format

The majority of School examinations are 'unseen' i.e. students have no sight of the  paper's content prior to the start of the examination itself.

A 'seen' examination is one where the examination questions are released to the students before the examination date. Students then prepare their answers before writing them in a formal invigilated examination environment.

Approval procedure

A proposal to hold a seen examination requires approval by the relevant Sub-Committee.

You should email requests to the relevant Sub-Committee Secretary and provide:

1. the reasons why you wish to make the change and hold a seen examination;
2. full details of the modification to the course assessment method, including the format of the examination paper and the year of introduction;
3. details of how the questions will be released to students to ensure equal access and any relevant contingency plans.
4. any changes to the course's learning outcomes.

The Sub-Committee Chair will consider your request, including issues such as the parity of the examination experience for other students on comparable courses (including the standard of marking). The Secretary will inform you of the outcome.

If the seen examination will be sat away from the school, please see 'Guidance on take-home exams'

Following approval

The department must provide a sample examination paper, or a mock examination in the new format for students to revise from.

If the proposal is approved, the Secretary will make the required amendments to the course guide and inform the relevant School Officers that the changes have been approved.