Itisworth viewing your scripts before appealing
ASTUDENT who collected their results from school is likely to have received two pages in their envelope: one will be the results and, the other, a personalised form that allows candidates to apply to view their scripts. Students tend to view their scripts if they are unhappy with the result, or are unsure why they received a particular grade. I recommend any student who, in any way, is unsure of their results or is concerned they have not achieved the required grade to receive an offer for their chosen course to consider the recheck option seriously. Examiners have a huge number of scripts to get through and mistakes can be made in totting up scores, assigning marks or missing part of the script altogether.
Candidates may view as many of their exams scripts as they wish, for no charge. It can offer reassurance as to why they were awarded a particular grade or they may see a mistake that would give them grounds to appeal. A candidate who wishes to view any paper should return the personalised form to the school no later than next Tuesday, August 21, indicating which scripts they would like to view. The scripts will be made available during one of three viewing sessions which will take place at the school over August 31-September 1. It is not necessary to view a script before appealing, but it is strongly advised.
The candidate must be present for the viewing and may be accompanied by another person, such as a teacher or parent. To gain the most benefit, it can be helpful to invite a person who is familiar with the subject. If a student intends to ask a teacher, give plenty of notice and understand that they may not be available. The marking scheme will be available at the viewing to assist understanding of how the paper was marked.
At the viewing, the candidate should first check that the grade on the paper is the same as the one they received in their results. If it is different, it may be a result of an administrative error and does not have to go through the normal appeals procedure. In such cases, the candidate should speak to the organising teacher or principal immediately. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) will advise the CAO and offers will be rectified, if necessary. but candidates should also consider making a formal appeal, just in case.
Next, the candidate should work through the paper, checking that all sections have been marked and added up correctly. Then they should check all answers given against the marking scheme.
If it is felt that a mistake has been made, they can apply to have the paper rechecked. Oral and practical work will not be available to be viewed, but, if a candidate seeks a recheck, they will be remarked during the appeal process.
This year, candidates will be allowed to bring a mobile phone, tablet or digital camera to the viewing. This will allow them to make and retain a copy of their scripts for reference. These devices may only be used for this purpose and not for communication or to copy the script of another person. Pens or writing materials are not allowed at the viewing (see below).
There is some very helpful information on Page 21 of the SEC candidate information booklet, which candidates should read before attending the viewing. This explains how the papers have been marked by the examiner, etc.