Preparing for Your Exams

The official exam timetable was issued to schools and colleges last year. If you want to see the timetable, you can find it here: 2008 Timetable

There is a summary version of the timetable at the back of this booklet. The website also lets you print out a personal timetable for the subjects you are taking - but because schools and colleges are allowed to change the start time of the exam slightly, please double-check the details with your teachers or lecturers.

Make sure you know which exams you're sitting, where they're going to be held, and when they will start. You should be ready to enter the exam room at least 10 minutes before the exam.

Equipment

You will need to make sure that you know whether you'll be required to bring any equipment with you (pens, pencils, calculator, and so on). You must not share any of your equipment with anyone else.

We've provided a table at the back of this booklet for you to keep a note of your own exam details.

If you are taking any exams which involve an objective test, also known as multiple choice - these are usually in science subjects, for example, Higher Biology and in Higher Maths - you will need an HB pencil to indicate your answers. (It has to be an HB pencil so that we can scan your paper.) You will also need an eraser if you wish to change your answer.

Your Scottish Candidate Number

Your Scottish Candidate Number (SCN) is your personal lifetime candidate number. You will need to enter it on your exam answer booklets, so it is important that you know it. The teacher or lecturer in charge of SQA exams in your centre will be able to tell you your SCN.

SQA provides every school and college with a supply of SCN cards. Use this card to note your SCN. You are allowed to take this card into the exam room.

Our computerised systems use your SCN to record your marks and grades, and to trace your previous qualifications so that your certificate is up to date and comprehensive.

Make sure that you know your SCN and use it correctly (or have your SCN card to remind you).

Your name and details

Make sure that your school or college holds your personal details correctly - including your SCN. Make certain that they have a record of your name as you want it to be shown on your Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC), and the address to which you want your results to be sent.

If you change your permanent address at any time before you receive your certificate, make sure that you tell your school or college immediately.

If you change your name in any way, ask your school or college to send us the revised details.

Coursework

(investigations, projects, folios etc)

It is your responsibility to find out (from your teacher or lecturer) whether your subject involves a speaking or practical test, or the submission of coursework. If there is a test and you don't take it, or if you don't submit the required coursework, normally you will receive no marks for that part of the assessment - and in Standard Grade subjects you will not achieve an overall award.

The coursework you submit for assessment must be your own. In September 2007 your school or college should have given you a copy of a leaflet called Your Coursework 2008: a guide for candidates which explains what you have to do. Before you submit any of your coursework you need to make sure that you have read and understood the leaflet and, where asked for, you have signed the cover page (flyleaf) which is used to identify your work. If there is anything you are unsure about or do not understand it is very important that you ask your teacher or lecturer.

Art and Design practical exams

Your Art teacher will tell you when these are going to be held. You could add these details to the table at the back of this booklet.

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