English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Under our current policy, we do not allow the translation of examinations into a candidate's first language, neither would a candidate be able to write in their first language and have this translated into English. Questions in SQA examination question papers are carefully set and worded in a particular way to elicit a particular response from the candidate. SQA could not be sure that the translation of any question was conveyed to the candidate in exactly the same way as it had been written.

If a candidate requires the use of a bilingual dictionary for SQA examinations, you must submit a request by using the EAL spreadsheet. You can download this from the SQA Secure website by clicking on NQ, then Assessment Arrangements, and completing the fields on the spreadsheet, which is then sent via this form. There is guidance on completing the spreadsheet on the same page. Further details on the use of bilingual dictionaries can be found in the following resource: Use of a bilingual dictionary for candidates who have English as an additional language (164 KB).

EAL candidates are allowed 10 minutes extra time per hour for the use of a bilingual dictionary in the external examination. If the candidate does not require the use of a dictionary the extra time is not permitted.

The bilingual dictionary is not permitted in external examinations in English, ESOL or the candidate’s first language. Further details can be found in the following resource: Use of a bilingual dictionary for candidates who have English as an additional language (164 KB).

If a candidate requires the use of a bilingual dictionary for SQA examinations, you must submit a request by using the EAL spreadsheet. You can download this from the SQA Secure website by clicking on NQ, then Assessment Arrangements, and completing the fields on the spreadsheet, which is then sent via this form. There is guidance on completing the spreadsheet on the same page. Further details on the use of bilingual dictionaries can be found in the following resource: Use of a bilingual dictionary for candidates who have English as an additional language (164 KB).

The dictionaries permitted are English/first language (word for word) dictionaries that do not contain explanations or definitions of words or phrases. It is the centre’s responsibility, prior to the examination, to check that the dictionaries to be used by candidates are clean copies of English/first language (word for word) dictionaries. Further information can be found in the following resource: Use of a bilingual dictionary for candidates who have English as an additional language (164 KB).

While we empathise with the challenges facing the refugee community, SQA is currently unable to support the use of translation apps during our exams. The use of a bilingual translation dictionary is available for all learners who speak English as an additional language – this is not considered an assessment arrangement. We understand, however, that these learners may also have other difficulties. Therefore, you may wish to consider assessment arrangements.

The questions in SQA exam papers are carefully set and worded in a particular way to elicit a particular response from the learner. SQA could not be sure that the translation of any question was conveyed to the learner in the same way as it had been written. Therefore, our current policy does not allow the translation of exams into a learner's first language, neither would the learner be able to write in their first language and have this translated into English.