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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Report Forms The assessors need to have candidates' names, numbers and choices completed before they begin. See the Results List of names for Exam Reference Number (ERF) and Candidate number (CRF). The start of the exam may have to be delayed if this has not been done beforehand. PowerPoint The use of PowerPoint is absolutely fine for Level 1 exams and above, although we recommend that at junior school levels and other Entry levels the talks are too short to warrant its general use. Tutors will of course be giving students advice over its best use, so that they do not read talks from it, or face the screen to limit their communication with the audience. Obviously, you will need to take the positioning of the screen into consideration for the room set-up too, and we find that students who have their presentation on a pen drive manage to accomplish a speedy changeover between candidates. Cue Cards We have no specific criteria for candidates on this, although we find that in Entry level grades candidates find it easier to handle items such as props, or use posters/other items pinned up without struggling with cards as well. At higher grades neat and unobtrusive use of any prompts, including cards if used, is included in the Pass criteria. Any cue cards should only have brief headings at any level. The use of cue cards and / or PowerPoint as a cue is perfectly acceptable at a Senior Schools or similar level, although we would recommend avoiding cue cards if possible at Senior Introductory grade because the talk there is so short (PowerPoint just for pictures or diagrams may be used for Senior Introductory). You obviously already fully appreciate that we are looking for 'correct' use - as reminders and prompts, rather than being heavily dependent on them or even reading from them. Sometimes there may be apparently conflicting feedback from assessors because some students gaze diligently at their notes with nerves. You may know, but the assessor would not, that they have hardly anything written on them! Juniors should really avoid cue cards, using their props or a visual board with enlarged photos etc instead. Please ask for further advice if necessary. Results Results are never possible on the day. All reports have to be checked and standardised before being returned to you within 5 working days. All results are provisional until the certificates are issued. Special Access Arrangements In non-specialist exams we used to rely on teachers' word over candidates' need for special consideration e.g. for dyslexia. Now we need documentary evidence to back this up, supplied for each individual and returned to the ESB office at registration with Form SAA1. Assessors cannot give extra time or allow candidates to choose their own reading passages without this. Choice of Material There is a list of suggested topics and suitable 'own choice' options at the end of the Schools syllabus. For other syllabuses, the training course or particular interest of the student is the best guide. If unsure, do email the relevant syllabus address for advice. Funding Codes For post- school students there are LSC funding options for most ESB assessments. All funding codes can be found on this PDF document here, or ESB can advise if necessary. Changes to Bookings We pride ourselves on being as flexible as possible, and recognise that there will always be the need to make alterations even after names and details have been passed to ESB. Please contact the office for advice if this is the case for you. Prior to the exam date we will make every effort to accommodate change, although significant changes that involve reassignment of assessors may not be possible and an administration fee may be levied. Please note however that assessors have no authority to make changes and cannot enter candidates 'on the day', or change the level at which they have been entered. Once candidate registration numbers have been assigned, the audit trail is then in the system and cannot change. Performance Points and League Tables Yes - all ESB exams that can be done in senior schools offer performance points, which vary according to the grade and result, as well as a percentage contribution to Level 1, 2 or 3 weighting. See here to download the table. Advice/information on syllabuses
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