Definition
Malpractice can be defined as a failure to follow the rules of an examination or assessment. That means anything which is a breach of the regulations and raises questions about the integrity and security of the examination process can be considered malpractice
Some incidents of malpractice are a result of circumstances which are beyond the control of everyone involved. However, some incidents of malpractice are intentional and aim to give an unfair advantage or may arise due to a lack of awareness of the regulations and carelessness.
Bloomfield Collegiate School has a duty to inform candidates about what constitutes malpractice and the consequences of malpractice. Students also have to follow the rules and regulations of the examination series.
If you would like more detailed information of malpractice, JCQ has a page dedicated to Suspected Malpractice Policies and Procedures.
Examples of Candidate Malpractice
The following list is not exhaustive but it will give a good sense of what is considered malpractice:
- plagiarism;
- collusion by working collaboratively with other learners to produce work that is submitted as individual learner work;
- false declaration of authenticity;
- inappropriate behaviour during an assessment that causes disruption to others;
- failing to abide by the instructions of the invigilators;
- taking a mobile phone or smart watch into the examination hall or room;
- taking notes or examination aides into the examination.
Preventing Malpractice
CCEA offer guidance and support in preventing malpractice in examinations and assessments. You can download the document by clicking this link. It explains what malpractice is to help you stay within the rules for examinations, controlled assessment and coursework.
Controlled Assessments
All departments with controlled assessment, coursework and non-exam assessment components have their own policy that details the subject requirements. This includes what guidance is permitted and not permitted to candidates.
We also follow certain procedures to ensure candidate work can be authenticated.
Maladministration
Maladministration is non-compliance with the regulations. It’s normally the result of a genuine mistake rather than any deliberate plan to gain an unfair advantage. We take all reasonable steps to prevent maladministration from occurring during the delivery of the qualifications and examination series. If something does go wrong, the examination boards will do their best not to disadvantage the candidates.
