What are the acceptable and unacceptable reasons for applying?
To help you decide whether or not your candidate(s) are eligible for a component exemption, we have outlined the main acceptable and unacceptable reasons for applying, below.
Before applying for an exemption, you must have fully explored ways of preparing candidates for the full assessment and should only apply for Covid-19 exemptions when it is not possible to take the full assessment. Wherever possible, candidates should complete all components according to the requirements set out in the syllabus because this gives them the best chance of showing what they know and can do.
How do I know whether to apply for a component exemption?
Components that are eligible for an exemption must meet either or both of the following criteria:
- The teaching and/or assessment of the component requires access to facilities and equipment, e.g., instruments, laboratories, studios, audio visual equipment, sports facilities, specific software, specialist material and this has not been possible due to Covid-19 disruption such as facilities being closed, or government regulation preventing this way of working.
- The teaching and/or assessment of the component requires ways of working with others, e.g., in pairs, groups, or teams, and this has not been possible due to Covid-19 disruption such as social distancing rules.
For some literature syllabuses, the following will apply:
- The teaching and/or assessment of the component assesses distinct subject content (i.e., topics, set works or themes) from the rest of the option and it has not been possible to teach this content due to Covid-19 related disruption.
What are the acceptable and unacceptable reasons for applying?
| Acceptable reasons |
| We have been unable to use the science labs for the practical, e.g. because the labs are closed, or government regulation prevents this way of working. |
| We have been unable to complete group work needed for Global Perspectives / Drama because social distancing rules have made this impossible. |
| We have been unable to use the computer facilities because of Covid disruption, such as government regulation limiting the access to this space. |
| We are unable to use the sports field for Physical Education because the school site has been closed during a government lockdown. |
| For IGCSE English Literature only: it has not been possible to teach some distinct subject content (i.e., topics, set works or themes). This is acceptable but we expect this scenario to be unlikely for cohorts in November 2022. |
| Unacceptable reasons |
| We have issues with the timetabling of the component in the exam series. |
| Our candidates are not expected to do well in this component because their in-class teaching time has been disrupted. |
| We want an exemption to allow more teaching time for the rest of the syllabus. (Except for Cambridge IGCSE or O Level English Literature) |
| A candidate has an injury that prevents them from completing the component (This should be an application for special consideration) |
| A candidate is deaf and cannot complete the listening exam (This should be an application for an access arrangement) |
| There are not enough candidates at our centre to complete group work (see syllabus and/or the samples database). |
| We can complete some of the component requirements but not all of them (see if component adjustment is available) |
| We have supply issues and are finding it hard to obtain the equipment / resources for the component (please contact Cambridge) |
| We do not have staff available to teach the component. |