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Hi-tech exam cheats 'on the rise' Hi-tech exam cheats 'on the rise'
(about 1 hour later)
Figures released to the BBC by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have indicated that cheating on exams has escalated among candidates.Figures released to the BBC by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have indicated that cheating on exams has escalated among candidates.
The number of guilty cases climbed by 22%, to 314, from 2008 to 2009.The number of guilty cases climbed by 22%, to 314, from 2008 to 2009.
The number of cases of cheating using a mobile phone, some of which have internet access, has more than doubled.The number of cases of cheating using a mobile phone, some of which have internet access, has more than doubled.
The SQA said the penalties for cheating ranged from zero marks for individual exam papers to disqualification from all examinations.The SQA said the penalties for cheating ranged from zero marks for individual exam papers to disqualification from all examinations.
Other forms of malpractice or cheating on exams included pupils caught colluding and taking in notes.Other forms of malpractice or cheating on exams included pupils caught colluding and taking in notes.
Last year about 160,000 candidates took 736,920 exams which resulted in 506 cases of cheating being investigated, with penalties being applied to 314 candidates.Last year about 160,000 candidates took 736,920 exams which resulted in 506 cases of cheating being investigated, with penalties being applied to 314 candidates.
While one case of malpractice is one too many it is clear that our awareness-raising activities, coupled with our rigorous invigilatory and marking processes, are proving to be effective Scottish Qualifications Authority If you look at the percentage rises, yes it sounds a lot, but the numbers that are cheating are very low and I think we need to understand how we can prepare pupils better for examinations Dr Janet BrownScottish Qualifications Authority
This equated to 0.04% of the total, slightly above the level of 0.03% in England.This equated to 0.04% of the total, slightly above the level of 0.03% in England.
In 2008, there were 750,559 exams taken with 673 cheating cases investigated.In 2008, there were 750,559 exams taken with 673 cheating cases investigated.
A total of 257 pupils were found to have broken the rules.A total of 257 pupils were found to have broken the rules.
And the number of cases of cheating using a mobile phone rose from 49 in 2008 to 113 in 2009.
The exam board said that all candidates are warned of the consequences of cheating in a booklet they receive prior to taking their examinations.
Mobile phonesMobile phones
A spokesman for the SQA said: "We have noted the slight increase in the numbers of candidates who have contravened our mobile phone rules but candidates are aware that our invigilators will rigorously apply our rules and this is why the overall numbers of candidates who contravene our malpractice rules is extremely low. And the number of cases of cheating using a mobile phone rose from 49 in 2008 to 113 in 2009.
"They know that we will do all we can to ensure the credibility and integrity of our awards, that they are likely to be caught and that the penalties imposed will be severe." Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Dr Janet Brown said: "We need to be aware and it is very important that we do address this issue but lets keep it in perspective."
He added: "While one case of malpractice is one too many it is clear that our awareness-raising activities, coupled with our rigorous invigilatory and marking processes, are proving to be effective." She added: "If you look at the percentage rises, yes it sounds a lot, but the numbers that are cheating are very low and I think we need to understand how we can prepare pupils better for examinations.
"How they can feel confident that they are able to achieve, and I think that it is one of those things that Scottish education does very well."
The exam board said that all candidates are warned of the consequences of cheating in an information booklet they receive prior to taking their examinations.