Monitor exams... official MoneySavingExpert.com d...

[MSE Lawrence]

This is a special discussion as part of the

Boost Your Income

article, all about

Monitoring exams

which is part of the Work, work, work section

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[djbd1973]

I know a retired teacher that monitors GCSE exams at a secondary school each year for mocks and finals.

Nice little bit of money at certain times of the year as it boosts his pension money.

[ScattyStudent1]

Great idea, where would you apply to do this?

[dmg24]

Local schools advertise vacancies, either on their websites, the local council website, and/ or the local press.

[djbd1973]

Originally Posted by dmg24

Local schools advertise vacancies, either on their websites, the local council website, and/ or the local press.

Yep - the teacher I know was approached by the school as he was the father of one of the school receptionists and they needed someone quick. That was about three years ago, and he is still doing the job.

[sugarplum]

I've just seen an ad in the local paper from a school looking to recruit some exam invigilators. Is there anyone ever done who's this before that could tell me what it involves and whether it's worth doing? Thanks!

[Skyhigh]

My partner has done invigilating before.

Its relatively straight forward: invigilate exams - hand out test papers, collect test papers, escort children to bathroom/in/out of exams hall.

Hours are often short but flexible since many schools have exams morning and afternoon, usually 2 hours each. Depending on the school and their organisation they may bring you in all day (more money), or bring you in on odd mornings/afternoons.

Usually, invigilators tend to be retired, home-makers, students - due to the flexible and sometimes random hours.

Pay is often quite good, some schools in our area pay £8-12 an hour!


Bad points:
Pay will probably be through your local council, often 1 month in lieu so it might be a while before you see the money.
Hours can be random.
You may be subject to a CRB check (ok, most-probably will be).
'Seasonal' work, as in exam periods = summer, xmas, easter.


Good points:
Flexible hours.
Decent pay.
Fairly easy job, but sometimes boring.
Once you're CRB checked for that school/period, and if you're done invigilating before at that school - they are more likely to request you for the next set of exams rather than get someone else in.
Varying age ranges and abilities: SATS, KS9, GCSE.

:!:

[sugarplum]

Thanks for that. It definately looks like it worth a go to bring in a bit of extra cash!

[punkrockprincess]

I done this through the SQA last year. You do not get paid by the local council it was from the SQA (I am socttish I dont know about england, this is just what happened with me) You get £26 per half day, or £53 for a full day. A half day can range from 10 mins to 3 hours, and a full day is counted as being in both morning and after noon. So an hour in the morning, and an hour at night.

All I had to to was read out what was expected from the pupils, walk around, make sure there was no cheating, and then put the exam scripts into envelops for posting.

It was very easy, but also good, as I got to revise for my exams while doing it!

[topher]

In English schools (for external exams) you shouldn't be doing anything other than watch that the students don't cheat. ie no reading the paper, books or anything else. The pay per hour is pretty good but the work can be very boring!

[V Chic Chick]

You also need to hand out extra sheets of paper

I know my school was asking parents to do it for free :rolleyes:

[sweetpeas]

ive seen an ad for this today also on our local council website.
it pays £7/hr and they are flexible with your hours.

im thinking of applying also as i could try to fit it in with my current job(s!)

xx nog xx

[pisces72]

Originally Posted by topher

In English schools (for external exams) you shouldn't be doing anything other than watch that the students don't cheat. ie no reading the paper, books or anything else. The pay per hour is pretty good but the work can be very boring!

Oh how boring! I can remember watching a clock and then working out how much money I earnt per minute ...

You aren't allowed to do anything (including study or reading) as you are meant to be keeping an eye on the students. You can also be expected to escort students to the toilet and supervise them during breaks and lunch periods (particularly if they have exam clashes).

A CRB is compulsory, and this can only be organised through an organisation (unfortunately you can't request a CRB as an individual).

Good luck!

[angellotz]

my OH did it for a bit - pay wasn't bad but as skyhigh said, can take a while. CRB check is definitely required . he just gave out papers, collected papers etc - all the things mentioned above. if you have time to do it, i'd say it was worth doing!

[NigeWick]

I did some invigilating at our local school two years ago. The pay is ok for what is required (as stated above). One point to remember is, you are going to be on your feet on a hard floor for a considerable length of time. If you are not used to it, it can be tiring and make your feet ache. I was asked if I fancied being a Cover Supervisor at the school and that is what I do now. So, the invigilating may be a way in to a more permanent job if that is what you want. Exam "seasons" are January and May/June. One may also be offered 11+ invigilating in the places that still have it.

Nigel.

[sweetpeas]

I've just sent in an application so wish me luck :rolleyes:


xx nog xx

[angellotz]

good luck!!!

[sweetpeas]

thanks LOL

[Nazzy]

Hi Guys,

I have just joined this site and i'm loving it so far.....i came across this thread and thought what a great way to earn some extra cash!!!

This is my first post..so please be gentle lolz ;o)

I am very interested in applying for this role but i am based in Scotland (edinburgh) I am not sure how the system operates down in England, but as far as i'm aware in Scotland exams are dealt with SQA.

PUNKROCKPRINCESS, there are two offices based in Scotland for the SQA Dept (glasgow & dalkeith) which office would be best to contact to enquire whether they have any Exam invigilator vacancies for this year coming. Can you kindly tell me what process you had to go through, this would be much appreciated ;o)

Also guys, if successful for this role,would this effect my Income Support in any way and do i also need to let the benefit agency know too?

Kind Regards

Nazzy ;o)

[punkrockprincess]

Nazzy, I asked the head invidulator who worked at my school, as my family was friendly with her. But all my paperwork, pay, etc goes to Dalkeith. Hope that helps