Candidate Support Policy

1. Purpose

The International College, Siam University, is committed to providing appropriate academic and pastoral support to all candidates undertaking qualifications awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. This policy ensures that all candidates are supported to achieve their full potential in a fair, inclusive, and transparent manner.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all candidates enrolled in QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND programmes, including full-time and part-time learners.

3. Principles

The College ensures that:

  • all candidates are treated fairly and equitably
  • individual learning needs are identified and supported
  • support is accessible, appropriate, and timely
  • assessment arrangements are implemented in line with QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND requirements
  • confidentiality of candidate information is maintained

4. Types of Support Provided

4.1 Academic Support

  • Guidance on assessment requirements and deadlines
  • Formative feedback on draft work
  • Additional tutorials and revision sessions
  • Study skills and time management support

4.2 Language and Learning Support

  • English language support (where required)
  • Assistance with academic writing and communication skills

4.3 IT and Learning Resources Support

  • Access to computer labs and required software
  • Support in using the Learning Management System (LMS)

4.4 Personal and Pastoral Support

  • Academic advising and mentoring
  • Referral to student support services where required

4.5 Assessment Arrangements (Additional Needs)

The College ensures that candidates with additional needs receive appropriate assessment arrangements in line with Scottish Qualifications Authority requirements.

This includes:

  • identification of needs at admission or during the programme
  • agreement and documentation of support measures
  • implementation of reasonable adjustments (e.g., extra time, alternative formats)
  • regular review of support arrangements

5. Identification of Support Needs

Candidate support needs are identified through:

  • admission and initial assessment processes
  • candidate self-disclosure
  • feedback from assessors and internal verifiers
  • progress review meetings

6. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Programme Leader: Oversees implementation of support systems
  • Assessors: Provide academic guidance and monitor progress
  • Internal Verifiers: Ensure fairness in assessment and support implementation
  • Student Support Services: Provide specialized support where required
  • Candidates: Engage actively and communicate their support needs

7. Monitoring and Review

  • Candidate progress is monitored through regular review meetings
  • Effectiveness of support is evaluated through:
    • student feedback
    • assessment outcomes
  • Adjustments are made as necessary

8. Confidentiality

All information relating to candidate support needs is treated confidentially and shared only with relevant staff.

9. Complaints and Appeals

Candidates have the right to:

  • raise complaints through the centre's complaints procedure
  • appeal assessment decisions through the appeals procedure

Both processes are aligned with QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND requirements.

10. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure continued compliance with QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND Authority requirements and best practice