Avoiding discrimination: Assessments and examinations

These come in a variety of forms including the following:

• Written examinations.
• Vivas, orals and presentations.
• Practicals and performances.
• Dissertations and coursework.
• Work-based assessment.

It is important for you to ensure that you do not discriminate against students with protected characteristics. Assuming a uniformity in students’ cultural, linguistic, religious or lifestyle experiences could result in you, for example, indirectly discriminating against students from particular racial groups.

It is also important to try to avoid discriminating indirectly against students in the timing of examinations and assessments. For example students may have difficulty attending examinations or assessments because of issues surrounding the side effects of medication, religious prayer times or festivals or caring responsibilities.