BY EMILY HAYWARD

IN EXAMS, students have previously been permitted to have a watch on their desk to avoid any timing troubles.

This has now been confiscated by the exam boards due to the invention of smart watches which they fear can now be used as a way to cheat.

I hold a critical opinion of this, believing that it is unfair to confiscate watches completely as not all of them are equipped with internet access or ways of communication.

For students, like myself, who find timing in exams particularly challenging and often find it the hardest part of exam technique, this will put us at an unfair disadvantage.

The use of a watch in the exam is of particular use for students like myself as it allows them to clearly see their remaining time to complete the paper and make sure that a sufficient amount of time is spent on each question.

This means that the students will avoid losing time and marks and it will avoid having a negative effect on their overall achievement.

Despite having a clock at the front of the exam hall the watch is still helpful to have, particularly if seated in a position where the view of the clock is not clear, as if often the case.

The confiscation of watches should only apply when students wish to use smart watches in the exam as they can be used as a way of communication and has access to the internet; therefore are able to be used as a way to cheat, otherwise they should be permitted to the student.