Friday 28-04-2017 - 16:13

New uni rules mean all watches have been added to the list of items banned from exams this year.

The new restriction has been introduced over concerns that the growing popularity of smart watches creates the risk that they could be used to cheat.

The ban includes watches of any kind (including traditional analogue models) as well as fitness trackers and similar gadgets.

Students’ union Vice-President (Education) Nick Dearman says: “I have written to the university asking them to reconsider this ban, which seems to be a bit of an over-reaction.

"While it’s good that the university has committed to ensuring there are clocks visible in every exam room, our view is that issuing a blanket ban on watches is going a step too far.

"Analogue watches aren’t really comparable to smart watches and I struggle to believe that invigilators would not be able to tell the difference – we’re currently in discussions with the university on this and I hope that we can successfully make the case that this requires a more pragmatic approach.”

Items banned from exams include:

• Digital devices (without permission)
• Dictionaries (without permission)
• Notes or paper
• Watches

Water bottles and pencil cases taken into exam rooms must be transparent.

Get more info on exam rules at www.lusu.co.uk/examessentials