Component 2 (Externally Set Assignment) - How are the supporting studies produced and used?

Candidates produce their supporting studies during the preparation period, after receipt of the paper and before the supervised test. Candidates explore and develop supporting studies in response to the starting point, producing work leading to a final outcome that is produced during the supervised test.

Students cannot continue working on their supporting studies once the timed test has started. Students should submit their supporting studies ahead of the timed test and their supporting studies must be available to them during the timed test. All work, including the supporting studies, must be kept securely during the test.

Centres must ensure that no additional work is brought into the test once the test has started, and all work must remain in the test room at the end of session. 

The centre must ensure that the room where the test is taking place is secure, at all times, in order to prevent any loss or damage to the work or misconduct. Students should not add to their work or amend it after the test has finished.