Rules

1. General Rules

1.1    BM Schools Academic Quiz is organised and sponsored by the BM Schools Academic Quiz Organisation whose decision on all matters relating to the Challenge will be final.

1.2    Entries and all associated paperwork must be submitted online in accordance with the instructions set out on the entry form. Postal entries will not be considered.

1.3    The challenge date assigned to each Challenge is final. Any entries past the respective paper/ online entry dates are strictly processed under the discretion of BMSAQ and be subject to online participation only (unless a school wishes to print challenge papers at their own expense). Closing dates for entries are specific to each Challenge and can be found on each Challenge's webpage.

1.4    Students enrolled with a UK or Ireland recognised school, whose final possible award in respect of that school has not yet been achieved for the current academic year, are eligible to enter. 

1.5    Students attending any form of Higher Education (e.g University, Third Level Colleges, etc.) are NOT eligible to enter.

2. Challenge Procedure

2.1   The Challenge is divided into three age categories. Participants must ensure they are eligible to participate in each Challenge before doing so. 

2.2  The Invigilator must:

● Ensure all question papers remain covered until the start time.

● Ensure the time allowed for all BMSAQ Challenges is 35 minutes, for student's not eligible for extra-time (student's eligible of extra time shall receive an additional 25% of challenge time).

● Ensure a clock (digital or analog) or timer is clearly visible to all students during the challenge.

● Ensure students are seated exam style, so that it is hard to see where others are placing/selecting their answers.

● Collect the answer sheets and any rough working after the Challenge has finished and retain them until results are released, in case of technical and uploading errors (paper Challenges only).

● Collect the question papers back in from students after the Challenge and only release them back to the students after the results are released (paper Challenges only).

● Do not clarify questions or give further information to participating students. 

2.3 The student must:

● Ensure their correct personal details are accurately shown on their answer sheets, including name

(paper based Challenges only).

● Ensure they enter their name and year group correctly (Online Challenges only).

● Carefully read the instructions before starting the Challenge;

Instructions:

• The use of blank paper for rough working is allowed.

• Squared paper, calculators and measuring instruments are forbidden.

• Use a B or HB non-propelling pencil.

• There are four sections within the paper. In order, these include: Geography, Science & Nature, History & Politics, and Culture. The questions in each topic will be arranged in order of increasing difficulty. The final part of each topic will include a visual element, with 4 related marks.

• To accommodate candidates in taking the exam at other times, please do not discuss any aspect of the paper (including on the internet) until 48 hours after the exam date. 

3. Access Arrangements

3.1 The following arrangements may be provided to a candidate at the time of his/her examinations without prior approval:

• 25% extra time (for candidates who are normally entitled to extra time in school)

• amplification equipment;

• braillers;

• closed circuit television (CCTV);

• coloured overlays;

• low vision aid/magnifier;

• optical character reader (OCR) scanners.

The member of staff organising the BMSAQ within an academic institution, must lead on awarding the access arrangements illustrated above within his/her centre.

3.2 Each Challenge is available in a paper and online format. If a candidate requires enlarged text or an alternative format of Challenge please contact BMSAQ.

3.3 Other access arrangements (including scribes and prompters) must be approved by BMSAQ at least 2 weeks before the Challenge date. Please contact BMSAQ via email to enquire. 

4. Privacy (Content, Photography and Film)

4.1    BMSAQ will comply with its obligations as a data processor in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. BMSAQ will use your personal information only as set out in our privacy notice which you can find here https://www.bmsaq.com/more/privacy-notice

If you have any further questions or comments concerning your privacy, wish to access your personal data held about you, delete, or update information we hold about you, contact info@bmsaq.com.

4.2 BMSAQ may record footage for use on its broadcast channels, online, in social media and for marketing purposes. Any participants whom's images are used will be required to give written agreement (or by a responsible party ie. teacher or parent) to the release of any footage/ images by the BMSAQ team.

5. Intellectual property rights

5.1   All intellectual property rights either pre-existing or created in relation to or as part of the Challenge shall remain the absolute property of that party or its licensors.

6. Contacting Us

6.1   If you would like any more information about taking part, please contact the BMSAQ office by email (info@bmsaq.com) and we will be happy to advise you.

Good Luck!

Yours sincerely,

BM Schools Academic Quiz

Office email: info@bmsaq.com