Cantabria PAU Performing Arts II exam-day guide
Cantabria PAU Performing Arts II · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID document
Bring the identity document (DNI, passport, or equivalent) that matches your PAU registration. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and whether a photocopy is valid; do not rely on an expired document.
Exam admission/registration proof
Print or download your PAU registration receipt or admission document showing your assigned venue and schedule. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or whether a digital copy is accepted.
Writing materials
Bring several blue or black ballpoint pens, pencils, and an eraser. Confirm with the provider whether only pen is permitted for the final answers and whether correction fluid or erasable pens are allowed.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Exam rooms may not have a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch helps you manage timing; smartwatches and phones are normally prohibited at the desk. Confirm with the provider whether any watch type is restricted.
Transparent water bottle and small snack
Hydration and a quick snack for the break between papers help sustain concentration. Confirm with the provider whether drinks and food are allowed inside the exam room or only in the break area.
Approved calculator (only if your chosen subjects require it)
Performing Arts II generally does not require a calculator, but check the rules for any other subjects you sit. Confirm with the provider which calculator models are permitted and whether programmable models are banned.
No prohibited electronic devices at the desk
Leave phones, smartwatches, earphones, and any wearable technology switched off and stored where the invigilator indicates. Confirm with the provider the exact storage rule and the consequence of a device being found at the desk.
Venue and room confirmed in advance
Check the assigned building, room, and entry point before exam day, ideally by visiting or reviewing the venue map. Confirm with the provider if the room assignment is published only shortly before the exam.
Travel plan with buffer time
Plan to arrive well before the scheduled start, allowing for transport delays and ID checks. Confirm with the provider the arrival time expected and whether late entry is allowed after the exam has begun.
Personal medication and accessibility needs arranged
If you need medication, extra time, or other accommodations, confirm the approved arrangements with the provider in advance and bring any supporting documentation they require.
Rest and preparation routine the night before
Prioritise sleep over last-minute cramming; review only summary notes and practical terminology. A calm, rested state matters more for a practical-analysis paper than extra memorisation.
Review of the paper structure and timing plan
Know in advance the sections, the marks available, and how you will allocate time, including reading and checking. Confirm with the provider the exact duration and structure if the official model has not been published.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: venue, room, start time, ID requirements, and permitted materials with the provider. Re-read the official exam structure and any published model. Build a one-page summary of key practical concepts (analysis of movement, staging, rehearsal process, performance evaluation) and practise writing timed answers under exam conditions.
Do at least one full timed practice paper, then mark it against the criteria you know. Identify your two weakest areas and spend focused sessions on them. Prepare and lay out everything on the checklist so nothing is left to the last morning.
Light review only: skim your summary sheet, key terminology, and any practical examples you plan to use. Avoid learning new material. Check transport times and set two alarms. Pack your bag with ID, admission document, pens, watch, water, and snack. Eat a normal meal and go to bed at a reasonable hour.
Eat a proper breakfast, leave with generous buffer time, and arrive at the venue early. Keep phones off and stored. Use the waiting time for calm review of your summary sheet, not for anxious discussion with other candidates. Follow invigilator instructions for ID checks and seating.
Read the whole paper and the instructions first, noting marks per section. Allocate time proportionally to marks and keep to it. Answer in the required format and language, structure longer answers with clear points, and use specific practical examples and terminology. If a question is unclear, write your best interpretation rather than leaving it blank. Reserve the final minutes to check that all questions are answered and your details are correct.
Hand in all materials as instructed and do not discuss or photograph the paper. Note any questions you found difficult while they are fresh, for your own reflection, and then move on to preparing for your next subject.
Rules to check
Bring and display the official ID document required for your registration; confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and what happens if you cannot produce one.
Arrive at the venue by the time indicated by the provider. Confirm with the provider the policy on late arrival and whether entry is refused after the exam has started.
Keep phones, smartwatches, earphones, and other electronic devices switched off and stored as instructed; do not keep them at your desk.
Use only the materials the provider permits. Confirm with the provider whether correction fluid, erasable pens, or any additional sheets are allowed before the exam.
Follow invigilator instructions at all times and raise your hand if you need to leave the room; confirm with the provider the rules on toilet breaks and whether extra time is granted.
Write your answers legibly in the language of the exam and in the format requested; answers that cannot be read or that ignore the required format may not be credited.
Do not communicate with other candidates, share materials, or attempt to access unauthorised information during the exam; misconduct can lead to invalidation of your results.
Scoring and grading criteria are set by the official PAU regulations; confirm with the provider the weighting of this subject in your overall score and the procedure for any review or appeal.