Schools across NSW have received guidelines to support planning for this year’s Higher School Certificate (HSC) written exams set to begin on 20 October.
Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell said students needed to be reassured that everything was being done to make sure they could sit their HSC without disruption.
“HSC trials were held without major incident and we are now working with schools to implement guidelines and procedures that reduce the risk of a COVID-19 disruption for our HSC students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We are continuing to prioritise health advice as we support schools in planning for and operating the HSC exams,” she said.
“The safety of students and staff involved remains our priority.”
“A COVID-safe plan is about minimising disruption to students if there is a confirmed case at their school.”
Ms Mitchell said the guidelines, developed in consultation with NSW Health, had been issued to principals by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
She said the principals had been asked to limit student numbers to 75 students per exam room, limit HSC student interaction with the rest of the school and prioritise cleaning for exam venues.
“Each school’s contingency plans will be unique, school principals will be supported by their local directors and the Department to develop and implement their individual plans,” she said.
Ms Mitchell said sector guidance would be issued to support the implementation of the NESA guidelines.
