26 September 2023

Students to pass HSC and pandemic

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The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has announced a new program to address the significant impacts of COVID-19 on HSC oral language exams, performance exams and major work submissions.

Chair of the COVID-19 Response Committee for the NESA, Peter Shergold said the Program was designed to support students who had experienced significant disruption or disadvantage.

“We recognise that students in Greater Sydney have had varying levels of access to specialist equipment and a quiet place to study as they prepare for upcoming oral language exams, performance exams and to hand in major works,” Professor Shergold said.

“This is about ensuring that every student is able to have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned to the best of their ability, despite the impact of COVID-19,” he said.

“Under the Program, where there has been significant disruption or disadvantage due to COVID-19, schools can apply for an individual student, or group of students, to receive a mark from their teacher, rather than from a NESA marker.”

Professor Shergold said NESA would issue guidelines so teachers could provide a mark that took into account the impact of COVID-19 on a student’s preparation for the exam or major work.

The Committee Chair said that to ensure equity, the marks would be moderated by NESA.

He said the COVID-19 Special Consideration Program was available to students in schools under Level Four restrictions who had experienced significant disruption as they prepared for language oral exams; performance exams; and/or the submission of major projects.

Chief Executive Officer of the NESA, Paul Martin said the Program’s introduction was about being flexible in unprecedented times and putting the mental and physical wellbeing of students first.

“We want students, their families and their teachers to be assured that, despite disruptions, the hard work of students will be recognised,” Mr Martin said.

“I also want to sincerely thank teachers across the State, who will play an integral role in this special consideration process,” he said.

Mr Martin said students who were unable to submit their work or undertake an exam due to self-isolation, flu-like symptoms or school closures would be able to apply for regular illness and misadventure.

Further information on the NESA’s COVID-19 HSC advice can be accessed at this PS News link.

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