Trial Higher Schools’ Certificate (HSC) exams commence, amid government pressure regarding allowances for students.
Year 12 Young High students start today (Thursday). Students at Boorowa Central and Murrumburrah High start next Monday, August 9. All schools finish on Friday, August 13.
Boorowa Central School’s Principal, Graham Jones said his students have been working hard in preparation for the biggest exams they’ve ever faced.
“COVID has impacted the 2021 Year 12 cohort at Boorowa Central School. Whilst not as significantly as their Greater Sydney peers who are currently working from home, it still has contributed to increased absences, reduced opportunities for curriculum-based excursions and work placements for VET subjects,” he said.
“The mental health of all staff and students has been impacted upon due to the ongoing uncertainty of the situation.”
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has announced the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Sydney will impact the running of the actual HSC exams.
NESA doesn’t control when trials are run, but has set HSC project deadlines back a fortnight given the ongoing COVID-19 situation in Greater Sydney.
These changes mean all students have some additional time to prepare for exams or complete their projects and still receive their results this year.
He said the extra week of preparation time will help Boorowa students “apply a more focused and positive mindset”.
“The extra week can also lead to a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19 and greater safety for our students,” Mr Jones said.
NESA chief executive officer Paul Martin said this 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.
“Students will have the opportunity to receive an HSC and move on to the next chapter of their lives.”
