Congratulations to our Year 10 students on the successful completion of their mandated Minimum Standards Tests last week. 100% of students passed the Reading test and 96% passed the Numeracy test. We are still waiting on the results for the Writing test. NESA stipulates that students must successfully pass these tests to be eligible for the HSC in Year 12. Students are allowed multiple attempts at these tests before their HSC so it is great news that most have passed them on their first attempt. We will work with individual students to help them successfully pass these tests on their next attempt.

Year 11 are currently sitting their final exams. The same advice of maintaining a balance applies to them. As students move into their HSC year, many Year 11 students drop a subject. NESA require Year 11 students to study a minimum of 12 units, but this can then be reduced to 10 units in the HSC year. Students need to take time to consider all aspects of this decision. They should consider what future they wish to pursue, and the subject requirements to achieve that goal, as well as their application to the work and their enjoyment of the course. Of course, students do not have to drop a course at this time, or into the future. If they are unsure or are enjoying all their courses, they are free to continue with them all and make a decision later. If students need further advice they should drop in to speak with our Careers Advisor –Karen Lyttle in the Hub or me in my office.

Year 12 are now all gearing up for their major exams next term. It is essential that they maintain a balanced lifestyle of study, recreation, healthy eating and sleep in the lead-up. Some students find this time very stressful and they become anxious. A balanced life will help reduce these symptoms. We wish them all the best of luck in their study. The following advice from NESA around the completion of exams in this COVID era should be read by all Year 12 students and parents. If students are unsure, they should contact the school.

John O’Neill

Assistant Principal

Curriculum and Achievement

COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS SITTING HSC EXAMS

Updated: 4 September 2020

Health and hygiene measures are in place to keep you COVID-safe at the HSC performance, oral language and written exams.

NESA is ready to implement exam contingencies for a wide range of COVID-19 scenarios, if needed.

All contingency plans have been developed in consultation with the school sectors and NSW Health to reflect the current health advice. The COVID-19 illness or misadventure process is available if at the time of a HSC exam(s) you have evidence that:

• You have tested positive for COVID-19.
• You have COVID symptoms (fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or sense of smell).

In some circumstances, it will also be available if at the time of a HSC exam(s):

•  Your school or exam venue is closed.
•  You are required to self-isolate, but are otherwise well.

Fast track COVID-19 test results

HSC students can access fast tracked COVID-19 test results.

You must:

• say you are a HSC student when taking a test
• ensure the nurse or doctor doing the test marks your referral 'urgent — HSC'
• self-isolate until a negative result is received
• show your school the negative result
• call the contact number provided by the clinic if results are not received within 36 hours.

Exam day protocols

Do NOT attend the exam(s) if:

• You have COVID-19 symptoms
• You are required to self-isolate
• You test positive for COVID-19

You must:

• Regularly wash your hands.
• Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Avoid touching your face.

You may also choose to wear a mask and/or gloves.

Exam rooms will be thoroughly and frequently cleaned. Hygiene supplies will be available and regularly re-stocked.

What do I do if…

I have COVID symptoms when I have an HSC performance, oral language or written exam?

• Do not attend the exam venue.
• Contact your school as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
• Follow the COVID-19 illness or misadventure process
• Get tested.
• Self-isolate while you wait for results
• Negative result – your local Public Health Unit will contact you or you will receive a SMS.
• Positive result – your doctor or your local Public Health Unit will call you and tell you what you need to do.

My school is closed when I have a HSC performance exam?

• Your school will contact you directly with advice.
• Your performance exam may be rescheduled.
• If this can’t be arranged, the COVID-19 illness or misadventure process will be available.

I am required to self-isolate, but I am otherwise well, when I have a HSC performance exam?

• Do not attend the exam venue.
• Contact your school as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
• Your performance exam may be rescheduled.
• If this can’t be arranged, the COVID-19 illness or misadventure processwill be available.

My school is closed when I have a HSC oral language exam?

• Your school will contact you directly with advice.
• Your oral language exam may be rescheduled or held online via video.
• If this can’t be arranged, the COVID-19 illness or misadventure process will be available.

I am required to self-isolate, but I am otherwise well, when I have a HSC oral language exam?

• Do not attend the exam venue.
• Contact your school as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
• Your oral language exam may be rescheduled or held online via video.
• If this can’t be arranged, COVID-19 illness or misadventure process the will be available.

My school is closed when I have a HSC written exam?

• Your school will contact you directly with advice.
• NESA is working with the school sectors to arrange alternative venues ahead of the written exams.
• If moving the exam(s) to an alternative venue is not possible or practical at the time, the COVID-19 illness or misadventure processwill be available.
• Written exams will not be held online or rescheduled.

I am required to self-isolate when I have a HSC written exam?

• Do not attend the exam venue.
• Contact your school as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
• Follow the COVID-19 illness or misadventure process, even if you are otherwise well.
• Written exams will not be held online or rescheduled.

I test positive for COVID-19 when I have a HSC performance, oral language or written exam?

1. Self isolate and follow the advice provided by your doctor or your local Public Health Unit.
2. Do not attend the exam venue.
3. Contact your school as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
4. Follow the COVID-19 illness or misadventure process