By Brendan Rees
Every Victorian Year 12 student will be individually assessed so that any adverse impacts of coronavirus pandemic are determined in their final-year results.
Education Minister James Merlino announced the “extraordinary change” on Friday 7 August, saying the effects caused by the lockdown would be reflected in their study scores and Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
School closures, long absences, increased family responsibility, personal illness, issues with remote learning and mental health will all be taken into consideration when determining student’s ATAR.
Under the changes, Mr Merlino said every student would be considered under the special consideration program, ensuring a level playing field between schools.
“Students will go into their VCE exams with a confidence knowing that they will not be disadvantaged as a result of Covid-19,” he said, which would still go ahead in November.
School will also put together information for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority including students’ expected achievement levels before the impact of coronavirus, school assessments before remote learning, exam and General Achievement Test (GAT) results, and a range of statistical analysis.
Rob Duncan, the newly appointed principal of the brand-new Cranbourne West Secondary School (interim name) which is set to open next year, said it was welcome news and any support for students during the unprecedented year of school that “tries to level the playing field is a good decision”.
“I think certainly the idea itself is a positive one. I think it will relay some of concerns that the kids have,” he said.
“Obviously how it’s implemented, there’s probably a little bit more information to come.”
Mr Duncan also acknowledged the importance of exams and the GAT and the need for students to still “put in their best effort”.
“I think it will certainly make the students feel a little bit better knowing that it’s being thought of and that there are mechanisms being put in place,” he said.
This comment was echoed by Wayne Haworth, principal of Hampton Park Secondary College, who said he believed the reforms had been made with “great intent” but hoped it would be a fair and equitable process for every student.
“It gives some certainty for now. Anything that takes into account these difficult circumstances of students is welcomed,” Mr Haworth said, though he pointed out that decisions made earlier this year by the Education Department have “had to be refined as we move through this challenging time.”
