HSC trials to be held remotely across Sydney

The HSC trials will be held remotely across Sydney and students in Covid-19 hot spots won’t be back at school on August 16 under a revised return-to-school plan.

The HSC trials will be held remotely across Sydney and students in Covid-19 hot spots won’t be back at school on August 16 under a revised return-to-school plan announced Friday by the NSW government.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell unveiled a “flexible operating model” for Sydney students as infection numbers continue to spiral.

Students complete the HSC exams in 2018. Picture: Toby Zerna

It came after pushback from stakeholders including teacher unions for public, independent and Catholic schools expressed concerns that the return to school date announced last week by Premier Gladys Berejiklian was too soon.

The backflip was welcomed by NSW Teachers Federation senior vice president Amber Flohm who said “sanity has prevailed”.

The Independent Education Union said the decision was welcomed but that all teachers and school staff needed to be vaccinated before any students returned.

“Before any schools in Greater Sydney and the Hunter area can be opened for face-to-face teaching, all teachers and support staff in both primary and secondary schools, as well as early childhood settings, must be prioritised for vaccination,” said the IEU’s Mark Northam said.

Ms Berejiklian was understood to have come to the decision after high level meetings over the past week after unions and school leaders said they had been surprised by last week’s announcement that students would return.

“Education is essential, and we must provide our HSC students the opportunity to receive the curriculum and wellbeing support they need during the last few months of their schooling,” Ms Mitchell said.

“A comprehensive and flexible model will allow schools to provide HSC students essential lessons and check-ins with teachers sensibly and safely.”

Ms Mitchell said the trial exams and school assessments would be completed from home.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell unveiled a “flexible operating model” for Sydney schools today. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

It came as Health Minister Brad Hazzard invoked the Olympic spirit to encourage Year 12 students who live or study in the eight worst-hit local government areas of Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta to book their fast-tracked vaccinations next week.

Mr Hazzard said up to 24,000 Pfizer vaccinations were set to be given at Qudos Bank Arena from Monday after doses were diverted from regional NSW.

“We strongly encourage every eligible student to take up the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones,” he said, adding that students should receive an online link to make a booking.

“I want to stress to the mums and dads, your children will be well looked after ... every moment inside the stadium.

“But really, you’ve got to take it. Grasp it with both hands. If you talk to any of our Olympians, they will tell you you’ve got to grasp opportunity so don’t waste it.”