The University of Newcastle has introduced a COVID-19 adjustment point scheme for HSC students
Year 12 students have been thrown some extraordinary challenges during a disrupted HSC year and the University of Newcastle’s adjustment points scheme will hope to ease the struggle and stress students have faced.
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While it’s been a tough year for year 12 students across NSW, with COVID-19 dictating a number of unprecedented changes, a new initiative will see it easier to get into University.
The University of Newcastle has recognised the extraordinary challenges faced during the disrupted Higher School Certificate (HSC) year, now offering a sector-first COVID-19 adjustment points scheme.
Announced on Wednesday, it means five adjustment points will be automatically applied via the University Admissions Centre (UAC) as long as students preference the University of Newcastle.
The idea came about after hearing of the struggles year 12 students were facing.
“We have heard loud and clear the challenges Year 12 students were facing and had looked to ways to help reduce HSC exam stress and anxiety,” University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinksy said.
“Students are absolutely feeling the pressure and have found this year exceedingly challenging.
“We want to reassure young people and their families that they will be okay.”
Professor Zelinksy said the University was deeply committed to helping families and young people minimise the upheaval resulting from COVID-19.
“Knowing that the pandemic has been a huge distraction for students undertaking their HSC year, we didn’t want COVID-19 to be the reason someone isn’t able to achieve their goal of a University education and the lifelong opportunities it can provide,” he added.
“We’ll be providing them with the support to start their studies but we’ll also be here to provide all of the other support along the way.
“It’s so that every student with the drive and with the skill can experience that very proud moment of receiving their degree at graduation.”
But that’s not all the help year 12 students have been offered from the University.
Masters of teaching students have also been giving them a hand, delivering one-on-one tutoring support, which more than 300 HSC students have taken up.