Rules for COVID-safe VCE exams revealed
With the countdown on to VCE exams, it has been revealed what COVID rules students will have to follow as they sit their end of year exams.
Education
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The countdown is on to VCE exams and experts have urged students to balance last minute study with sleep, nutritious food and exercise.
Most of the state’s 50,000 VCE students will sit the first all-in exam, English, on Tuesday.
Despite almost a week without any new COVID-19 cases, it’s understood masks will continue to be mandatory throughout the November exam period.
Windows and doors will be kept open during testing to ensure fresh air flow, exams rooms and desks will be cleaned between uses and tables will be spaced 1.5 metres apart.
Cleaning contractors will receive exam timetables to ensure spaces are quickly sanitised between sittings.
As students prepare for a marathon exams period, experts say food and exercise should be a priority.
“A lot of students will feel nothing has been in their control, but one thing they can control is their mood,” Be Fit Food chief executive Kate Save said.
The clinical dietitian and exercise physiologist said in the lead up to exams, students should eat low GI carbohydrates for slow energy release, protein, Omega 3s, plant based foods and drink plenty of water.
“If you’re dehydrated, you can’t concentrate — it takes about 24 hours before you’re properly hydrated,” she said.
On the morning of an exam, one-minute of push-ups, jumping jacks, or a quick run around the block will help relieve stress.
While studying, headspace senior clinical advisor Rupert Saunders said students should take breaks to do relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, mindfulness and listen to music.
Signs students could benefit from stress-reducing techniques included trouble concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, becoming upset or teary and changes in sleeping patterns and appetite.
Richmond teen Sarah Harrison, 18, left the stress of exams behind, deciding to go unscored.
Mum Megan said they realised she didn’t require an ATAR for the courses she was interested in.
“Making that decision during the lockdown took a lot of pressure off all of us,” Mrs Harrison said.
“The house next door was being renovated and we had jackhammers and tradies shouting and music going from 7am to 4pm in the afternoon during remote learning. The house was one metre away from our house and Sarah couldn’t hear her classes.”
Sarah, who attends Kew High, hoped to follow her community service interests and was considering a Swinburne diploma course.
TIPS FOR EXAM HARMONY
— CREATE an organised study space limiting distractions like phones, TV or people
talking.
— DEVELOP a study plan with goals for the week and a good balance of social and outdoor activities where possible.
— DRINK lots of water and have some nutritional healthy snacks on hand.
— FIND relaxation techniques including breathing exercises, mindfulness activities or listening to music.
— SET aside some time for regular physical activity. Thirty minutes of exercise is proven to decrease stress and improve overall mood and can help with performance. This might be a yoga class online or a brief walk around your neighbourhood.
— TRY to get at least 8 hours of sleep.
— CHECK the VCAA timetable and arrive 30 minutes before each exam to get across COVID-19 safe requirements.