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VCE exams now locked in for November

Final exams for VCE students have been set for November — a month earlier than the State Government’s original plan — meaning pupils will get crucial results in time for university offers. SEE HOW IT WILL WORK.

Victorian schools to return from May 26

VCE students will sit exams in November, with the State Government locking in the testing period a month earlier than it previously planned because of coronavirus.

Exams will begin the week of November 9 and end by December 2, with thousands of pupils to get their crucial Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATARs) and study scores before the end of the year.

The change will mean university offers can be made to Victorian students in line with other states and territories.

This new locked-in testing period will only be about two weeks later than the typical exam block.

VCE exams are usually held from the final week of October, before the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

The Herald Sun understands the final semester of Year 12 studies has been adjusted, with many Unit 4 subjects trimmed back so students have enough time to complete their coursework.

Some school-based assessments have also been reduced.

It comes as education minister James Merlino announced on Friday morning an onslaught of new measures which will provide the framework for the school year’s remaining months.

The changes were made with particular consideration to VCE students, who Mr Merlino said have “done it tough this year”, and how much the pandemic could affect their academic performance.

“There is the ability every year of course, with every exam, for special considerations and they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

“There won’t be a blanket change. So exams will be delivered ... as normal.”

“Special consideration is and will continue to be based on a case-by-case application, so whatever reason, through illness or other factors, the special considerations are considered, but on a case-by-case basis.”

School playgrounds will also be opened and cleaned regularly once students return to in-person classes.

With the reduced load and slightly later exam timetable, teachers and students are expected to have sufficient time to complete their studies and prepare for their final tests.

The Andrews Government confirmed it was scrapping its plan to hold VCE exams in December, which had been the intention due to the interruption on schools because of the pandemic.

Education minister James Merlino said the announcement would give ‘students, teachers and parents certainty in what has been a very disrupted year’. Picture: AAP
Education minister James Merlino said the announcement would give ‘students, teachers and parents certainty in what has been a very disrupted year’. Picture: AAP

But now that schools are set to reopen from next week — much earlier than the government had expected — authorities determined to bring the exam date forward a month.

A date for the General Achievement Test was also set, for Wednesday, September 9.

Education minister James Merlino said the announcement would give “students, teachers and parents certainty in what has been a very disrupted year”.

“The revised dates mean students will get their results and an ATAR in 2020, giving them a clear pathway to further study or employment next year — and a break to celebrate the end of school.”

The decision puts to bed any discussion over a Year 13 of schooling, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison was desperately looking to avoid.

It will also make redundant any plans by universities to enrol students on non-ATAR merits.

Australian National University had last month decided to accept students off their Year 11 results.

It expected to make offers in August after accepting admissions since last month.

Year 11 and 12 students will return to school on Tuesday, following a pupil-free day on Monday, while some private school students will return on Monday.

Year 10 students who take a Year 11 subject will also be permitted to attend school on the day they have that subject.

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ashley.argoon@news.com.au

@ashargoon

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/education/vce-exams-now-locked-in-for-november/news-story/197cee20f48e9c6cc77be46b34fbdb29