SENIOR SCHOOL

COVID-19 VCE FAQs

As at 15 April 2020

These FAQs are designed to address the specific concerns of schools, principals and teachers. Schools and education providers with questions and concerns regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of learning programs should contact us on 1800 134 197.

1. When will this year’s General Achievement Test (GAT) be held?

The GAT has been moved to October or November 2020. The VCAA is currently determining the most appropriate specific date and will provide this as soon as possible.

1. When will this year’s VCE examinations be held?

End of year VCE examinations have been postponed until at least December 2020.

1. Why aren’t exams being cancelled and the GAT used for the ATAR?

The GAT is a general ability test. It is not a test that can be studied or prepared for. It does not give specific information about student performance in individual course study designs.

1. Are there any changes to School-assessed Coursework or School-assessed Tasks?

The VCAA has been asked to reduce, where possible, school-based assessment tasks to relieve some pressure on students as they move to remote and flexible learning. The VCAA is currently reviewing each of the approved study designs to determine where it is possible to reduce school-based assessment tasks. Where changes are made, these will be published on the VCAA website and an alert will be sent to schools.

1. What about individual study scores?

Study scores reflect each student’s relative position in relation to all other students in that study that year. So, top-performing students this year, for example, will receive the same results as top-performing students in any other year.

1. Will it be possible for this year’s students to access tertiary entrance in 2021?

Yes. While there may be a difference in timing, there will still be a transparent and consistent process to facilitate tertiary entrance in 2021. Institutions across the country are committed to ensuring 2021 entrance is open and available to students completing their VCE in 2020.

1. How will you ensure no student is disadvantaged?

The VCAA has existing processes to ensure no student is disadvantaged, including special provision and derived examination scores. As is currently the case, any student whose studies are affected by illness may be eligible to apply for special consideration. Those decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

1. What is the cut-off date for students to withdraw from VCE units?

The VCAA is changing the last day for official enrolment in or withdrawal from VCE Unit 3–4 sequences to 8 June 2020. While ultimately a school decision, the VCAA recommends students completing one or more VCE Unit 3–4 sequences need to be enrolled and have commenced learning prior to this deadline.

At present, 9 November 2020 is the last day for official enrolment and withdrawal from VCE Units 1 and 2.

These dates are subject to future review by the VCAA.

1. Can VCE students affected by COVID-19 withdraw from studies and still get their VCE?

Eligibility to complete the VCE depends on each student's individual VCE program. Schools need to monitor this and advise students on the impact of withdrawing from one or more studies. To assist in the determination of eligibility, schools are reminded that VASS can be used to run individual student eligibility reports.

1. Can VCE students doing a Unit 1 subject defer until Semester 2?

VCE students doing a Unit 1 subject can defer until Semester 2, depending on the school's ability to deliver it, and as long as their school has discussed the impacts on their VCE program with them. Schools have the flexibility to finalise VCE Unit 1 and 2 enrolments as late as 9 November 2020.