Curriculum and Learning
Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations
Our Year 12 students will take an important step in their HSC preparation next week as they begin their Trial HSC examinations on Monday 3 August, concluding two weeks later on Monday 17 August.
The Trial HSC examination timetable was issued to Year 12 last term and is available on CANVAS, along with the examination rules and expectations. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves thoroughly with these documents, as well as the College’s Assessment Policy, which is also available on CANVAS.
Parents/carers and Year 12 students are reminded that, in the event of absence due to illness or misadventure during the Trial HSC Examination period, a telephone call must be made to the Year Coordinator, Mr Biviano, on the morning of the examination. Where possible, an alternate examination will be arranged within the Trial period. On the student’s return to school, the completed illness/misadventure form, with the relevant medical certificate or other official, independent supporting evidence attached, must be personally given to Mr Biviano.
If illness or misadventure prevents a student from attending or submitting an examination, or affects their performance in an examination, it is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit the illness/misadventure application. This responsibility does not sit with a parent/carer or relative unless the student is physically unable to complete the application themselves.
If illness or misadventure affects a student during an assessment task, the student should inform the examination supervisors at the time of the assessment.
It is important to note that illness/misadventure applications are for cases where an illness or misadventure:
- occurred immediately before or during an examination
- was unexpected
- was beyond the student’s control and prevented them from attending or diminished their performance in the examination.
In line with NESA regulations, the College will not consider illness or misadventure applications for:
- difficulty preparing or lost preparation time
- alleged deficiencies in teaching
- misreading the Trial HSC examination timetable
- misreading examination instructions
- attempting the wrong examination
- long-term illness, unless the student has suffered a “flare-up” of the condition during the examination
- conditions for which the student has been granted disability provisions, unless they have further unexpected difficulties
- conditions for which a student should have applied for disability provisions
- other commitments such as participation in work, sporting events, holidays, or attendance at tests conducted by other organisations.
Illness/misadventure applications must include advice or evidence from a relevant independent expert, not a parent/carer or relative. This evidence must be obtained on the same day as the examination, either immediately before or after the examination. Any medical certificate must be written by a practising medical doctor who is not a parent/carer or relative.
The student must provide documentation that is current, specific to the date and time of the examination, and submitted with the illness/misadventure form. A medical certificate that only states “illness” and/or “unfit for work/study” is not sufficient, as the College requires evidence that clearly supports the reason for the application.
The College’s examination and illness/misadventure processes, and assessment policy, provide clear expectations and ensure all students are treated fairly and equitably throughout the Trial HSC Examination period. We encourage all Year 12 students to approach this important period with confidence, knowing they are supported by their teachers and the wider College community.
James Martin
Director of Curriculum