DCC SECONDARY CURRICULUM

Rescheduling SACs & Special Exam Arrangements

Missing a SAC

If an assessment task cannot be completed due to a competing school commitment (such as an excursion for another subject), then a formal application is not required but instead the student should make alternative arrangements with the teacher.

If a student is unable to undertake an assessment task at the set time and date for personal reasons, there are formal procedures which should be put into practice. An application form is available below in the 'Files' section.

For Units 1/2 studies, a less formal approach is required.  Alternative arrangements should be made by the subject teacher.

Eligibility for Rescheduling a missed SAC

Ultimately the Head of Senior Secondary or VCE Coordinator will determine if a student is eligible rescheduling a Units 3 & 4 SAC or SAT. However, the following points give some guidance for eligibility:

Reasons to apply to have a SAC rescheduled could include:

  • Illness or injury
  • Personal circumstances, such as a death in the family
  • A clash with another commitment that cannot be changed (eg. a funeral or an interview)

Eligibility would not apply for the following reasons:

  • A student is ‘not ready’ for an assessment task.
  • Vacation-type activities (such as a ski trip or an overseas trip)

Procedures for Rescheduling a SAC

The following procedures are to be followed for Units 3/4 studies:

  • Students are to submit a written application for rescheduling a SAC, using the DCC form for this purpose. An application form is available below. The application is to be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate or statutory declaration. The application is to be signed by the student and a parent and submitted to the VCE Coordinator.
  • The VCE Coordinator will determine if the application is to be approved. They will then advise the subject teacher.
  • To ensure that authentication is maintained, the rescheduled task is to be done during the next ‘Rescheduled SAC Session’ (unless alternative arrangements are made by the subject teacher).  These sessions are to be conducted after school each Wednesday and is supervised by a staff member.
  • The student may do a SAC before approval of the rescheduled SAC has been granted. However, no marks are to be awarded until approval has been received by the subject teacher from the VCE Coordinator.
  • If an extension is to be granted (in the case of a SAT), then the length of that extension is to be determined by the VCE Coordinator in consultation with the subject teacher. An extension would not normally exceed a couple of days but would be determined based on the particular circumstances.

Special Provision (VCE, VCE VET and VCE VM)

Special Provision aims to provide students in defined circumstances with the opportunity to participate in and complete their secondary level studies.

The underlying principle of the VCAA Special Provision Policy is to ensure that the most appropriate, fair and reasonable options are available for students to demonstrate their capabilities if their learning and assessment programs are affected by disability, illness, impairment or other circumstances. Special provision should provide equivalent, alternative arrangements for students but not confer an advantage to any student over other students.Individual students may need special provision in their learning program to achieve the learning outcomes, and in assessment to demonstrate their learning and achievement. At the same time, students who have been granted special provision are not exempt from meeting the requirements for satisfactory completion of the VCE, or from being assessed against the outcomes for a study. Students are still required to demonstrate their achievement fairly in meeting the outcomes of the study design as well as completing School-based Assessments and VCE external assessments.

 

Students may be eligible for Special Provision if, at any time, they are adversely affected in a significant way by:

  • an acute or chronic illness (physical or psychological)
  • factors relating to personal circumstance
  • an impairment or disability, including learning disorders.

The application must be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as advice from a doctor or psychologist or appropriate testing.

The application is to be made and assessed in consultation with the Head of Learning Support. A determination of whether Special Provision is to be provided and what it will be is to be made by the VCE Coordinator in conjunction with the Head of Learning Support. For Units 3 & 4 studies, School-based special provision will be consistent with the Special Exam Arrangements approved by VCAA. 

 

Special Provision could take the form of:

  • Extra reading and/or writing time
  • Rest breaks
  • Use of a computer
  • Use of a scribe or clarifier
  • Seating in a small group setting

Teachers will be advised about the Special Provisions and will then ensure that those arrangements are made available to the student.

Special Exam Arrangements (Unit 3 & 4 External exams)

Special Examination Arrangements may be approved to meet the needs of students with disabilities, illnesses or other circumstances that affect their ability to access a VCE external assessment.

 

Special Examination Arrangements applications are made to the VCAA by DCC. Such applications will be considered by the VCAA in accordance with its policies.

 

The need for these Special Exam Arrangements is usually identified during the student’s preceding years of schooling. Please let the Head of Learning Support or the VCE Coordinator know if you believe an application for these arrangements should be made.