Curriculum

Assessment Tasks and Student Absence   As we get to the end of the term, students in all year levels have been and are continuing to complete assessment tasks in many subjects.  Any students in Years 7–9 who miss an assessment task will need to make contact with the relevant Leader of Learning or myself.  In the case of a known absence, such as a prearranged medical appointment, it is best if contact is made before the due date.

Students in Years 10–12 need to follow the usual Illness Misadventure procedures and fill out the appropriate form. A copy of this can be found in the hard copy assessment booklet which was issued to all students at the start of the year. A copy of this  can be found on the SPC Resources page: https://sites.google.com/lism.catholic.edu.au/spc-resources/assessments-study-guides

NESA Updates for HSC Students   https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/about/news/novel-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR0RBwWqjPae42rF3wMjVAtqFtnzzg2pnEmEKC4AKKhsipLW1LwOmnOsTPM

Please see the link above for the latest updates from NESA. This includes information about HSC Exams, Internal Assessment, HSC Projects and VET courses including the following:

HSC Examinations   NESA’s HSC illness/misadventure process is available to ensure students are not disadvantaged by illness, emergencies or natural disasters, at the time of the practical, oral or written exams.

School-based HSC Assessment   If a student is unable to undertake an assessment task due to Australian or NSW Government COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) restrictions, this would meet the school’s criteria for illness/misadventure.

HSC Exam Projects, Submitted Works and Performances   Students should continue working on their projects, submitted works and performances for the HSC examination.  Schools should continue to monitor and record students’ progress to ensure that they are able to certify the work.  This is particularly important for work that is completed outside the school setting.

For students who have an extended absence, schools should operate in line with their assessment policy and consistent with assessment and reporting guidelines for each subject.

Where students are working on group performances for the HSC examination, schools should ensure that they are following NSW Health and Department of Education advice in regards to hygiene and social distancing.

Mandatory Work Placement in VET   NESA is aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the work placement service provider program, with a number of employers indicating their inability to continue providing work placement opportunities at this time.  NESA is working with the school sectors regarding possible interim arrangements, and will provide further advice shortly.

Year 12 Parents and Students   Most institutions that participate through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) have an Educational Access Scheme (EAS) for applicants who have experienced long-term educational disadvantage due to circumstances beyond their control or choosing, which has seriously affected their educational performance.  A long-term educational disadvantage should normally be experienced for a period of at least six months.

If you think you're eligible, you should apply for EAS through UAC in addition to your UAC application for admission by downloading a copy of the application guide (https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/eas/eas-application-guide.pdf) and applying online ( https://www.uac.edu.au/current-applicants/educational-access-schemes) or calling UAC on (02) 9752 0200 if you have any questions.   Applications for 2021 admissions will open in April

NAPLAN School Readiness Practice Tests and NAPLAN Tests – Important Announcement   The following information was communicated to schools on Friday 20 March:

Education Council agreed today that NAPLAN 2020 will not proceed to help principals, teachers and school staff focus on student learning during the outbreak of COVID-19.

This decision includes cancellation of:

• NAPLAN Online practice testing, 23 March – 9 April 2020
• NAPLAN Online tests, 12 May – 22 May 2020
• NAPLAN paper tests, 12 May – 15 May 2020.

Mrs Catriona Martin - Leader of Curriculum