YEAR 12 exams will proceed in NSW as planned from November 9, the NSW Government has confirmed.
Under the current NSW Government plan, all students are due to return to school by November 8, and the HSC will be pushed back to November 9.
It follows a shift to online learning in July amid the state’s COVID-19 outbreak.
Year 12 students studying for the HSC will have full access to on-campus school resources, such as the school’s library, from October 25.
They already have some limited access to campus outside of Sydney’s 12 council areas of concern.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the November 9 HSC start date would proceed, with all 110 exams to take place.
These exams – starting with English and ending with food technology – will be finalised by December 3.
ATARs for university admission will be issued on January 20, and HSC marks on January 24.
All HSC students have already been prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination, while exam supervisors will also need to be fully vaccinated.
Students and staff will have to wear face masks and be physically distanced.
“Being able to sit all their exams safely is the best and fairest outcome for our HSC students,” Ms Mitchell said.
Balranald Central School principal Gus Comi told families that all students were expected – and supported – to return to school for face-to-face learning.
“While I know this may be an uncertain time for some students and parents, I do encourage you to get in touch with us directly and visit the wellbeing for students and families page for support materials,” Mr Comi said.
“Please have a look at the helpful tips for primary students and helpful tips for secondary students to support them in preparing for their return to school.
“The best learning environment for students is in the classroom and we are looking forward to welcoming back our staff and students for the remainder of this term.
“This time will be invaluable in re-establishing relationships and reconnecting as a class and school community.”
As part of a return to classrooms, there would be enhanced daily cleaning of the school, and wherever possible ensured classrooms were well-ventilated with open windows.
Mr Comi said Year 11 exams would continue at school, supervised but under “open book” conditions.
“We have worked closely with NSW Health in developing our return to school roadmap and COVIDSafe school plan,” he said.
“NSW Health will continue to monitor vaccination rates and transmission levels in our LGA and will advise us if settings need re-evaluation.
“We are continuing to work closely with NSW Health and other relevant authorities to support our school staff to receive two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination by November 8. “This will help protect our staff and students.”
