For students
(updated 7 September 2020)
Students and parents should be confident that the Authority continues to work from the premise that no student should be disadvantaged as a result of the COVID-19 situation. We will continue to update you with advice and support as we respond to the challenges of the evolving situation with COVID-19.
Keep learning, work with your teachers and do your best.
Look after yourself, whether you are at school or at home.
Reach out to family, friends and your teacher if you need to.
Students in Years 11 and 12 should refer to the course-specific information on the teachers' and school leaders’ Years 11 and 12 page for details about course assessment.
The Authority confirms that for Year 12 students undertaking studies in ATAR courses towards the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) that the 2020 ATAR course written examination period will go ahead as scheduled from 2 November 2020. The written examinations will be the same length of time, and in the same format, as indicated in the syllabuses for each course.
All ATAR course practical examinations will go ahead as scheduled.
The wellbeing information on pages 16 and 17 of the Year 12 Information Handbook Part I: Information for all students available at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/further-resources/year-12-information, continues to be an important reference whether you are studying at school or at home.
Keep up-to-date with information in the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) and Jobs and Skills WA COVID-19 updates.
Health and hygiene measures are in place to keep you COVID-safe at the ATAR course practical and written examinations.
The Authority has plans in place for a wide range of COVID-19 scenarios, if required.
All contingency plans have been developed in consultation with the school systems/sector and Western Australian Health Department to reflect the current health advice.
The Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process will be available if, at the time of an ATAR course examination, you have evidence that:
- you have tested positive for COVID-19
- you have COVID symptoms (fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or sense of smell)
- you are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test.
In some circumstances, the Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process will also be available if at the time of an ATAR course examination:
- your school or examination venue is closed and you are unable to attend the alternative examination venue provided as a contingency
- you are required to self-isolate, but are otherwise well.
You should ensure that you download your Personalised practical examination timetable and Personalised written examination timetable from the student portal from Thursday, 10 September. It is important to log back in and check your timetable the evening before each of your examinations. This will ensure that you have all information required for planning travel arrangements to examination venues and equipping yourself appropriately for examinations.
Examination day protocols
Do NOT attend an ATAR course examination(s) if:
- you have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or sense of smell)
- you are required to self-isolate, including if you are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test
- you test positive for COVID-19.
When attending an ATAR course examination, you should:
- use the hand sanitiser provided before entering the examination
- cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow
- avoid touching your face.
The Authority is following the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee in relation to the COVID-19 context. The Authority will be:
ensuring the cleaning of examination venues and surfaces daily
implementing social distancing measures
providing sanitiser at all venues
What do I do if...
You will need to follow your school’s assessment policy, as mock ATAR course examination(s) are a school-based assessment activity.
- Do not attend the examination venue.
- Contact your school and the Authority as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
- Follow the Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process.
- If you get testing, self-isolate while you wait for results
The Authority will advise candidates of any change to examination venues via their Personalised practical examination timetable in the student portal and on its website.
If the Authority cannot make alternative arrangements, the Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process will be available.
- Do not attend the examination venue.
- Contact your school and the Authority as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
- The Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process will be available.
- The Authority will advise candidates of any change to examination venues via their Personalised practical examination timetable in the student portal and on its website.
- The Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process will be available.
- Do not attend the examination venue.
- Contact the Authority as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
- The Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process will be available.
- The Authority will advise candidates of any change to examination venues via their Personalised written examination timetables in the student portal and on its website.
- If the Authority cannot make alternative arrangements, the Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process will be available.
- Written examinations will not be held online or rescheduled.
- Do not attend the examination venue.
- Contact the Authority as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
- Follow the Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process, even if you are otherwise well.
- Written examinations will not be held online or rescheduled.
Self isolate and follow the medical advice provided to you.
- Do not attend the examination venue.
- Contact the Authority as soon as possible to advise of the issue.
- Follow the Authority’s Sickness/Misadventure process.
For current requirements and health advice
Visit the WA Department of Health website.
Call the National Coronavirus Helpline – 1800 020 080
If you are making use of social media to stay connected, share information and provide support to each other, bear in mind:
- it is okay to ask questions
- it is important to consider the source of the information
- use your critical literacy skills
- check the validity of sources and content
- if you have questions about your courses, you should contact your school
- if you have questions about the WACE, you should check this website and, if you require further clarification, contact your teacher or the Authority via info@scsa.wa.edu.au
- it is sometimes useful to turn off or step away from social media.
If you are worried about your studies, family or friends and need support, contact your school. Also be aware of the following services:
- Headspace www.headspace.org.au
- Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636
- Kids helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au 1800 55 1800.