HSC 2020 Will Go Ahead In NSW Despite Coronavirus Disruptions

Looks like you’ll have to keep studying.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused massive disruption to life as we know it. Not only have non-essential services like pubs, clubs, cinemas and restaurants been advised to close their doors, but New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has encouraged parents to keep their children home from school to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Schools in New South Wales are still open; however, they’ll have to provide online learning options for the remaining three weeks of Term One.

Given the changes, you might have been wondering whether this year’s HSC will still go ahead as planned.

The answer: yes.  

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has confirmed that the 2020 exams are proceeding.

Chair of the NESA Board, Peter Shergold, released a statement about the decision.

"We know you are worried. While we recognise we are facing an unprecedented situation, we want to assure you that you will be able to get a HSC certificate this year, and that the certificate will facilitate access to university, further education and employment, as it has for students over the past 50 years."

He added, "Keep learning, do your assessments as advised by your school, make progress on your major projects where you can and, most importantly, look after yourself, whether you are at school or ay home. Reach out to family, friends and your teachers if you need to."

The NESA Board is also giving principals the power to change the number and weighting of HSC formal assessment tasks for their school this year. That means if you get sick, your school will be able to make sure you’re not disadvantaged in any way.

Of course, some people are questioning how NSW schools will be able to mark practical subjects like dance and drama.

According to the NESA Board’s statement, they’re trying to figure out exactly how students working on group drama, dance or music performances will be assessed.

Others are worried that not all schools have the means to provide effective online learning.

Please consider each schools ability to provide effective online learning. Many schools are more equipped and established in teaching long distance than others, which is concerning for those who aren’t necessarily receiving the same level of education.

— Hayley Martin (@HayleyMartin___) March 24, 2020

Additionally, the NESA Board hasn’t clarified what format the exams will take. At this stage, we’re not too sure if they’ll be held in schools or online. It's also not known if other states will follow suit with end-of-year exams for their Year 12 students.

With so much uncertainty, we know this is a stressful time for all Year 12 students. Keep studying the best you can, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your teacher for help if you need it.

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