COVID-19 Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting FAQs

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How does assessment continue in this context?

We are still required to assess student learning and report this to students and parents. Teachers have been instructed to adapt assessment to enable it to be deliverable as non-supervised tasks and manageable for students who are working at home. We are continually exploring new options for assessment and will adapt it as circumstances change.

Some examples of adapted tasks may include but are not limited to:

  • Research assignments
  • Open book tasks
  • Video presentations
  • Audio presentations, and 
  • Journals

As assessment is adapted, students will be notified, and the semester outlines available on Daranet will be updated.

How will students be assessed in practical learning areas?

Some practical assessment may still be possible. For example, some skills may be able to be assessed using video evidence or simulations. Assessment may also need to be adjusted to focus on theoretical components in place of some practical skills.

If the required practical learning or assessment is not possible, alternative learning opportunities within the unit of study or alternative curriculum may be provided.

What happens if a student experiences issues with technology when completing or submitting assessment?

Teachers have been instructed to show reasonable discretion regarding instances where issues with technology have interfered with a student’s ability to complete/submit assessment, as we know that some students may have issues with technology, such as internet connectivity, speed and reliability. Each scenario is different, and we would determine the best response in a case by case way. 

We are mindful of the need to develop assessment and submission protocols that reduce the risk of technology issues having an impact, but if your student encounters any issues with completing or submitting their assessment online, please ask them to promptly contact the class teacher directly to resolve the matter. The class teacher will then work with the relevant subject coordinator to address any issues as they arise.

How will students with special assessment provisions be supported?

In most cases teachers will be able to provide alternate assessment provisions for students with identified needs working at home. If these needs cannot be accommodated at home, then our Inclusive Education Team can provide support where needed. If a new situation arises for any learners that require us to provide accommodations to assessment conditions, we encourage these families to contact the appropriate pastoral leader to discuss the student’s needs.

Is it possible to have a summary of all the due work on one page for each subject?

Yes. All summative assessment tasks are listed on the class Daranet page under Due Work and the assessment tasks in all subjects are also displayed in the student calendar on Daranet.

How much time should Years 11 and 12 students be engaged in structured learning to meet senior secondary requirements?

At this time, we have been provided with advice from the BSSS that schools and teachers are to continue to deliver a program of learning which equates to 55 hours for a standard unit (i.e. a semester subject). This learning does not need to be entirely face to face time with a teacher and includes all structured learning opportunities provided by the school.

Teachers have been considering and implementing a range of measures to monitor student participation and progress in structured learning activities that equate to 55 hours and will make contact with students and families if there is a pattern of disengagement in the learning provided.

What will happen to course scores and ATAR calculations in Years 11 and 12?

The Education Council has advised education providers that the following were agreed outcomes of a recent meeting of the Education Ministers:

  • It is important that no senior secondary student is disadvantaged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Future decisions will ensure equitable outcomes for all senior secondary students as they compete their schooling

We will continue to respond to advice from all relevant authorities as the situation evolves.

In the ACT we have been advised by the BSSS to adapt assessment practices for senior secondary students and to use the appropriate level of consideration and flexibility, to overcome challenges posed by this situation. As such we are endeavouring to deliver learning and assessment that supports our students and provides equitable access to allow learners to achieve their best. 

In a statement by the BSSS,

 “Tertiary Entrance Statements will be awarded to eligible students in 2020. The ATAR for ACT students is determined in conjunction with the University Admissions Centre and NSW. If standard processes take place, the Tertiary Entrance Statement will include an ATAR. An intensive research and review process is currently underway to develop contingencies that if required will ensure there will be no disadvantage to ACT students relative to students in other states.”

What will happen with Semester Reports?

Mid Semester reports have just been finalised and distributed on Daranet. As we are still delivering learning and assessing student progress with this learning, we are planning to report on student outcomes at the end of Semester One in the same way as previous semesters.