Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Education and Training
More than 6,000 Tasmanian Year 11 and 12 students will begin their Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) written exams this coming Monday after a year of hard work and commitment during a particularly challenging time.
Students will sit their exams or assessments at one of 26 exam centres around the State, with written exams in 42 accredited courses taking place in COVID-safe environments.
More than 6,500 Tasmanian senior secondary students will undertake the significant task of TCE external assessment in more than 50 courses including oral, practical, performance, and project assessments.
Our greatest priority for 2020 has been on ensuring Tasmanian students are not further disadvantaged by the already significant impacts of COVID-19, and that everyone’s safety, health and wellbeing is protected.
I’d like to thank schools and TASC for working together to keep exam preparations on track and ensure students can access the future study, training and work of their choice.
Because this year is a year like no other, we are supporting our Year 11 and 12 students in unprecedented ways. These measures include:
- 2020 Course Considerations, including reviewing all courses (Levels 1–4) and making appropriate adjustments to reflect the impacts of COVID-19;
- 2020 External Assessment Specifications, including reviewing and modifying external assessment specifications for Level 3 and 4 courses in consultation with all school sectors and an External Assessment Working Group;
- 2020 Preliminary Achievement (PA) Guarantee to encourage students who have been finding their courses challenging after a disruptive year to keep going and sit their exams in order to achieve a PA (partial attainment of the course);
- Six new General Capabilities Short Qualifications for 2020 each providing two credit points towards the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE);
- Waiving the TCE Everyday Standards Safety Net Tests waiting period for students to re-sit for Reading, Writing, and Communication in English, Mathematics and Use of Computers and the Internet; and
- Existing adjustment processes, including reasonable adjustments to access or participate in external assessments, and requests for extension to a folio deadline or to set up a special exam centre (for students interstate or overseas).
Results and qualifications achieved in 2020, released on December 17, will continue to be just as meaningful and representative of a young person’s achievement as any other year.
While this has been a tough year, I would encourage all of our senior secondary students to see it through and keep on believing in yourselves and what you are capable of.
I would like to thank all teachers and school staff, students and families for their understanding and support during this uncertain and difficult time.
