Notice to Schools 27/2022 – 1 March 2022
Absence from School-based Assessment tasks due to COVID-19
Principals/directors and VCE coordinators and teachers
The VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook supports schools in managing student absences from School-based Assessment tasks, including students who are absent due to COVID-19.
As per the DET School Operations guide, students who are required to isolate or quarantine should be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury. Schools must establish procedures to keep records and documentation of decisions relating to student absences, and whether or not these are approved. A school policy and set of procedures to cover absence from School-based Assessment tasks should be published and made available to staff, students and parents/guardians.
When a student is absent from school for prolonged periods, or has been unable to complete all School-based Assessment tasks because of illness or other special circumstances, the school may, upon application from the student, grant special provision for School-based Assessments. In this case, the student should not be penalised for lack of attendance. Special provision may allow a student to work from home for a period of time. Schools should ensure they retain documentation about any decisions relating to granting provisions for School-based Assessment, including supporting evidence.
In the situation where a student is allowed to work from home, the school must have in place additional measures to be able to authenticate the student’s work as their own. Advice about authentication measures is provided in the Scored assessment: School-based Assessment section of the handbook.
The decision on whether to approve special provision for School-based Assessment because of illness or other special circumstances is a school decision, and it must be evidence-based, from appropriate sources in line with what is required by the school attendance policy and procedures.
Action required
Principals/directors and VCE coordinators, please make sure this guidance is read and that school policies and procedures are updated accordingly.
Critical dates
N/A
Additional information
Refer to the School-Based Assessments during remote learning page.