ATAR course practical exams 2017

A word from Jenny Morup, Manager – Examination Logistics

The 2017 ATAR course exams are just around the corner, starting with the practical examinations. Practical examinations can take a number of forms and for our ATAR courses they can be a performance, an interview, portfolio or production. If you have a practical examination coming up, your preparation should be well under way. Here are some reminders and points to consider.

About dates and times

The date and time for your practical examination cannot be changed.

The time for your practical performance or interview is given on your Personalised practical examination timetable. You must attend the examination for the time given. You will not be admitted to the examination, if you arrive after your scheduled examination time.

You must take your signed Personalised practical examination timetable and identification, e.g. a library card with you to each practical examination. If you need a new copy of your timetable, you can download a copy from the student portal at https://www.wace.wa.edu.au.

Your teachers would have advised you when your portfolio and/or production submission are due. Teachers must ensure all of the school’s submissions are delivered to School Curriculum and Standards by Wednesday, 20 September.

Useful information

The Year 12 Information Handbook 2017 provides an overview of the requirements of the practical examination for each course. You will find the handbook at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/further-resources/year-12-information.

Each course with a practical examination component has a set of practical examination requirements. These are available under the Examination Materials accordion on the relevant course pages on our website at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials. It is essential that you read the information given for specific courses and follow those instructions.

Avoiding breaches of examination rules

In 2016, there were 75 breaches of examination rules which resulted in loss of examination marks. Most of these breaches could have been avoided had students read and followed instructions. Make sure you know the requirements for your practical examination.

Portfolio and production submissions

Ensure that you complete all forms accurately and completely. Check that you have included all the components required for the submission. Also take care to follow any safety requirements.

Check that your name and school are not included on the materials you are submitting.

Performance and oral examinations

Follow the rules about mobile technologies, and communication with other candidates. When you finish your performance or interview, leave the examination area. It is a requirement that you do not share information with other candidates about the exam. This includes on social media.

You must not wear or carry anything that can identify you, your school or your achievements.

Completing the examination

By now you are aware that you must complete the examination in order to complete the course. For courses with a practical component, this includes the practical as well as the written examination. If you do not complete the practical, you will not have completed the course and it will not count towards your completion of the WACE requirements, nor will it appear on your WASSA.

Sickness and misadventure

If you are unwell or experience a misadventure close to, or during the examinations, you may make a sickness or misadventure application. Sickness/misadventure applications are assessed by a panel that includes a medical practitioner.

Should you need to apply for consideration because of sickness/misadventure, check the information available in the Year 12 Information Handbook 2017 and on the Authority website carefully.

Further information

Page 5 of the Year 12 Information Handbook 2017 lists some places to find more detailed information. There is an email address for examination queries – exams@scsa.wa.edu.au and a Facebook page for students at https://facebook.com/SCSAWA.

We wish you all the best with your practicals.

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