Universities say students should be reassured that special allowances will be made for this year’s graduating cohort.
Year 12 students have reported rising anxiety as they prepare to graduate under unprecedented circumstances.
The National Cabinet is looking at a range of options, including an extension to the academic year, delaying exams, scrapping some assessments and giving teachers more input into ATAR scores.
The peak body for the university sector, Universities Australia, says unis will use a range of methods to assess students for admission.
“It’s not in anyone’s interest – neither the students, their parents, the schools or universities – to stop students from moving on,” chief executive Catriona Jackson said in a statement this afternoon.
“Australia needs as many of our year 12s as possible to get a university education so they can contribute to Australia’s economic recovery as our future skilled workers, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators.”
Universities will consider year 11 work as well as year 12, and can even consider extracurricular work.
“Where appropriate, universities use aptitude tests,” Ms Jackson said.
“All universities offer a variety of bridging, foundation and enabling courses to prepare students for university, providing another pathway.”
“Also, universities will offer catch-up sessions where needed.”
We’re expecting to hear from the national Education Council meeting about today’s discussions shortly.
Reporting by education and parenting reporter Conor Duffy