As VCE students return to face-to-face learning next week, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a new date for the commencement of VCE exams following an ease in restrictions.

Andrews took to social media last night, reaching out to VCE and VCAL students via video, to share the new dates for the exam timetable and the release of final results.

“I’ve got some big news for VCE and VCAL students. Because we’ve been able to resume face-to-face learning sooner than we’ve expected, we’ve now got an earlier date for exams and final results,” Andrews said.

Year 12 students will be sitting their final exams over a four-week period, commencing on Monday 9 November and concluding on Wednesday 2 December this year. Final results, including VCE student ATARs will be released by the end of the year.

A date for the General Achievement Test, which usually happens in the middle of the year, has also been set for Wednesday 9 September.

The typical exam period for VCE students in prior years would have resumed at the end of October and finished towards the end of November, with ATAR results released mid-December.

The news is welcomed by many students and teachers after fears that the class of 2020 would have to continue with classes and final exams leading into 2021. This would have then had an impact on tertiary education, with talks earlier in the year that the 2021 university timetable would be delayed.

With COVID-19 significantly disrupting the school year for all students, those in their final year of schooling have been impacted the most. The premier acknowledged the difficulties faced by students in his video and remains proud of the work each student has put into their studies whilst at home.

“Good luck, keep studying hard, give yourself every chance for the options you want for the future. And always know we are behind you every step of the way,” Andrews said.

Students have been asked to study at home since the end of March and have spent most of term 2 learning from home. Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 students will resume classes along with year 11 and 12 students on Tuesday 26 May, with all remaining students going back to school on Tuesday 9 June.

Photo: Exam by Alberto G found HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution.