News

Education | July 23, 2021

Advocacy secures crucial support for VCE, VET and VCAL students

Advocacy from Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and her Liberal Nationals colleagues has seen the state government agree to enact special consideration measures for VCE, VET and VCAL students impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns.

After strong lobbying and support from students and educators across the Lowan region, the government today announced that the Consideration of Educational Disadvantage would be applied automatically to all VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3-4 sequences in 2021 – as it was in 2020 – to make sure the disrupted school year does not unfairly impact student results.

VCAL students will be able to apply individually for special consideration.

The General Achievement Test that was due to take place next week has also been rescheduled, to August 12.

Ms Kealy said these changes would take a great deal of pressure off students, their families and educators.

“While I firmly believe that schools should be open in areas with no COVID cases, this announcement will offer some relief for students, who have been feeling increasingly stressed about another year of interrupted learning and the impact this would have on their learning outcomes,” she said.

“I thank all the educators who contacted me to support my advocacy for special consideration measures to be introduced, and thank them for the enormous amount of work they are doing to navigate ever-changing restrictions while minimising disruption for their students.

“I also want to acknowledge the parents and carers who are supporting these students during another tough year.

“Finally I would like to extend my thoughts and very best wishes to all students completing VCE, VET and VCAL this year – our community is behind you and we are proud of you.”