This advice was first published 5 June 2009 and is republished today as a reminder for schools in light of more recent swine flu reports.

If HSC assessment tasks are disrupted due to swine flu related student or staff absences, schools should apply their existing policies and the Board's usual guidelines for illness and disruptions to school assessments.

The Board's policies on HSC assessment are in Section 8.13 of the Board's ACE Manual.

Depending on each student's circumstances and the nature of the task, the principal may decide that an extension of time is granted, or award a mark based on a substitute task.

If the principal is satisfied that suitable supervision is available, it may be possible for students to complete assessment tasks while they are away from school. In exceptional circumstances (eg where undertaking a substitute task is not feasible or reasonable) the principal may authorise an estimate based on other appropriate evidence.

Further advice is available in the Board's publication 'HSC assessment in a standards-referenced framework: a guide to best practice'.

When dealing with swine flu or any other case of serious illness or extended absence, it is important that schools have consistent procedures and apply them across all HSC courses. However, the school's assessment policy should also give the principal discretion to make rulings in special cases or exceptional circumstances.

If any changes are made to the school's published assessment program or to the arrangements for any particular task, this information must be communicated to all affected students with adequate notice of any variations.

The Board recommends that principals also keep parents informed of any changes to the HSC assessment arrangements in their schools.

If schools need specific advice about their assessment programs, they can contact their local Board of Studies Liaison Officer (or the Office of the Board of Studies by email at service@bos.nsw.edu.au or by phone on 9367 8371.

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