VCAA guidelines stipulate that schools may approve Special Provisions and arrangements for both classroom learning and school-based assessments. Swinburne SSC students may be eligible for Special Provision due to a range of circumstances. Please note, the Wellbeing Team can exercise full discretion as to whether or not to grant Special Provision and as to what conditions to impose on the Special Provision if granted.
Last day for submission for Semester 1:
Friday 31 March 2023 Last day for submission for Semester 2: Friday 18 August 2023
What is special provision:
Special provisions are granted for ongoing conditions. They are
modifications to standard school expectations that you have identified to be necessary for your client to manage their individual academic needs.
Special provisions at Swinburne Senior Secondary can include the following:
● Attendance requirement adjustments (see below)
● Coursework changes (i.e. substituted tasks and/or modifications)
● Rest breaks during SACs (i.e. 5 minutes per 55 minutes of class time)
● Rest breaks during classes (i.e. 5 minutes per 55 minutes of class time)
● Access to a mobile phone (refer to Step 3)
● Other arrangements as may be deemed necessary
NB: Special provisions are granted as a ‘safety net’ for a student. When a student wishes to utilise their special provisions they must request this from their teacher in advance.
What Special Provision is Not:
● Extensions for sitting of SACs/SATs.
● Special Exam Arrangements (SEA). Please contact the College Coordinator for further information.
Special Provisions – Redemption and Attendance Policy :
Redemption Policy
● Special provision allows students up to 12 periods of absence (6 doubles) per subject per semester to manage their wellbeing circumstances without the requirement to redeem classes.
● Once a student misses more than 12 periods, they must start redeeming their classes.
● An absence note entered by a parent on Compass does not reduce the requirement for redemption nor does it increase the attendance allowance (see below). Absences due to illness or other medical issues are counted within the attendance allowance.
Attendance Policy
● A Special Provision student who misses more than 20 periods in any subject per semester (equivalent to 5 weeks of schooling) will be withdrawn from the subject. This will take place even if a student has completed any or all redemption. This is because redemption relates to classes missed and NOT attendance.
● In these circumstances the school will then work with the student and their family to support them to complete their VCE over 3 or more years, and/or explore alternative pathways.