Dr Lynn Joffe

Eliah Dean

Disability Provisions (DPs) for the Higher School Certificate Examinations (HSC) – application process for 2018/2019

As detailed at the Year 12 information evening, some students might be eligible to apply for Disability Provisions (DPs) for their HSC examinations, on the basis of a medical, social, emotional, academic or physical issue that places a student at a disadvantage relative to the cohort of all HSC students in NSW. This information is submitted to an external panel of experts, nominated by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA), who determine whether there are grounds for such provisions to be applied.

The application process is detailed and often lengthy and requires commitment and adherence to the information requirements, evidence and time parameters outlined by the School and by NESA.

As part of the process, literacy, other testing and essay writing are likely to be required, as results of these are part of NESA’s application requirements. Sessions will be timetabled for these and all students are expected to attend at the allocated times. Early leave or other meetings are not considered grounds for missing such sessions.

As is appropriate, teachers also play an important role in providing information about applicants. It is in students’ interests to ensure that all their teachers are aware of any issues that are likely to impact school performance; in the classroom, in the school as a whole and in examination and assessment settings.

The application process and related matters are managed by the Specialist Learning Centre (SLC) staff. Any student who believes that she/he has grounds to submit an application must make an appointment to speak with Mr Dean or Dr Joffe, by Wednesday 7 November. Delays in making appointments and providing essential information will lead to delays in processing applications.

If you think you/your child/your ward is eligible to apply for Disability Provisions and you have not already done so, please contact Mr Eliah Dean or Dr Lynn Joffe by Wednesday 7 November to discuss the grounds on which you feel an application is warranted.