Highlights
- There are approximately a million school-going kids in Victoria
- Victoria will introduce remote learning for school children
- Kids of essential services workers will be able to attend school
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for the Coordination of Education and Training – COVID-19 James Merlino on Tuesday announced most Victorian students will be educated from home when Term 2 starts next week.
Based on the advice of Chief Health Officer, the Premier announced all Victorian government primary, secondary and special schools will move to remote and flexible learning and teaching from April 15, 2020.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “We’ve done the work and planning so we’re ready to make the move to remote and flexible learning.”
“As we act to slow the spread of coronavirus, the message to students and parents of government schools is clear: all children who can learn at home must learn from home – with exceptions only in extremely limited circumstances.”
The government has clarified that schools will be open for children of essential workers who cannot stay home.
"On-site learning will only be available for children whose parents can’t work from home and vulnerable students without access to a suitable learning environment at home.
“Small groups of VCE and VCAL students can also attend on-site for short periods if their learning requirements cannot be conducted at home," he said.
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What about those preparing for VCE and VCAL?
VCE students will still receive an ATAR score, but there will be a number of changes to the academic timetable for VCE and VCAL students:
- The GAT test will move from June to October or November
- End of year exams will be postponed until at least December
- School-based assessment tasks will be reduced where possible to relieve some pressure on students as they move to remote and flexible learning arrangements
- Universities will be asked to delay the start of the 2021 university year to account for impacts of coronavirus on senior secondary students.
VCE study scores will continue to be a combination of school-based assessment and external exams. VCAL students will have more time to complete their courses and this will be consistent with the revised dates for the VCE.
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is also examining a compressed end-of-year exam schedule – including slightly shortening each exam – in recognition of the disruption caused by the pandemic.
'A small number of students undertaking VET may have the award of their VCE or VCAL delayed until the beginning of 2021 so they can complete mandatory practical or workplace learning requirements – ensuring that they are not disadvantaged by the lack of hands-on practice while we fight this pandemic,' the state government said.
In Victoria, most students are learning from home. Source: Getty Images
What resources are available for children to learn from home?
The Government will loan more than 6,000 laptops and tablets to students who don’t have access to digital technologies.
Schools will also distribute other classroom devices as required to ensure all students who do not have access to a laptop or tablet at home will be provided one.
‘Internet access should not determine a child’s access to education – so we will deliver free SIM cards or dongles to thousands of students at government schools who need them the most.
‘This includes an agreement with Telstra to provide 4000 SIM cards for government primary and secondary school students. The Government has also purchased an extra 1000 SIM-enabled dongle devices.
‘Priority for the SIM cards and dongles will be given to senior secondary students, students in bushfire affected areas, and families who cannot afford an internet connection at home,’ the state government announced.
“Every student will get the support they need, whether they are learning at home or attending school on-site. We will provide a device to every child that needs one and provide thousands more with free internet,” Minister for the Coordination of Education and Training – COVID-19 James Merlino said.
Parents prepare to set up homeschooling for children
Many parents in Victoria say they have received communication in regard to remote learning from their school.
“My kids’ school have sent us the details which include online learning tools like Reading Eggs, Mathletics, Google classroom and have also sent us a schedule for kids to follow,” Neha Thakur Luthra told SBS Hindi.
Ms Thakur Luthra’s kids will continue to stay home and learn through remote learning.
She is happy the state government has decided to move lessons online.
“This was much needed. I am happy the schools have been able to respond and work out a solution so quickly. Kids will be able to continue studying at home and schools will remain open for kids who cannot study at home,” she said.
Has COVID-19 outbreak affected you adversely? Share your story with us
Victorian government schools will recommence on Tuesday 14 April with a pupil-free day, with students to begin classes on Wednesday 15 April.
These new arrangements will remain in place for the duration of Term 2 and will then be reviewed.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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