HSC/Exam Special Considerations Assessment

Fair access.

Equal Opportunity.

Student success.

Our Occupational Therapists assess how handwriting difficulties, medical conditions, physical injuries and neurodevelopmental differences may affect a student’s ability to complete or participate in examinations. For some students, handwriting challenges prevent them from showcasing their knowledge in the subject, unfairly lowering their marks. We consider factors such as writing speed & endurance, legibility, fatigue, motor coordination, attention, sensory processing and information processing. 

Assessment findings can help identify appropriate adjustments, such as extra working time, rest breaks, a separate room, use of a computer or a scribe. Applications for these provisions require evidence demonstrating the impact of the condition on assessment performance.

Following assessment, a detailed report is provided to support applications for HSC or examination special provisions, with final approval determined by the relevant education authority.

Seeking assessment well before examinations allows adequate time for:

• Implementation of recommended strategies
• School-based support planning
• Collection of supporting evidence
• Application process for examinations provisions