VCE exams begin for some students on October 3. While it’s a daunting time for many, there are strategies that can help students prepare and make it easier to get through each exam. This story is part of our series designed to help Victorian students do their best.
For former Aquinas College student Flynn Spencer, VCE preparation required more than just exam prep.
The 19-year-old is now studying a bachelor of science and hopes to be a herpetologist, but his VCE journey was different to his peers.
Flynn Spencer is studying a bachelor of science and wants to be a herpetologist.
Flynn had to apply for multiple special provisions for his exam to cater for his Tourette syndrome, anxiety, autism and dysgraphia, which is a difficulty with handwriting, spelling and written expression.
Across the education system, about 21 per cent of Victorian students need educational adjustment due to a disability.
For his 2021 VCE exams, Flynn received special provisions to bring anti-anxiety medication to his exam in case he felt he needed to use it. He was allowed rest breaks, extra time for maths and crunchy snacks – like carrots, cucumbers and chewing gum – which helped regulate his anxiety.
He did the exam in a separate room to accommodate his Tourette syndrome and was allowed to use his computer due to his dysgraphia.
Flynn encourages students to get started on applying for disability provisions early.
“Don’t delay. It’s helpful to have a good team around you and have lots of evidence around you to support why you need provisions,” he says.
Flynn started on his exam plan in year 9, and worked with the educational support services at his school and his therapy team – including an occupational therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist – to trial provisions and figure out what would help him most.
He says it’s also important for students not to compare themselves to others and focus on what they want to achieve.
Key dates:
October 3-30: Languages examination oral component, Auslan interpretative sign examination, performance examinations, including music and dance
October 12: Language exams begin
October 26: English exam and other written exams begin
November 16: Last exam is taken
“Aim for your own personal goal. If you want to get into a degree that has an ATAR of 75, focus on getting around there, or a little higher. If you don’t get as high as you possibly can, don’t stress about it,” he says.
“There are bridging courses you can use … it’s not the end of the world if your ATAR isn’t what you wanted.”
Flynn’s top VCE tips
- Show up to your exams early, even an hour early. You can study while waiting but also avoid any extra stress about being late.
- Pack the night before. Include a water bottle, which is good for clearing your throat and your thoughts.
- Do some activities to de-stress, such as art therapy, drawing or yoga, or increase the amount of exercise you do.
- Make a list of what you need for each exam, both in terms of a study schedule and things to take.
- Eat a substantial meal packed with protein on the morning of the exam.
- “The final tip I would have, once you’ve finished all your exams, is to celebrate. Even before the results come out,” he says.
Completing VCE with a disability or under difficult circumstances
If a student has an acute or chronic illness, suffers personal trauma or injury, or has an impairment or disability, including a learning disorder, they may be eligible for special provisions.
Having a disability or illness does not mean a student will automatically get a special exam arrangement. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) considers each application.
There are two types of provisions in exams: special exam arrangements and a derived exam score. They are granted by the VCAA but normally applied for through the student’s school and endorsed by the principal. If you think you may be eligible, ask your school first.
Special exam arrangements
A special exam arrangement may allow a student to do their exam in a different venue, such as a hospital, have rest breaks, get extra working time, use a computer or assistive technology, use a separate room if a scribe, reader or clarifier is needed, have an AUSLAN interpreter, or have an exam paper in a different format, such as enlarged print.
Derived examination scores
If a student is ill or has a personal circumstance such as an injury or personal trauma that affects their ability during a VCE exam, a derived examination score can be calculated by the VCAA when it’s clear the result is not a fair representation of their learning.
For long-term illness or other ongoing conditions that mean students are not coping with VCE, students can apply for compassionate late withdrawal or interrupted studies status.
The closing date for submitting an application for each VCE exam is at the end of each student’s individual exam timetable.
For more information, contact VCAA on 1800 205 455 or via the special provision section of the VCAA website.
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