What this provision does
This provision allows students to use a computer to access questions and/or communicate their answers.
Accessing (reading) exam questions
For example, students might use an electronic exam paper (PDF) that they can enlarge, or a screen reader such as JAWS and NVDA to read the questions aloud. See the Screen reader exam provision for more information on how this provision works.
Communicating responses
Students might type their responses or use eye gaze technology to communicate them.
We automatically approve small group supervision for all students using a computer, whether to access questions or communicate their answers. Supervisors will sit where they can see the screen, without intimidating or distracting the students.
Who this provision is for
Accessing (reading) exam questions
This provision is usually for students who have significant vision impairment. If we approve an electronic exam paper (PDF) or a screen reader, we will automatically approve a computer too.
Communicating responses
This provision is usually for students who:
- are permanently unable to write due to a condition or disability (such as severe vision disability or muscular dystrophy)
- qualify for a writer but have a relevant condition or disability that means they can’t communicate with a writer (such as cerebral palsy).
How it works on the day
This subsection is about communicating responses, not about accessing exam questions. If a student is approved to use a computer, we will provide more information about software and equipment in the approval letter.
To communicate their responses, most students will use the ExamWriter software. This software lets students add formulas and symbols to their answers. But it might not be suitable for some exams, such as mathematics and science exams.
Students using ExamWriter can use:
- a Windows or Mac desktop or laptop computer (not a Chromebook) provided by the school, with an internet connection
- a Windows or Mac BYOD computer (not a Chromebook, tablet or phone), with an internet connection
- a physical keyboard (wired or wireless)
- a pointing device for navigation, such as a mouse.
Schools should work with their students so that they can practise using the ExamWriter software before the HSC exam period. If the application is submitted on time and the provision is approved, students can start practising in Term 3.
In very few cases, we will allow students to use Microsoft Word for Windows or TextEdit for Macs. For example, we might allow this software for students who need to use eye gaze technology. These students can use a desktop or laptop computer provided by the school, which is cleared of any subject-related material and has no internet connection, and other related equipment.
Computers are set up by the schools before the exam starts. Students can’t access the computer before the exam.
Laptops should be fully charged, and all computers should be plugged in. The battery running out is not a reason for an illness or misadventure claim.
Students are not allowed to access any file or page other than their exams. Nor are they allowed to connect any external storage devices (such as a USB flash drive or memory card) to their computer, unless we have approved this.
ExamWriter has 20 pages. Students should go to a new page only when starting a new section of the exam or when the exam says to use a new writing booklet.
Students using software other than ExamWriter have to type their student number, centre number and exam name at the top of the response. These students also need to type the section number and question number before each response.
Multiple-choice questions
To set these out, put the question number on the far left of the page, followed by a full stop, followed by a short space, followed by the student's answer. For example:
A
C
B
Short answer questions
Set these out as needed, based on how the questions are organised. For example:
$32.50
64%
78 km
or
Q21
1. The Asian economic crisis
(i) diversification
(ii) development of new markets
The union movement
Essay questions
Put the question number before each response. Start a new page for each essay.
Language exams
Students can:
- type in English
- on a Mac, long press on a letter to see a choice of relevant accents
- on a PC, use the ALT shortcut numbers to insert accents.
Schools and students should check that ALT shortcuts work in Microsoft Word before a language exam. ALT shortcuts won’t work in ExamWriter if they don’t work in Word.
Students can’t type in a character-based language (such as Chinese or Japanese) where the keyboard gives the student character options or relevant words to choose from.
Students using ExamWriter don’t need to do anything. ExamWriter automatically submits exam responses when the exam ends.
Students using other software need to print their responses so they can be handed in with all the other students’ responses. There is no need to submit a digital copy. There are 2 ways to print the responses.
If the exam computer has a printer connected, the student can print the responses and hand them in at the end of the exam.
If the exam computer doesn’t have a printer connected, the process is:
- the school provides an external storage device to the student
- the student transfers their responses to the device and gives it to their supervisor
- the supervisor and student (and an appropriate teacher if needed) take the device to a connected computer and print the responses
- the student checks the printed file matches the digital file
- once the student is satisfied the file matches, they hand it in so it is collected with all the other responses
- the supervisor, computer coordinator or appropriate teacher will erase all saved exam responses from any device.
What supporting information is needed
Accessing (reading) exam questions
- NESA Vision form, usually including a diagnosis of a related condition or disability
- NESA Teacher Comments form
- Student declaration
- NESA Vision form, usually including a diagnosis of a related condition or disability
- NESA Teacher Comments form
- Student declaration
- NESA Medical form
- NESA Teacher Comments form
- Student declaration
Communicating responses
- NESA Medical form
- NESA Vision form
- Two writing samples that meet the criteria set out on the Writing Sample Information form unless handwriting causes severe pain or is physically impossible
- NESA Teacher Comments form
- Student declaration
Every student must submit either a Medical form or a Vision form. Some students may submit both if relevant.
- NESA Medical form
- NESA Vision form
- NESA Teacher Comments form
- Student declaration.
Every student must submit either a Medical form or a Vision form. Some students may submit both if relevant.
Where to find more information
Schools can find forms and templates for most types of supporting information through the Schools Online platform. They will print out the relevant forms and give them to students, parents or caregivers as needed.
If the types of supporting information that we listed above don’t seem relevant, please contact the Student Support team to discuss your circumstances. You can contact us on: