Computer

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:

1. the school provides an external storage device to the student
2. the student transfers their responses to the device and gives it to their supervisor
3. the supervisor and student (and an appropriate teacher if needed) take the device to a connected computer and print the responses
4. the student checks the printed file matches the digital file
5. once the student is satisfied the file matches, they hand it in so it is collected with all the other responses
6. the supervisor, computer coordinator or appropriate teacher will erase all saved exam responses from any device. 

• 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

• 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.