Easy-SP-student-can-and-cant-tables - Students Can and Cannot during approved VCAA VCE Special Provisions

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang

A practical reference table describing what students are permitted and prohibited from doing during approved VCAA VCE Special Provisions. The material covers rest break rules, extra working time eligibility and evidence requirements, small group and individual separate room arrangements, group computer room use, assistive technology permissions, and reader support limits. Each section contrasts allowed actions against prohibited behaviors and specifies conditions such as VCAA approval, documented functional impact, and compliance constraints.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Rest Break Rules

Extra Working Time

Small Group Setting

Separate Rooms for Individual Students

Group Computer Rooms

Use of Computers, Tablets & Assistive Technology

Readers—Can / Cannot Table

What Students can and cannot do during approved VCAA VCE Special Provisions, based [on VCAA](on VCAA vcaa.vic.edu.au)[ ](on VCAA vcaa.vic.edu.au)[vcaa.vic.edu.au](on VCAA vcaa.vic.edu.au). 􀃋 Rest Break Rules | Students CAN | Students CANNOT | | --- | --- | | Decide when to take their rest breaks | Leave their table during a rest break ( unless VCAA-approved or emergency) | | Choose how long each break is (within their total allocation) | Leave the examination room (same conditions as above) | | Take rest breaks at any time, including reading time | Read or write during a rest break | | Use the break to relax, refocus, or use coping strategies | Access exam questions or their responses during the
break | | Receive full reading + writing time in addition to rest break time | Exceed the rest break allocation on their Advice Slip | | Have the supervisor record start/end times on the log sheet | Keep papers face-up (papers must be turned face-down) | ⏱ Extra Working Time | Students CAN | Students CANNOT | | --- | --- | | Receive extra working time if approved by the VCAA based on strong evidence of significant executive or cognitive impairment | Receive extra working time solely because they have a mental health condition without evidence of significant functional impact | | Have their school submit evidence such as academic decline, school observations, previous unsuccessful trials of rest breaks, or psychological testing | Expect extra working time to be approved
without detailed school-based evidence and a health professional statement | | Use extra working time to complete responses once formally granted | Use extra working time as a substitute for rest breaks when rest breaks would be more appropriate | | Have their school consult the VCAA Special Provision team before applying | Assume extra working time will be approved automatically or quickly | 􀁓 Small Group Setting | Students CAN | Students CANNOT | | --- | --- | | Sit their VCE external assessment in a room with a
reduced number of students | Choose the exact number of students in the group (this is determined by the school/VCAA) | | Use the quieter, less stimulating environment to support concentration and reduce anxiety | Expect a completely silent or individual room unless separately approved | | Be placed in a small group setting when their condition (e.g., anxiety, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders) warrants it | Assume a small group setting will be approved without evidence of functional impact | | Combine a small group setting with other approved provisions (e.g., rest breaks, permission to leave the room) | Use the small group setting to access additional unapproved supports | 􀃰 Separate Rooms for Individual Students | Students CAN | Students CANNOT | | --- | --- | | Sit their VCE external assessment alone in a separate room when their condition requires minimal distraction, privacy, or reduced sensory input | Assume they will receive an individual room without evidence of functional impact | | Be approved for a separate room when symptoms (e.g., anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders) significantly affect performance in a group setting | Use the separate room to access unapproved supports or advantages | | Combine a separate room with other approved provisions (e.g., rest breaks, permission to leave the room) | Request a separate room simply for comfort or preference without documented need | 􀁝 Group Computer Rooms | Students CAN | Students CANNOT | | --- | --- | | Use a computer in a supervised group computer room when this arrangement is approved by the VCAA | Access unapproved software, tools, predictive text, spell-check, or internet functions | | Complete their exam using the approved computer setup provided by the school | Bring or use their own device unless specifically approved | | Students CAN | Students CANNOT | | --- | --- | | Combine the group computer room wit

FAQs

What can students do during approved rest breaks?

Students can decide when to take rest breaks, choose break length within total allocation, and relax or use coping strategies. They may not read or write during a rest break, access questions or responses, exceed allocated time on the Advice Slip, or keep papers face-up.

When can students receive extra working time under VCAA VCE Special Provisions?

Extra working time can be approved when there is strong evidence of significant executive or cognitive impairment, supported by school evidence or psychological testing. It is not approved solely for a mental health condition without significant functional impact, nor without detailed evidence and a health professional statement.

What are the main restrictions for using group computer rooms and assistive technology?

Students can use a supervised group computer room and approved devices only for approved functions under VCAA approval, with supervisors ensuring compliance and security. They cannot access unapproved software or features like internet or predictive text, bring or use their own device unless specifically approved, or modify settings/install programs without approval.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang