6.3.1 Schools
Schools are responsible for administering assessment within the requirements of the relevant syllabus and meeting quality assurance processes for all subjects and Short Courses.
Schools consider what access arrangements or adjustments to assessment conditions are reasonable in the context of an eligible student’s disability, medical condition or circumstances. AARA are considered for all of a student’s enrolled subjects and may vary by subject depending on syllabus assessment requirements.
Under the DSE, there must be consultation with the student and/or parents/carers before an adjustment is made. Schools may also work in partnership with medical practitioners and/or other stakeholders, where possible and relevant, to make educational adjustments that allow students to participate in assessment on the same basis as other students. The principal or principal’s delegate may appoint a suitable school staff member who is familiar with the student, or a team that can consult those most familiar with the student, to manage AARA applications.
The principal is responsible for AARA reporting and approving processes outlined in Section 6.4.
For summative internal and external assessment, when a student is enrolled with more than one learning provider, the MLP is responsible for submitting the application for AARA on behalf of the student. The MLP must communicate the QCAA’s decision, and any relevant information, to any other learning providers or venues, who then enact the AARA for assessment. Learning providers should work collaboratively with MLPs. For information about MLPs, see Section 13.1.2: Using the QCAA Portal. Where students do not have an MLP that is a school they should contact the QCAA for application details.
For more information about AARA, schools may email aara@qcaa.qld.edu.au.
6.3.2 QCAA
The QCAA sets and amends the directions for assessment under its powers and functions listed in the QCAA Act and QCAA Regulation. The QCAA is authorised to approve AARA for summative internal and external assessment.
The QCAA:
- supports schools, students and parents/carers in understanding AARA principles, eligibility and the AARA application process
- consults with relevant school staff about student AARA applications
- monitors notifications of principal-reported AARA from schools
- determines QCAA-approved AARA and notifies schools of decisions in the QCAA Portal
