What if I am taking PSLE or O Level but have COVID-19?

 In recent weeks, COVID-19 has made a comeback in Singapore.

Schools are not spared. There are over 140 children below 18 who are infected in more than 50 schools. Among them are students waiting to take important exams such as PSLE.

With Oral Exams for both PSLE and O Level slanted for this month, parents of these students would no doubt be worried about their children's health. What if the children get infected with COVID-19. Can they still take the exams?

Fr MOE website. These are the guidelines.

Candidates will not be allowed to sit for the oral and listening comprehension examinations if they:

• have been tested positive for COVID-19,
• are placed on Quarantine Order (QO) or Stay Home Notice,
• are issued with Leave of Absence (LOA) due to close contact with confirmed case or as a result of staying in same household with individuals on QO,
• are on medical leave due to Acute Respiratory Infection, or
• are on Approved Absence, as a result of staying in same household with members (aged 6 and above) who have flu-like symptoms.

Special Considerations

What happens if you cannot sit for examinations?

In the event, if one cannot take the examinations. Candidates can apply for Special Considerations. As per MOE 

Special consideration is a well-established procedure which awards affected candidates with projected grades through an evidence-based and data-driven approach. SEAB will consider multiple sources of evidence, such as the candidate’s performance in the other papers for that affected subject in national and school-based examinations as well as the school cohort's performance in national and school-based exams, to ensure a fair assessment. All special consideration applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and subjected to a rigorous review process.

To apply, school candidates can submit relevant documents ( such as medical certificates to support their Special Consideration application to SEAB though their school or directly to SEAN if they are private candidates. All Special Considerations applications are to be submitted within 3 days after the last day of the examination.

Special Consideration for private candidates will be considered on a case-by case basis.

Good luck to the students taking exams this month!