In our current situation, we - the year 12 students of Arden - believe that doing online trials are an unfair and uncalled for decision by the executive staff.

We believe that, given the lack of notice, the unusual nature of the exams conducted online, and the issues that accompany doing compulsory exams online (notably the ability to cheat and unequal home environments of students, both unduly impacting students) make doing trial exams at the current time unsuitable. 

Further, we believe that maintaining formal exams, delivered in an online format, will create excessive stress for students, especially amongst increasing restrictions and uncertain futures. We hold that, considering the uncertainty of the HSC exams proper taking place this year, and the likely extension of the lockdown for the rest of our time at school, forcing students to study and memorise for Trials is unmerited. 

Besides this, we believe that Arden not following the lead of the majority of Schools around us, both public and private, in not 1) changing Trial exams into assignments or take home exams, 2) providing special provisions for ALL students to choose to have their internal marks moderated, or choosing to take online exams on their own accord, OR 3) Moderating the weighting of Trials to 10% or less, and increasing the weighting of previously completed assessments done under normal circumstances, is immensely unfair. 

As a student body, we understand the necessity of the school to examine students, in line with NESA requirements, as well as the desire of the school to help us the best they can. However, we do not believe that online trials are the only way to do this, and we do not think that doing these trials will truly help us.

Therefore, we implore Arden to reconsider their approach to these exams. Instead of online trials over Microsoft Teams, we call the Arden executive to pursue other means of assessing students. Hand in assignments, take home exams or cancellation of Assessment 4 completely are all acceptable methods of dealing with this issue. The most important thing is, that Arden needs to ensure whatever is done, is done in the best interests of students.