Ms Celeste O'Callaghan:

I thank the committee for the invitation to attend. I am principal officer in the curriculum and assessment policy unit of the Department of Education and Youth, and my remit includes responsibility for matters relating to the State examinations. The Department's role here is a broad one of policy oversight, as distinct from the State Examinations Commission's operational responsibility for the development and delivery of the State examinations.

The accommodations provided under the scheme of reasonable accommodations at certificate examinations, more generally known as the RACE scheme, are an important part of the SEC's operational remit.

From a policy perspective, the Department is very conscious of the importance of the RACE scheme in facilitating fair and equal access to the State examinations for all candidates who, without such a scheme, would have difficulty in accessing the examinations or communicating what they know because of a visual or hearing difficulty, a learning difficulty or a physical difficulty.

The programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations. In that regard, the SEC is undertaking a comprehensive review of the RACE scheme, in which these issues are encompassed. An enhancement to the scheme was already seen in the 2025 examinations. The Department welcomes the SEC's focus on ensuring that there is extensive consultation and engagement with all of the relevant stakeholders in that review.

I understand that my colleagues in the SEC will set out in their opening statement further detail on the RACE scheme, the different accommodations in place for students, including those with dyslexia, and the current review.

I am happy to respond to any questions the committee may have.