Health test set for DSE students

Any Diploma of Secondary Education exam candidate who makes false claims on their health declaration form could see marks deducted or even be disqualified, Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority chief So Kwok-sang has warned.

That came as So reminded students not to force themselves to take the exam if they feel unwell, saying  they should fill in the form truthfully, including over signs of a respiratory tract infections and whether they are undergoing compulsory quarantine.

 “Body temperature is the most objective standard to determine whether the candidates can take the examination or not.”

He advised candidates to arrive earlier to the examination centers - at 7:50am - to submit their forms and conduct body temperature checks before the exam starts at 8:30am.

Based on Centre for Health Protection guidelines, candidates can still sit for exams even if they live with family members who are under quarantine.

Those unable to do so due to health reasons will have a grade ceiling of level 5 given based on school results and the results of schoolmates who take the exam.

So said a compromise with schools is possible amid concerns that some schools have not held internal exams due to the pandemic.

“If all candidates are not able to take the exam, we can make reference to the DSE results of the school in previous years to predict the performance of this year's candidates, with the highest grade obtainable remaining level 5**.”

Cancellation of the exams is a last resort among the three contingency plans proposed by the authority on Wednesday if the exams cannot go ahead on April 24.