Hamilton public school board cancels final exams for high school students

The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board is cancelling final exams for all secondary students this school year.

The decision was announced Tuesday evening. The board says it was based on feedback from families, students and staff.

Student grades will be based on activities and assignments throughout the semester and final activities that demonstrate overall learning.

The board says it’s up to teachers to decide which activities best allow students to show what they’ve learned.

Exam days will be used to provide additional opportunities for students to complete assignments.

Students at Sir Allan MacNab say exams being cancelled stresses them out. It means their assignments are worth more. Others say they enjoy assignments. @CHCHNews @morninglive #HamOnt #HWDSB pic.twitter.com/fIqncf9QJu

— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) November 18, 2020

This change applies to both semesters of the 2020-2021 school year.

The 40-hour community involvement graduation credit has been reduced to 20 hours.

Grade 9 students will still take the EQAO math test this year.

EQAO is testing a new format and the results won’t be used as part of a student’s final grade unless the student and teacher agree.

The grade 10 literacy test will be completed in spring 2021.