Year 10, 11 and 12 students will sit at 27 exam centres around the state in more than 42 courses, with the first lots of exams scheduled on Monday.

Opposition Education spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne said communication from teachers and the union had shown there were about 30-40 less exam markers than were needed to cover the TCE period.

However the state government has hosed down suggestions the numbers are low, saying the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification had ensured there was a full contingent of markers for most courses.

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“The numbers of markers required to mark Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) exams varies from year to year depending on the number of students undertaking Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) accredited level three and level four courses,” Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said.

Ms O’Byrne said conversations she had with teachers and other staff had raised that some people had not received confirmation they had been allocated as markers and some people, who had not nominated, were being told they were needed.

However, Mr Rockliff said the numbers of marker applications for biology, health studies and physical sciences were still being received and would be finalised.

“Michelle O’Byrne’s annual senior secondary exam whinge, designed to unsettle students and their families at a critical time has started,” he said.

The TCE examination period for written exams will start on November 12 with food and nutrition, mathematics specialised, ancient history, outdoor leadership and computer science to finish on November 22.

Mr Rockliff said he wished all the hard-working students the best for their exams.

“I am sure many hours of preparation have been undertaken in recent weeks with the support of principals, teachers, family and friends,” he said.

“Senior secondary education is the beginning of an exciting future for students in the world of work, training or further study, and the success of our high school extensions is increasing retention and attainment by giving students increased choice as to where they complete Year 11 and 12.”

For those students who registered, results will be emailed on December 18, with hard copy results and certificates mailed on the same day.

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