The Samoa School Leaving Certificate (S.L.C.) sat by Year 13 students is set to continue despite the disruptions brought by the measles epidemic.

But Year 12 Samoa School Certificate (S.S.C.) examinations are now officially cancelled, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture has confirmed. 

A public notice on Friday informed parents, teachers and students of the changes.

"The rest of the 2019 [Samoa School Certificiate (S.S.C.)] exams are now cancelled," the notice reads.

"The remaining 2019 Year 13 Samoa School Leaving Certificate will begin on Tuesday 17th December-Friday 20th 2019."

The new timetable for the nine remaining exams was included,

The subjects affected are: Gagana Samoa, Agriculture, Development Studies, Mathematics, Health and PE, Geography, Food and Textile Technology, Physics and Music.

Students who are unable to sit exams are expected to provide evidence as to why they cannot.

"All students who are unable to sit an exam on the day, or throughout the duration of the exams due to measles must submit a certified medical certificate to the Principal as soon as possible," the statement reads.

"All students who are overseas must submit copies of their travelling documents to the Ministry as soon as possible."

The continuation of the national college examination comes a day after the National University of Samoa announced the continuation of their exams as well, starting on Monday, December 16.

On Thursday, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, said the state of emergency order in Samoa in response to the measles epidemic is likely to be lifted 30 days after its proclamation.

This means the current emergency orders expire on Monday, December 16.

Tuilaepa said the final decision on whether to lift the state of emergency will be made following an input from doctors at hospitals in the country.