2023 HSC Key Information

THE YEAR 12 CURRICULUM AT O’CONNOR


Successful completion of the Year 11 course enables students to progress to their final year of Stage 6 study. These twelve months will be challenging and demanding as learning success will depend on a sustained commitment at school over this whole period.


As the Higher School Certificate is the highest secondary school credential in NSW, students may depend on their results to access tertiary and/or vocational studies at universities or TAFE, or to gain rewarding employment in the workforce.


Important differences to the Year 11 Course are:


  • Students must complete a minimum of ten NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) units.


  • The syllabi in all NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) developed courses, (except VET Framework ones), mandate internal assessment components, weightings and task types.


  • Internal assessment will contribute to 50% of the final HSC mark.


  • External exams (which include major works in some subjects) will contribute the other 50% of the marks.


This website provides essential information about the nature of assessment at the College and includes individual subject schedules, rules and procedures and a list of subject teachers and coordinators. Throughout the year, students will be given specific task details, feedback and progress reports which will allow them to monitor their results and achievements

Success in the final year

Satisfactory Course Completion

Students must successfully complete a minimum of 10 units of NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) courses in order to qualify for the HSC credential. Because it is a state-wide, external educational award, rules and procedures set by the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) must be adhered to.


These rules are contained in the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) Assessment and certification Manual (ACE) available at the College or on the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) website.


Satisfactory Completion


Students MUST provide sufficient evidence that they have:


  • Followed the course developed or endorsed by the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA);


  • Applied themselves with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the course by the school;


  • Achieved some or all of the outcomes.


Non-Completion


If a student appears to be at risk of not meeting the above requirements, a formal warning must be given, and parents/guardians must be advised if students are below 18 years of age.


The formal warning letter clearly indicates the nature of the problem and the specific steps needed to remedy this situation, including a timeframe in which this process needs to be completed.


If the first warning letter is not effective, a further warning letter will be sent. A student who fails to respond positively to the second warning can be issued with an “N” Determination by the Principal at the end of the HSC course.

Students who have received an “N” determination have a right of appeal, which must be made to the College in the first instance. A further appeal to the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) is available to students and details of this process are set out in the ACE Manual.

Success is based on knowing what to do and when to do it.

Below are links to all the things you need to know in order to be successful in the final chapter of this part of your learning experience here at O'Connor. When in doubt, ask. You have a huge team of helpful adults who want you to be successful, self motivated and goal orientated.

2023 HSC Information Night Presentation - PDF

2022_2023 Year 12 Information Parent Night .pdf