NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Requirements

The NSW Education Standards Authority has provided guidelines to schools to construct an assessment program for each school. These guidelines are available on the NSW Education Standards Authority website or on request from the appropriate Leader of Learning or Director of Studies.

Assessment is designed to measure aspects of the course that cannot be measured in a single written examination. It measures performance within the subject but does not measure attitude, conduct or interest. Assessment is also intended to take pressure off the final examination.

REPORTING AND ASSESSMENT – A STANDARDS REFERENCE

Students are measured against syllabus standards and performance standards based on the aims, outcomes and content of a course. Therefore in each HSC course the students will receive a report with the student’s mark aligned with the description of what the students know, understand and can do. These are called performance bands. The mark will be made up of the raw examination mark and the internally assessed, moderated assessment mark.

Following the HSC examinations students will receive:

• The HSC Testamur – if all requirements are met.

• A record of achievement – summary of results awarded in each course.

• A Course Report for each Board Developed Course – which shows the internal assessment mark, the external examination mark and the averaged HSC mark on a performance scale.

• VET Credentials.

PATTERNS OF STUDY AT ST PETER’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE

Students in Year 12 must attempt at least 10 units of study. This must include at least two units of English and at least one unit of Religious Education.

The overall requirements for the award of a Higher School Certificate are:

• Satisfactory completion of the Preliminary Course in each of your chosen subjects.

• Enrolment in at least 6 units from Board Developed courses.

• Enrolment in at least 3 courses of 2 units value or greater.

• Enrolment in a minimum of 4 subjects

Students wishing to be awarded an ATAR may include no more than one category B subject.

Changing Patterns of Study

Any student who wishes to alter their pattern of study must follow the correct procedure. Alterations to a pattern of study might include:

• Withdrawing from a subject

• Changing levels within a subject

• Changing subjects

• Enrolling in an Extension Course

The procedure involves the following steps:

• Discuss proposed alteration with parents and appropriate staff. This may involve the Subject Teacher, appropriate Leader of Learning, Director of Studies, Year Co-ordinator and Careers Co-ordinator.

• Bring a note from parent / guardian requesting the change take place

• Collect a Subject Change/Withdrawal form from the Director of Studies or download from the Compass portal under School Documentation.

• Consult with the appropriate Leader of Learning and Careers Co-ordinator and obtain signature from both

• Return form to Director of Studies for final verification.

Extension Courses

Students wishing to study a subject at the Extension level in Year 12 must meet the following guidelines:

• Students should be finishing in the top third of the 2 Unit course at the end of Year 11.

• Students must be prepared to attend Extension course classes outside of school hours.

• Students must have the initiative, motivation, and self-discipline and be able to work independently.

• Students should be aware that Extension course classes, like any other classes, cannot run if there are insufficient numbers.