Stage 6 Courses

These courses are developed and written by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).  These subjects may be used to count towards Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). There is a syllabus for each course which contains: 

The course objectives, structure, content and outcomes. 

• Specific course requirements

• Assessment requirements

• Sample examination papers and marking guidelines. 

• A performance scale (except for VET courses). 

Each Board Developed Course  is examined externally at the end of the HSC course.

These courses have subject syllabuses that are accredited by NESA however are not written by NESA.  They are known either as Content Endorsed Courses (CEC) or School Developed Courses (SDC) and may be used to count towards HSC accreditation however are not included in ATAR calculations.

What is VET?

VET courses provide authentic, applied learning that is practical and work-based and helps students prepare for their transition to post-school work and further study. These courses give dual accreditation for the HSC as well as Nationally Recognised Training Qualifications recognised throughout Australia.

Choosing to study a VET course and working towards a qualification while still at school can enable you to acquire workplace skills in a number of careers and industries. It is important to note that work placement is a mandatory component of VET courses. This enables you to apply your classroom learning and further develop your skills in a workplace context.

Do VET Courses count for the HSC?

All VET courses give credit for the HSC, additionally many VET courses offer a HSC examination and can contribute to your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) score that can count towards university entrance in all degrees. Therefore, by studying a VET course you can receive your HSC plus a Qualification.

What can I gain by doing a VET Course?

● Nationally recognised qualifications, at a Certificate I, Certificate II or Certificate III level

● Credit towards the Higher School Certificate

● Experience in the workplace

● Industry - specific technical skills that lead directly to employment or further study

● Employability skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management and learning and technology skills.

VET Course Expectations

1. As with other areas of study, you are expected to work hard to develop and achieve the knowledge and skills of the course.

2. The focus of VET Courses is on working in industry, therefore your behaviour must be to an industry standard, reliable and responsible both whilst at school and in the workplace.

3. You must dress according to your course requirements and observe all Workplace Health and Safety aspects of your course.

4. To attend work placement mandatory hours (70) during your course.

Courses

VET courses offered at St John’s are available in a variety of industries such as:

● Business Services

● Construction

● Fitness

● Hospitality - Food and Beverage

● Outdoor Recreation

VET courses may be studied within your school (with the CEO as your RTO), or externally through TAFE or a private provider – this is referred to as E-VET. Further information and a summary of E-VET courses offered at TAFE institutes is available from the VET Coordinator. More information on the actual content and vocational outcomes of all the VET courses offered can be found in this Subject Selection Handbook. It is important to note that E-VET course fees are set by the provider and will be additional to your school fees and non refundable.

It is also possible for students to complete part-time traineeships or School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) while at school. These involve the study of relevant VET courses and paid part-time work in the industry. If you would like more information about these, speak to the Transition and Pathways Specialist or VET Coordinator.

How will I be assessed in my VET course?

All VET courses are competency-based courses. This means your assessment is based on your ability to demonstrate course competencies. Your performance is assessed against performance criteria for each element of competency in the course. You will be assessed as either competent or not yet competent. If you are judged as not yet competent then you should be given other opportunities to demonstrate competence. Your teacher will give you feedback regarding all assessments.

For some VET Courses you may be required to wear a uniform or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for part or all of your classes. Your teacher will be able to give more information about uniform and safety equipment for your particular VET Course. VET courses attract fees, in addition to your normal school fees.

Most subjects are divided into two parts – Year 11 and Year 12. Those courses designated as Year 11 must be successfully studied before the HSC part of that course may be attempted. All courses offered have a unit value.

Most courses are 2 unit courses, involving at least 240 hours of study Year 11 and Year 12. There are extension courses in some subjects. In English and Mathematics there are extension courses available at Year 11 and Year 12 levels.

The Stage 6 (Year 11 and 12) Special Program of Study extends the curriculum to cater for the needs of all students.   In general, the Stage 6 Special Program of Study is for students who have been in the Multi Categorical Support Class in Stage 5. However, access to Stage 6 Special Program of Study can be offered to students who have attempted regular syllabuses for the RoSA and have experienced significant difficulty.

This pattern of study is largely prescribed to meet post school transitioning goals.