The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is the credential awarded by NESA at the end of Year 12. It recognises the successful completion of Stage 6 courses and includes both school‑based assessment and external HSC examinations. 

To be eligible for the HSC, students must complete:

• 12 units in Year 11 (Preliminary)

• At least 10 units in Year 12 (HSC)

These must include:

• 2 units of English (mandatory)

• At least 6 units of Board Developed Courses

• At least 3 courses of 2 units or greater

• No more than 6 units of Science in Year 11

Most HSC courses include an external exam. Some courses (e.g., VET, Life Skills, some Content Endorsed Courses) may not have a written exam but have other requirements such as competency assessments or major works. 

Your HSC mark is made up of:

• 50% school‑based assessment

• 50% external HSC exam

These are combined and moderated by NESA to produce your final HSC result.

Your HSC mark is made up of:

• 50% school‑based assessment

• 50% external HSC exam

These are combined and moderated by NESA to produce your final HSC result.

No. Only ATAR‑eligible Board Developed Courses can contribute. VET courses may contribute if they include an exam. Life Skills courses do not count toward an ATAR. 

If you are sick or experience misadventure:

• You must submit a NESA illness/misadventure application

• Provide documentation (e.g., medical certificate)

• NESA may award an estimated mark

Missing an exam without valid reason results in zero.

• Provide a medical certificate or valid documentation

• Follow the school’s assessment policy

• You may be given an alternative task or an estimate

Missing a task without valid reason usually results in a zero mark.

Yes — attendance is critical.

Poor attendance can lead to:

• N‑determination warnings

• Non‑completion of a course

• Ineligibility for the HSC

Students must attend regularly and meet all course requirements.

An N‑determination means a student has not met course completion requirements.

If this occurs, the student:

• Does not receive a result for that course

• May become ineligible for the HSC

Warnings are issued before an N‑determination is applied.

Yes. Once the Preliminary (Year 11) course is completed, students may reduce to 10 units for Year 12. Subject changes must be approved by the school and meet NESA requirements. 

Students who leave during Year 11 or 12 receive a Transcript of Study showing completed Stage 6 courses.

They do not receive a RoSA after Year 10.

Life Skills courses are NESA‑developed courses designed for students with disability who require a highly adjusted curriculum.

Students can speak with:

• Their Year Adviser

• Deputy Principal

• Head Teachers

• Classroom teachers

• The Careers Adviser