Stage 6 refers to Years 11 and 12. These two years make up the senior phase of schooling where students begin working toward the Higher School Certificate (HSC). 

Students must study a minimum of 12 units in the Preliminary (Year 11) course.

Most students study:

• English (mandatory)

• Plus a combination of other Board Developed or Board Endorsed courses

Year 11 results do not appear on the HSC credential. However, you must successfully complete all Year 11 courses to progress to the HSC (Year 12) courses. s

To complete a Year 11 course, students must:

• Follow the course developed by NESA

• Apply themselves with diligence and sustained effort

• Meet attendance requirements

• Complete all assessment tasks

• Demonstrate achievement of course outcomes

Failure to meet these requirements may lead to an N‑determination warning.

An N‑determination warning is issued when a student is at risk of not meeting course completion requirements.

This may be due to:

• Poor attendance

• Not submitting assessment tasks

• Lack of participation

• Not meeting course outcomes

If concerns continue, the student may not be eligible to receive a result for that course.

If you miss a task:

• 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.

Internal Assessment

Internal assessment refers to the school‑based tasks completed throughout the HSC year. These tasks measure a student’s understanding of the course content over time.

Internal assessments:

• Are set and marked by the school

• Include tasks such as assignments, tests, practicals, performances, and projects

• Contribute 50% of a student’s final HSC mark

• Must follow NESA’s assessment guidelines for each course

• Are used to calculate the school assessment mark submitted to NESA

Internal assessment ensures students are evaluated across a range of skills, not just in an exam setting.

External Assessment

External assessment refers to the HSC examinations set and marked by NESA. These exams are the same for every student in NSW studying that course.

External assessments:

• Are written and marked by NESA

• Are held at the end of Year 12

• Contribute 50% of the final HSC mark

• Ensure statewide consistency and fairness

• Apply only to courses with an HSC exam (some VET and Life Skills courses do not have external exams)

External assessment provides a standardised measure of student achievement across the state.

Students must maintain 12 units in Year 11.

Subject changes may be possible early in the year, depending on:

• Class availability

• Timetabling

• School approval

Once the Preliminary course is completed, students may reduce to 10 units for Year 12.

• Year 11 = Preliminary Course

• Year 12 = HSC Course

You must complete the Preliminary course before starting the HSC course in that subject.

No. Students may choose:

• An ATAR pathway (for university entry)

• A non‑ATAR pathway (for TAFE, apprenticeships, work, or other training)

Both pathways lead to the HSC.

Students should consider:

• Interests and strengths

• Career goals

• University prerequisites (if relevant)

• Workload and balance

• Advice from teachers, Head Teachers and the Careers Adviser

Choosing subjects you enjoy usually leads to better engagement and results.

Yes — attendance is critical in Stage 6.

Poor attendance can lead to:

• N‑determination warnings

• Non‑completion of a course

• Ineligibility for the HSC

Students can speak with:

• Their Year Adviser

• Deputy Principal

• Head Teachers

• Classroom teachers

• The Careers Adviser