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SENIOR PATTERN OF STUDY GUIDELINES
SENIOR PATTERN OF STUDY GUIDELINES
The following is a simplified summary of the things you need to know when choosing subjects for the HSC. It is a guide only, to be used in conjunction with the Course Information Booklet that you will receive for Kincumber High School.
The following is a simplified summary of the things you need to know when choosing subjects for the HSC. It is a guide only, to be used in conjunction with the Course Information Booklet that you will receive for Kincumber High School.
All students have to choose at least 12 units for Year 11 (usually 6 x 2 unit courses).
Most courses are 2 units. Most students will choose 6 subjects.
There are two 1 unit Extension courses on offer (Maths and English). Students who choose extension courses will usually do 6 x 2 unit courses plus a 1 unit extension course - this equates to 13 units for Year 11.
NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) is in charge of the Preliminary Certificate for Year 11 and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) for Year 12. It sets the rules, guidelines and procedures for all schools to follow.
There are two main categories of subjects to choose from:
Board Developed Courses - signed by NESA, Exams set and marked by NESA with Category A and Category B subjects (only one Category B course can count towards an ATAR).
Board Endorsed Courses - approved by NESA and designed by other educators. There are no formal examinations, assessment is managed by the school and these courses DO NOT count towards the ATAR.
The ATAR is only required by those who wish to have an option to go to University in 2028.
VET courses - TAFE courses taught at Kincumber High School by trained teachers to give you an extra qualification.
TVET courses - TAFE courses at Gosford, Ourimbah or Wyong that you must apply for by completing an Other Pathway Options Expression of Interest Form.
SBAT courses - [School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships] Students are employed for 100 days of paid work over 2 years, and a day of TAFE with three days at school. You must apply for by completing an Other Pathway Options Expression of Interest Form.
Please see Ms Lawler in the Careers Office for clarification for further information on your pattern of study, questions about types of courses, information about the ATAR and pathways after school.
OPEN THE DOORS BELOW TO EXPLORE FURTHER INFORMATION ON THAT PATHWAY
OPEN THE DOORS BELOW TO EXPLORE FURTHER INFORMATION ON THAT PATHWAY
CAREERS ADVICE FOR YEAR 10 PARENTS
CAREERS ADVICE FOR YEAR 10 PARENTS
For most students in Year 11, life after the HSC seems a long way off. However, past experiences will show that time tends to go very quickly and that the real danger for Year 12 students comes when they become consumed by the demands of the school, work and a busy social life. As a result, many are under-prepared from their post school course and job applications, and sometimes miss those golden opportunities.
What can a parent do to help?
What can a parent do to help?
Discuss post school options, but keep in mind there is no need to make this an issue. Asking a 16/17 year old to know what they want to do for the rest of their life is putting too much pressure on them. Helping them plan for 2026 should not only be useful, but appreciated if done at the appropriate times in a low key manner.
Help explore the options. There are many websites, including the ones below, which may be of use. The careers office at school has a wealth of information, and people you know could be very helpful. To find out what employers look for, or what requirements exist for courses that might be of interest. That way you can help plan and prepare.
Go to Open Days and Universities and TAFE to help your child get a feel for the places that they may commit themselves to for 3 or 4 years of their lives. These usually occur in terms 2 and 3.
Help you child develop a rough list of priorities to achieve before 2026. Be aware of the dangers of tunnel vision. The person who becomes consumed with only one ambition of ten finds it very hard to deal with the disappointment of missing out. Encourage a variety of options.
You will possibly have many useful contacts in the adult working world- they may be of use providing information and /or work experience. There may even be a job prospect amongst your network of friends and work colleagues.
Encourage your child to take on some extra-curricular activities that will be useful and impressive to employers. A first Aid certificate, a bronze medallion, a team sport, a part-time job – year 11 is the perfect time to take on these things. Year 12 will be too demanding time-wise to take on too much.
View your child’s resume and job portfolio now. Is it lacking in any areas? Encourage them to look for ways to improve it. Many interviews for jobs and some courses will take place in Term 3 and the last thing you want is to be racing around trying to get things up to date and impressive enough whilst the Trial HSC examinations are on and other demands at school.
Help them be realistic about life and work. Its fine to want to be a vet or a lawyer or a fireman – but the reality is you need incredibly high marks for the first two and the third one has a long wait list. Aim high, yes, but have a variety of options to fall back on.
Useful websites:
Useful websites:
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