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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Society has experienced considerable changes in recent years especially relating to the growth of technology and workplace opportunities. These changes have had a significant impact on schools. Governments at State and Federal level aim to raise the retention rates of young people in education and training. Schools must offer a wide range of courses to cater for an increasingly diverse range of students electing to complete the HSC. The HSC is completed over 2 years. The Preliminary course in Year 11 gives students background knowledge and skills to allow them to successfully complete the HSC course in Year 12.
At the end of Year 11 RoSA grades are allocated to students just as they were in Year 10. The continuum of grading means that students receive RoSA grades for Year 10 and 11 with the results from Year 12. These results are often required for future employment and education. The Higher School Certificate recognises 13 years of schooling. There is now a strong alignment between school and work which allows students to take advantage of increased opportunities at university and TAFE. More courses are linked to further education and training, while extension courses enable students to undertake more in-depth study in areas of special interest. Vocational Education and Training courses now count towards the HSC and lead to qualifications recognised across a range of industries.
Students are assessed against a range of outcomes and need to demonstrate their ability in each subject. The result is reported against academic standards or, in the case of VET, competencies. By meeting the minimum standard in a course, students receive a mark of 50 and higher standards of performance lead to higher marks. Students receive detailed HSC information indicating what they know, understand and can do in each course. After completing Year 10, students must make a number of decisions. The most significant is whether to leave or return and continue their studies. To return, students must be prepared for a greater and different workload to the one they have experienced in earlier years. They must be prepared to apply themselves in class and at home. Senior students are expected to do much more home study, which of course will impact on out of school activities.
If students are prepared to make this commitment to school then they must decide:
● Whether to seek the HSC qualification for university entrance (ATAR).
● Which subjects to study to satisfy the necessary HSC requirements.
The students need to select courses that best meet their needs and suit their ability and interests. Students must choose their courses wisely by asking questions and getting all the relevant information so they are able to make an informed decision.
We have put in place a process to assist students in making their decisions. Woonona High School is committed to providing all students with the best opportunity to widen and develop their skills. The school offers students a full range of courses to match individual abilities, interests and goals. All courses are demanding and require dedication and application by students. The school expects students to work hard in class and at home and take every opportunity to participate in the many extracurricular activities that are available.
We look forward to welcoming all students who wish to continue into Year 11 and who will work and contribute to the fine reputation of Woonona High School.
Caroline David,
Principal
Types of Courses
Types of Courses
There are different types of courses that you can select in Years 11 and 12.
Board Developed Courses
Board Developed Courses
This is the major course type; these courses are designed by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) to be examined externally at the end of the HSC and they count towards the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Vocational Education and Training Courses
Vocational Education and Training Courses
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses enable students to study courses, which are relevant to industry needs and have clear links to post-school destinations. Students gain both HSC qualifications and industry accreditation through the Australian Qualifications Framework. This framework is recognised across Australia and helps students to move easily between the various education and training sectors and employment. Each course has a specific workplace component and a minimum number of hours students must spend in the workplace or in a simulated workplace at school. Students receive special documentation showing the competencies they have gained. Some VET courses are delivered at school while others are delivered by TAFE or outside providers. VET Curriculum Frameworks count towards the ATAR (some restrictions apply) and are mostly delivered at school while most other VET courses are delivered by TAFE as Content Endorsed Courses rather than VET Curriculum Frameworks and do not count towards the ATAR.
Board Endorsed Courses
Board Endorsed Courses
Board Endorsed Courses have syllabuses endorsed by NESA to cater for areas of special interest not covered in the Board Developed Courses. Some of these courses are designed by NESA and some are designed by TAFE but all are offered on a statewide basis. There is no external examination for any Board Endorsed Courses, but all count towards the Higher School Certificate and appear on the Record of Achievement. No Board Endorsed Courses can be counted in the calculation of the ATAR.
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