Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we answer, please have a look through and contact curriculum if you are looking for further clarification.

What are some wise reasons to choose subjects?

Three key ideas should be at the forefront of mind when choosing subjects: Enjoyment, Success, and the Future. We ask students to choose subjects they are interested in, have had success in previously, subjects that will inspire them, and subjects that will prepare them for the future. 

What are some unwise reasons to choose subjects?

• My friend is doing the subject.

• The subject looks easy

• I like the teacher who teaches this

• This subject 'scales well'

• My sister/friend is doing it and has promised to give me her notes.

• My parents want me to do this subject. 

Do I need to choose 'high-scaling' subjects to achieve a high ATAR?

• Scaling is done by UAC after HSC marks are awarded to calculate students' ATAR. 

• It is NOT a percentage added on or taken off marks.

• It is better to  think - 'how will a particular mark in this subject contribute to my ATAR after scaling'.

• If a student does not perform well in a 'high scaling' subject, then scaling will not be of any benefit.

• Doing well in your chosen subjects which suit your abilities will boost your ATAR. 

Do year 11 marks count towards my HSC marks and ATAR?

At the end of Year 11, students are awarded a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) with an overall grade for each subject. 

Year 11 marks and grades do not count towards HSC and ATAR.

However, the knowledge and skills accumulated during Year 11 are essential for success in Year 12. 

Some universities will look at Year 11 grades to determine early entry to some courses. 

Can I change my mind once I start my subjects in Year 11?

Changing subjects is permitted, but please choose carefully now:

The new subject must fit into the established timetable lines. 

Students may not change if the class is already full.

A change in one subject may mean other classes also have to change. 

Any missed work will need to be caught up. 

Changes must be made by the end of Week 5, Term 1. 

Who can I talk to if I need further advice?

Lots of staff are available for further discussion:

• Compass teachers

• Class subject teachers

• Head of Learning Area

• Director of Studies

• Head of Year

• Head and Deputy Head of Senior School or Upper School

• Futures Advisors.

How are the HSC Marks calculated?

The HSC mark in each subject is an average of the School Moderated Assessment and the HSC exam mark.

HSC mark = 50% School Moderated Assessment + 50% HSC Exam Mark.

School assessment marks are moderated based on the performance of the cohort in the HSC exam. 

Rank is a factor in determining a student's school moderated assessment mark but it is not a factor in the HSC exam mark. A student's HSC exam mark is their own and is 50% of the total HSC mark in each subject. 

Click here to view a video from NESA with further details about the moderation process.