Year 12 Course 2021 - St. Francis Xavier's College ...
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Year 12 Course
2021
Updated 26 November 2020
Need to talk to us?
Phone
• Reception (02) 4961 2863
•
• Student Services (02) 4961 2110
Entrance to Administration
St Francis Xavier’s Building
College Hamilton
Office Hours Monday to Friday
• Reception: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
•
• Student Services: 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
•
• Finance Office: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Email
St Francis Xavier’s College Reception Email
Hamilton Administration Building St Francis Xavier’s College
Hebburn Street admin@hamilton.catholic.edu.au
Hamilton
Student Office
hml-studentservices@mn.catholic.edu.au
Postal Address
PO Box 300 Finance Office
Hamilton NSW 2303 hml-finance@mn.catholic.edu.au
Website
www.hamilton.catholic.edu.au
2021
Period Key Date Event
Tuesday, 2 February Year 12 begin at
TERM 1 St Francis Xavier’s College Hamilton
Tuesday, 2 February 2021 until
Thursday, 01 April 2021 Monday, 15 March until Year 12 Mid- Course Assessments
Friday, 26 March
Thursday, 01 April Last day of Term 1
School Holidays Friday, 2 April 2021 – Sunday, 18 April 2021
Monday, 19 April Pupil Free Day
TERM 2
Monday, 19 April 2021 until 1st Day of Term 2
Tuesday, 20 April
Friday, 25 June 2021
Monday, 17 May until Year 12 Retreats
Wednesday, 19 May
Monday, 14 June Queen’s Birthday Holiday
Friday, 25 June Last day of Term 2
School Holidays Saturday, 28 June 2021 – Sunday, 11 July 2021
TERM 3 Monday, 12 July 1st Day of Term 3
Monday, 12 July 2021 until Monday, 26 July until Trial HSC Examination
Friday, 17 September 2021 Tuesday, 10 August
Wednesday, 15 September Year 12 Farewell Day
Thursday, 16 September Year 12 Graduation Day
Friday, 17 September Year 12 Graduation Mass
Last day of Term 3
School Holidays Saturday, 18 September 2021 – Sunday, 3 October 2021
TERM 4 Tuesday, 5 October 1st Day of Term 4
Monday, 12 October 2021 until Friday, 5 November Graduation Dinner at Newcastle
Friday, 17 December 2021 Entertainment Centre
Welcome & Introduction Dear Year 12 Students, Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s) Welcome to the Higher School Certificate (HSC) Course. I hope that your HSC Year is one that you will be able to look back on with a sense of satisfaction! One of the stresses often associated with the HSC Course is that of management of the assessment process. Remember that there are NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) rules that must be adhered to if a student is to receive their final HSC results and associated credential. This Assessment Handbook is designed to assist you to: • understand the HSC Course internal assessment process • follow the correct procedures relating to absence, illness and misadventure • understand malpractice and the ramifications of engaging in malpractice • be organised in relation to the spread of task submission requirements • understand Disability Provisions requirements After each assessment task students will be given a provisional course rank (further information regarding this matter is given later in this booklet). Please note that a rank should always be considered in relation to the task mark, not simply as a rank on its own, as performance aligned to the standards is usually a better indication of achievement. For example, a student could be ranked 1st in a course, but only receive a score of 52% or alternatively, could be ranked 102 but receive a mark of 72%. If an incident or event occurs that affects a student’s performance in a task, I urge you to read this document for clarification, and if in doubt speak to the relevant Studies Coordinator or myself for further information. Unfortunately, ignorance of procedures cannot be used as an excuse to be given additional time or an estimated mark. Listed in this booklet are the names of personnel who are responsible for the academic and welfare domains relating to Year 12, as well as the course codes that are often used on Assessment Calendars. Please contact these staff members if you have questions or concerns. Open, cross communication is very important and ensures that we can work as a team to support your child, our students. There will be one formal opportunity for parent(s), and/or guardian(s), students and staff to meet to review student progress in the HSC. After the Mid-Year Assessments, parent(s), and/or guardian(s), and students, are invited to meet with individual course teachers to review course reports and provide additional feedback. The time set aside for this meeting is from 1.30 pm to 7pm. Parent(s), and/or guardian(s), and students are welcome to make appointments outside of these blocks by telephoning or emailing the school. Please remember that it is very difficult for teachers to meet with parents unless there is a scheduled appointment time due to their class commitments. Best wishes for 2021. Colin Mulhearn Assistant Principal– Dean of Studies colin.mulhearn@mn.catholic.edu.au
College Executive.............................................................................................................................................. 1
Studies Coordinators ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Studies Coordinators ......................................................................................................................................... 2
House Coordinators ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Student Support ................................................................................................................................................. 3
General Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Assessment/Examination Dates......................................................................................................................... 4
Entering for the Higher School Certificate ........................................................................................................ 4
Corrections to entries and withdrawals ............................................................................................................. 4
Change of personal details................................................................................................................................. 4
HSC Assessment Policy .................................................................................................................................... 6
Standards Referenced Approach ....................................................................................................................... 6
NESA – All My Own Work .............................................................................................................................. 6
Higher School Certificate Assessment .............................................................................................................. 7
Responsibilities.................................................................................................................................................. 8
Calculation of Marks ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Reporting / Feedback ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Assessment Task Feedback ............................................................................................................................... 9
Final Assessment Rank...................................................................................................................................... 9
Assessment Rank Appeals - HSC Rules & Procedures (NESA) ..................................................................... 10
Oral / Aural Assessment Tasks ........................................................................................................................ 10
VET Courses and Assessment ......................................................................................................................... 11
HSC Examinations for VET Subjects ............................................................................................................. 12
TAFE Students ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Assessment Requirements and Guidelines ...................................................................................................... 13
Practical and Performance HSC Examinations ............................................................................................... 15
Submission of Assessment Tasks .................................................................................................................... 16
Absence from an Assessment Task ................................................................................................................. 17
Non Serious Attempts...................................................................................................................................... 20
Illness / Misadventure...................................................................................................................................... 21
Malpractice ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
NESA Rules and Procedures ........................................................................................................................... 24
How can you avoid plagiarism? ......................................................................................................... 24
Malpractice in Examinations ............................................................................................................. 25
Assessment Appeals Policy ............................................................................................................................. 26
Examination /Assessment Room Procedures .................................................................................................. 27
Disability Provisions ....................................................................................................................................... 28
Record of Student Achievement-RoSA ........................................................................................................... 33
HSC Pathways ................................................................................................................................................. 34
Frequently Asked Questions............................................................................................................................ 34
Further Information ......................................................................................................................................... 34
Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................................................................... 35
Glossary of Acronym ...................................................................................................................................... 36
Website Information ........................................................................................................................................ 36
A S S E S S M E N T S C H E D U L E S ..................................................................................................... 37
College Executive
0B
Greg Ptolemy Colin Mulhearn Julia Lederwasch Cassie Mowbray
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Ministry Coordinator
Dean of Studies Dean of Students
Studies Coordinators
1B
Religion Jane Rees Studies in Catholic Thought
jane.rees@mn.catholic.edu.au
Studies of Religion 1 Unit
Studies of Religion 1 Unit Accelerated
Studies of Religion 2 Unit
English Mary Picton English Studies
mary.picton@mn.catholic.edu.au English Standard
English Advanced
English Extension 1
English Extension 2
Mathematics Andrew Middleton Mathematics Standard 1
andrew.middleton@mn.catholic.edu.au Mathematics Standard 2
Advanced Mathematics
Mathematics Extension 1
Mathematics Extension 2
Science Vina Gibson Biology
vina.gibson@mn.catholic.edu.au Chemistry
Earth & Environmental Science
Investigating Science
Marine Studies
Science Extension
Physics
HSIE Tony Stone Aboriginal Studies
Human Society & Its anthony.stone@mn.catholic.edu.au Ancient History
Environment Business Studies
Economics
Geography
History Extension
Legal Studies
Modern History
Society & Culture
PDHPE Chris Henry Community & Family Studies
Personal Development, chris.henry@mn.catholic.edu.au Exploring Early Childhood
Health & Physical PDHPE
Education Sport, Lifestyle & Recreation
Return to the Table of Contents 1
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021
Studies Coordinators
2B
TAS Patricia Stallard Computing Applications
Technology & Applied patricia.stallard@mn.catholic.edu.au Design & Technology
Studies Engineering Studies
Food Technology
Industrial Technology
Information Processing & Technology
Software Design & Development
Textiles & Design
CAPA & LOTE Patrick Campbell Dance (External)
Creative & Performing patrick.campbell@mn.catholic.edu.au Drama
Arts, Language French Beginners
Languages by Distance Education:
Open High School & Camden Haven
Music 1
Photography
Visual Arts
VET Rosemary Wilkinson Business Services
Vocational Education rosemary.wilkinson@mn.catholic.edu.au Construction
and Training Entertainment
Hospitality
Manufacturing & Engineering
Retail Services
Sport Coaching
Learning Support Melissa Chellis Life Skills English
melissa.chellis@mn.catholic.edu.au Life Skills Mathematics
Life Skills HSIE
Life Skills Work & the Community
Life Skills Creative Arts
Life Skills Technology
Curriculum Peter Brown
Coordinator peter.brown@mn.catholic.edu.au
DIAL Phil Oke
Coordinator Phil.oke@mn.catholic.edu.au
House Coordinators
3B
Champagnat House Tutor Groups 1 - 6 Daniel Mitchell
(Blue) daniel.mitchell@mn.catholic.edu.au
Dominic House (Red) Tutor Groups 11 - 16 Kirsten Beletich
kirsten.beletich@mn.catholic.edu.au
MacKillop House Tutor Groups 21 - 26 Jo Begley
(Gold) joanne.begley@mn.catholic.edu.au
McAuley House Tutor Groups 31 - 36 Olivia Gollan
(Green) olivia.gollan@mn.catholic.edu.au
Wellbeing Coordinator Nicholas Jones
Nicholas.jones@mn,.catholic.edu.au
Return to the Table of Contents 2
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021
Student Support
4B
Careers Adviser Monday to Wednesday Julie McLoughlin
julie.mcloughlin@mn.catholic.edu.au
Thursday to Friday Ashley Phillips
ashley.phillips@mn.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support & Monday to Thursday Janine Gorman
Literacy (ESL) janine.gorman@mn.catholic.edu.au
Indigenous Support & Wednesday to Friday
Mentoring TBA
College Counsellors Monday and Tuesday Megan Price
megan.price@mn.catholic.edu.au
Wednesday to Friday Renee Tyczynski
renee.tyczynki@mn.catholic.edu.au
General Overview
Each subject has an assessment schedule which clearly shows the distribution and weighting of tasks. Please
ensure that you read this in conjunction with the outcomes so that you understand the direction of the
assessment program.
Students will be provided with an Assessment Calendar for each term which records the date tasks are due
and whether the task is a hand-in task, or an in-class task. This calendar will be emailed, a hard copy will be
distributed, and a copy can also be found on the College’s website.
At least two weeks prior to each scheduled task (dependent on attendance on the day of issue) each student
will receive an Assessment Notification that will provide further details in relation to individual tasks. It is
essential that students carefully read this document so that they can prepare for the task, and endeavour to
meet the standards. Students will be asked to sign a class list as a record of receiving the task.
Students need to clearly understand that there are significant penalties if assessment tasks are not completed
and/or handed in late where there is no valid reason and evidence provided. See information below.
Issue / Concern Penalty
Late Submission of a Task 25% per day for two (2) days
More than two (2) days late = zero
Note that weekends will count as two (2) days
Non-Completion of an Assessment Task Zero Mark
No valid reason or supportive evidence
>
Academic Misconduct / Malpractice Zero Mark
If a student knows he / she is going to be absent he / she MUST apply to the Principal for leave (at least two
weeks prior) to determine whether the leave is valid, and if approved, make arrangements regarding
assessments scheduled during the leave time with the relevant Studies Coordinator. If leave is not applied for
and granted, students can expect that a zero will be awarded for all tasks due in the time the student is absent.
Note that leave cannot be granted during assessment blocks.
All Assessments and Examinations completed in the Assessment/Examination Blocks i.e. Mid-Course and
Trials contribute to the HSC Internal Assessment Mark that is submitted to NESA and appears on the HSC
Credential. Assessments and Examinations also provide an excellent opportunity for students to practise their
skills and receive useful feedback.
Return to the Table of Contents 3
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021
Assessment/Examination Dates
Mid-Course Assessments
Commence Monday, 16 March 2021 (Term 1, Week 8)
and are scheduled until
Friday, 26 March 2021 (Term 1, Week 9)
Trial Examinations
Commence Monday, 26 July 2021 (Term 3, Week 3)
and are scheduled until
Tuesday, 10 August 2021 (Term 3, Week 5)
Entering for the Higher School Certificate
Students must be entered with NESA for all courses they are attempting in the current year, including those
courses approved by the Principal to be studied outside the College. This includes Vocational Education and
Training (VET) Courses and entries for HSC VET Examinations.
Students will receive a Confirmation of Entry showing their personal details, courses entered and whether
they are eligible to receive a Higher School Certificate. Students must sign the declaration printed on the
Confirmation of Entry and return it to the College.
Once a student’s details are entered, NESA will update their Students Online Account. Students will then be
able to log in and check their personal and enrolment details.
Students will also receive messages from NESA, including for example, the status of any Disability
Provisions Applications.
Corrections to entries and withdrawals
• Students must check their Confirmation of Entry and notify the College of any changes as soon as
possible, but no later than the end of Term 2.
• A new Confirmation of Entry will be issued if any changes to a student’s entry is made. Students must
sign this and return it to the College.
• The only change to entries allowed after Term 2 is withdrawal from a course (including an Extension
Course).
Change of personal details
If a student’s personal details change from those provided to NESA on their Confirmation of Entry, they
must advise the College to inform NESA as soon as possible. NESA needs each student’s current postal
address, email address and mobile number to send important information such as advice of dates and venues
for practical and Languages oral examinations, HSC results and nomination letters for HSC showcase events.
Students can also change their personal details and address in their Students Online Account.
If you are requesting an ATAR
you must also update your address with UAC.
NESA – available at
https://studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au/
Return to the Table of Contents 4
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021
NESA – available at
https://studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au/go/login/&returnURL=studentdetails/
Students Please Note
The College does not receive a copy of your pin number,
nor does the College have the authority, or access,
to reset your pin.
Return to the Table of Contents 5
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021HSC Assessment Policy
Students are advised that this Assessment Policy covers information relevant to the HSC Year.
• Students complete the HSC Course across four terms.
Term 4 of the Year 11 calendar year, and
Terms 1 – 3 of the Year 12 calendar year.
Each course studied has a component of HSC Internal College Assessment which comprises 50% of the
final HSC result.
• The provision of a separate College Assessment in reporting the HSC Award has a two-fold purpose. It
is intended to provide an indication of a student’s attainment, which is based on:
a) a wider range of syllabus objectives than is measured by the external examination.
b) measures obtained in a variety of types of tasks throughout the course which can provide a more
comprehensive indicator of a student’s ability than at a single examination.
Standards Referenced Approach
The Preliminary and HSC Courses use a standards-referenced approach to assess and report student
achievement. This means that the achievements of students are assessed and reported against specified
standards that are established by NESA for each course. In a Standards Referenced Approach, students are
recognised for what they know, understand and can do. The mark they receive will reflect the standard which
the student has achieved in the course.
If additional information is required on the Standards Reference Approach, please contact the Dean of
Studies.
NESA – All My Own Work
The HSC: All My Own Work Program is designed to help HSC students to follow the principles and
practices of good scholarship. This includes understanding and valuing ethical practices when locating and
using information as part of their HSC studies. The program consists of five modules and is available in
online and downloadable formats. Since 2008, all students who apply to be enrolled for one or more Year 11
or HSC Courses are required to have satisfactorily completed the HSC: All My Own Work Program. When
students sign their Confirmation of Entry for the HSC Course they are acknowledging that they understand
the principles of malpractice.
NESA Website
http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-all-my-own-work
Return to the Table of Contents 6
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Higher School Certificate Assessment
Achievement measures throughout the course are seen as serving three purposes.
1) They enable consideration to be given to aspects of the course, the attainment of which can best be
demonstrated over time, e.g. practical skills.
2) They cater for any “self-contained” elements such as fieldwork which occur as an isolated part of the
course.
3) They increase the accuracy of the final assessment of the students’ achievement by utilising multiple
measures.
The Internal Formal Assessment Program is designed to encompass all syllabus outcomes other than those
relating to the affective domain (interests, attitudes). Each task within the HSC Internal Formal Assessment
Program will be given a designated weighting in the schedule, so that students are aware of the relative
importance of each task.
A student who is absent from, or adversely affected during a particular task which constitutes part of the
HSC Internal Formal Assessment, or who is unable to present an assignment for inclusion in this course will
not necessarily have a “zero” mark recorded for that task. Marks based on a substitute task or, in
exceptional circumstances, an estimate based on other evidence will be accepted where the Studies
Coordinator or Dean of Studies considers that the student has an acceptable reason supported by evidence,
e.g. illness (with a doctor’s certificate), for not completing that task at the scheduled time.
Students who do not complete an assessment task due to illness or a significant valid event deemed beyond
their control must complete an Assessment Variation Form (known as a Green Form and available from the
Student Services Office or Dean of Studies). Attach relevant documentation relating to the Non-Completion
e.g. doctor’s certificate (note retrospective doctor’s certificates will not be accepted) or Police Report, and
hand to the relevant Studies Coordinator or Dean of Studies immediately upon returning to school. If a
student does not complete, and hand in this documentation as stated within the time frame, they should
expect to receive zero for the task. Signed, completed forms will be filed by each Studies Coordinator to
enable monitoring of performance, and notification to students, parent(s) and/or guardian(s) if they are in
danger of not satisfactorily completing a course(s).
The Formal Internal Assessment Program includes a requirement for each school to determine the relative
achievement of its students with respect to specified Syllabus Standards.
Syllabus Standards and Performance Standards are based on the aims, objectives, outcomes and content of a
course. Together they specify what is to be learned and how it is achieved.
Return to the Table of Contents 7
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Responsibilities
1) It is the responsibility of the College to:
a) conduct sound assessment programs that allow students to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their
knowledge, skills and understanding.
b) develop quality assessment tasks and well-constructed marking guidelines.
c) provide effective feedback to students in relation to their strengths and weaknesses and areas for
improvement.
d) develop an assessment schedule for each subject and inform students which essays, assignments,
tests, exams, field studies, tutorials, etc. or parts thereof, will contribute to the assessment mark
submitted to NESA for each subject. This schedule identifies the term and week of a task, but it is
not a calendar of events.
e) teachers give notice of specific dates two weeks prior to when a task is due. Task notifications will
not be given to students prior to the distribution to the entire cohort.
f) schedule the various assessment tasks throughout the course and ensure that such tasks cover the
range of components specified by NESA.
g) collate such information as is necessary, to provide a comprehensive guide for students of the
College’s requirements for Assessment in each subject.
2) It is the responsibility of each student to:
a) be aware of the various assessment instruments (essays, presentations etc.). This will involve reading
this booklet carefully and managing their own schedule.
b) know the date on which assessments are due. For all assessment tasks, students will be supplied with
an Assessment Schedule at the beginning of the course. Teachers must give at least two weeks
written notice of any changes to assessment dates.
c) ensure that all work is submitted by the due date. Failure to submit required work must be
accompanied by a valid and acceptable reason and be submitted in writing to the relevant Studies
Coordinator. Poor organisation of time and/or social events is NOT considered acceptable.
Technology problems, such as printers running out of ink, will not be accepted as an excuse.
Students are required to back up all work onto OneDrive, the cloud, a memory stick or external
drive so that work can be printed, if necessary, at school. Students are advised to email
themselves a copy of all tasks (to their school address) so that it is possible to retrieve
documents at school if necessary or to validate that the work was completed on time. Note that
students are not able to access personal email accounts at school.
d) notify the relevant Studies Coordinator if other College commitments e.g. sport, excursions or work
placement clash with assessment dates by completing an Assessment Variation Form (Green Form.)
Usually at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
e) if absent on the day an assessment task is given, ensure he / she collects a copy of the task from the
appropriate teacher on return. Students cannot assume an automatic extension if they receive a task
notification after cohort members. An application must be made to the relevant Studies Coordinator
for consideration.
f) use the feedback from teachers as the basis for improvement. This may mean that a student needs to
discuss their progress individually with their teacher.
Return to the Table of Contents 8
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Calculation of Marks
Students will be given a provisional rank and raw mark for each assessment task. The rank is provisional as
there may be Illness / Misadventure Appeal Applications that require an estimate to be generated when further
tasks have been completed. It should be noted that any queries about raw marks may only be made at the time
the task is handed back – retrospective requests will not generally be considered. The raw marks are
combined in accordance with the weightings given in the Assessment Schedules to determine the final rank,
after first having been mapped to ensure the marks are statistically compatible. Cumulative assessment
information is given on the College Reports.
Reporting / Feedback
Currently the College Mid-Course HSC Report indicates an examination mark where applicable, a median
(average based on the most recent examination period) and a provisional subject rank based on the cumulative
weightings of assessment tasks completed to date. The Trial HSC Report will reflect the student’s Final Rank
in courses (although successful appeals may change this rank).
Year 12 will receive a Mid-Course Report in Term 2,
and their Trial Report late in Term 3.
Assessment Task Feedback
Under the NESA requirements, students will also be provided with meaningful feedback on their
performance in all assessment areas. Students are encouraged to keep this feedback together in a portfolio
that combines Marking Guideline Sheets for each subject. This provides an ongoing Assessment Record.
To provide students a guide of what is expected of them in their assessment tasks, a marking guideline structure
should be clearly stated on their Assessment Task Notification.
Final Assessment Rank
NESA has mandated that the final HSC Internal Assessment Mark for each course is not to be made known to
students, however they will be advised of their final rank. Therefore, the HSC Trial Report will show the
Semester 2 Mark, and the final cumulative rank. Any assessment review will be based on rank order placement
only. Students who consider that their placement in the rank order for any course is not correct, based on
feedback on their performance during the course, may seek a school review by approaching the Dean of
Studies. The review will focus on the school procedures for determining the final internal assessment mark.
The marks awarded for individual assessment tasks will not be subject to review as part of this process.
Students have an obligation to login to the NESA Students Online Website at the end of October to check
their rank. If there are perceived differences, then it is the student’s responsibility to immediately notify the
Dean of Studies.
Return to the Table of Contents 9
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Assessment Rank Appeals -
HSC Rules & Procedures (NESA )
1) After the final HSC Examination, students can obtain their rank order for assessment in each course via
their Students Online Account. If they feel that their placement in any course is not correct, they should
speak to the relevant Studies Coordinator immediately. If still not satisfied that the ranking is correct,
the student may apply to the Principal for a review.
2) There is no provision for a review of the marks a student received for individual assessment tasks.
Reviews are limited to the assessment process. The only matters that the school will consider are
whether:
a) the weightings specified by the school in its assessment program conform with NESA requirements
as detailed in the relevant syllabus.
b) the procedures used by the school for determining the final assessment mark comply with its stated
assessment program.
c) computational or other clerical errors have been made in the determination of the assessment mark.
3) If a student wishes to apply for a review, he/she must do so by the date specified by NESA. The Studies
Coordinator will advise the student of the outcome of the review and will advise NESA of any changes
to assessment marks.
4) If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the school review, you may advise your Principal that you
wish an appeal to be sent to NESA. You cannot appeal against the marks awarded for individual
assessment tasks. NESA will consider only whether:
a) the College review process was adequate for determining items 2) (a), (b) and (c) above.
b) the conduct of the review was proper in all respects.
5) NESA will not revise the assessment marks or rank order. If the appeal is upheld, NESA will direct
the College to carry out a further review. Further details about reviews and appeals are on the
Assessment Appeal Form, which can be obtained from the College. Appeals to NESA must be lodged at
the College by the date on the form. No extension will be considered.
NESA – available at
http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/rules-and-processes
Oral / Aural Assessment Tasks
If a student is absent from a scheduled Oral / Aural Assessment (due to illness) for any subject in Year 12,
there may be consideration given for an alternate task. However, students should note that for the HSC NO
alternate arrangements will be made (NESA Policy).
Return to the Table of Contents 10
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021VET Courses and Assessment
VET Courses are competency based therefore no internal assessment mark is required for these courses,
however if students intend to sit for the HSC VET Examination an estimate mark, based on the Trial Exam, is
submitted to NESA in case of Illness / Misadventure. The College keeps records of all competencies achieved,
and these are regularly updated by the VET Coordinator to NESA so that a Statement of Attainment can be
generated at the end of the course. Students will receive a VET Report twice per year, which will outline their
progress in each course. This report forms the permanent record of achievement for students. Students will
also be able to access their results any time using the Unique Student Identifier (USI). There is no pass or fail
system in VET, students will be deemed competent or not yet competent for each unit of Competency studied.
Assessment for VET Courses is ongoing throughout the course and may consist of a combination of written
and practical tasks or demonstrations. All units of competency studied during both Preliminary and HSC Years
will count towards the student’s achievement of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate,
provided all units of Competency are achieved, or a Statement of Attainment if only some units of Competency
are achieved. The student will receive their award at the end of Year 11 and HSC Year.
Whenever students are being formally assessed, through examinations or scheduled assessment events,
students will need to follow the same guidelines set out in this handbook, i.e. reasons for absence,
misadventure, lateness and notification to the College.
Assessments may be conducted for individual units of competency or for groups of units of competency. For
a student to be assessed as ‘Competent’ in a particular unit of Competency, the assessment tasks, whether
written or practical, are required to be completed or demonstrated to a particular standard specified in the
training package for that qualification.
If a student is assessed as being ‘Not Yet Competent’ in a particular unit of competency, they will be required
to repeat any required assessment task(s) in the same format, or in another form, until the assessor can
determine achievement. Students have three (3) attempts to show that they are competent in a Unit of Work.
The decision-making rules are on the Assessment Notification.
The following procedures apply regarding the submission of assessment tasks.
If a student is absent or has approved leave on the due date for the submission of an Assessment Task:
• The student needs to collect an Assessment Variation Form from Student Services
• Complete the form and return to the VET Coordinator
The following procedures apply regarding the non-submission of assessment tasks.
1) The class teacher will inform the student on the Assessment feedback that non-submission of task is
Attempt One.
• The student will be given a due by date to submit the task.
• The VET Coordinator will issue a warning letter to the parent(s) and /or guardian(s).
2) Failure to submit by the date indicated on the warning letter/feedback sheet is deemed as Attempt 2.
• A cover letter will accompany this letter informing parent(s) and/or guardian(s) that if the task/s is
not submitted by the due date then this becomes Attempt 3 and therefore the student cannot achieve
these Unit/s of Competency.
Return to the Table of Contents 11
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021VET Courses and Assessment (continued)
Work Placement
As part of the formal assessment for VET Courses there is a compulsory work placement of 35 hours per
year (total of 70 hours).
NOTE:
• Work Placement does not provide a valid reason for missing an assessment task.
• Students must check their assessment schedule and the assessment calendar to check if a task is
scheduled during their Work Placement. In this case, the student must see the relevant Studies
Coordinator.
• Students who are on work placement must meet assessment due dates.
• Hand-in tasks should be submitted prior to Work Placement or meet the assessment deadline and it is the
student’s responsibility to ensure this.
• In the case of examination tasks, Work Placement students must complete an Assessment Variation
Application and submit this to the relevant Studies Coordinator to negotiate when the examination is to
be completed (either before or after, with statutory declarations completed).
HSC Examinations for VET Subjects
Students wishing to use achievement in their VET Course for calculation towards an Australian Tertiary
Admission Rank (ATAR), where the subject is deemed eligible, can choose to undertake the written NESA
Examination and will nominate this option during the HSC Year. The College requires all VET students to
sit for the Trial Examination in the HSC Year.
All core units of Competency covered during Preliminary and HSC Years
will be assessed in the HSC Examination.
The written examination is independent of the competency based assessment undertaken during the course.
The marks achieved by students in the examination are used as the sole basis for determining the student’s
ATAR.
TAFE Students
Students enrolling in TAFE will need to liaise with the TAFE College they attend regarding assessment
requirements for the course. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of specific requirements for
their courses.
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Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Assessment Requirements and Guidelines
https://ace.nesa.nsw.edu.au/higher-school-certificate/satisfactory-completion-non-completion-leave
The HSC is awarded to students who have fulfilled all eligibility requirements.
• Have satisfactorily completed Year 11 and HSC Courses in the required pattern of study.
• The words “satisfactorily completed” are significant and apply to both Preliminary (Terms 1, 2, 3 of
Year 11) and HSC Courses (Term 4 Year 11, and Terms 1, 2, and 3 of Year 12).
A student will be considered to have satisfactorily completed a course if, in the Principal’s view, there is
sufficient evidence that the student has:
• followed the course developed or endorsed by NESA.
• applied themselves with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the
course by the College.
• achieved some, or all, the course outcomes.
There are some important points to note from this.
• Principals may determine that, because of absences, a student may not have completed the course.
• Students must “satisfactorily” complete a Year 11 Course in a subject before being allowed to attempt
the HSC Course in that subject.
This means that students must provide evidence that they have “applied themselves with diligence and
sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the course by the school.” (NESA). This
evidence comes from work samples, standards demonstrated, marks achieved as they are linked to the
standards, and application to work.
NESA also requires that for the Award of the HSC a student must have sat for, and made a serious
attempt, at the required HSC Examinations.
HSC students who do not make a serious attempt at the examination may not receive an award in the course
concerned. This may render some students’ ineligible for the award of the HSC.
Non-serious attempts include frivolous or objectionable material.
Students who provide answers to examination questions in a language other than English (unless specifically
instructed to do so) will have zero marks awarded.
Non-attempts include those where only multiple-choice questions are attempted or, only one section of the
paper is attempted, or the majority of the paper is not attempted.
Any student identified as making a non-serious attempt, or a non-attempt, in a HSC Examination will be
asked by NESA to justify why they should receive a result in the course concerned.
NESA will advise the student and the school Principal of its decision at the time of the release of HSC
results.
NESA expects students to attempt all assessment tasks set.
NESA gives the College authority to determine their own definition of diligence and sustained effort.
At St Francis Xavier College, students are expected to make a serious attempt at all formal tasks and
examinations in order to have “satisfactorily completed” the course, and to have made a satisfactory
attempt at the majority of formative tasks as these provide practice for the formal tasks and provide
an opportunity for teachers to further assess course outcomes.
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Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Assessment Requirements and Guidelines (continued)
Teachers will keep a record of student performance in all formative tasks. If a student does not
complete formative tasks, parent(s) and/or guardian(s), and the relevant Studies Coordinator, will
be advised through the Formative Task Letter of Concern. Such evidence will contribute to the
decision to issue a Non-Completion (N) Course Warning Letter.
Class teachers will mark the roll every lesson and attendance is monitored by the Studies and
House Coordinators. Students whose attendance is inconsistent will be identified as a ‘student of
concern’ and contact will be made with the relevant House Coordinator to determine whether
there is a valid reason for continuing absences.
If there is a valid reason for absences, for example an on-going illness, and the student is not able
to complete the set tasks over an extended period, even with adjustments, an interview will be
arranged with the Dean of Studies. This is to determine if it is possible for the student to
demonstrate the outcomes of the course and effectively fulfil the requirements of the HSC.
If there is not a known valid reason for on-going absences, parent(s) and/or guardian(s) will be
contacted, and an interview arranged to discuss, why the student is regularly missing classes, the
impact on the student’s capacity to demonstrate the course outcomes, and whether additional
support can be provided to assist the student meet the expectations of the HSC Course.
Ultimately parent(s) and/or guardian(s), and students, need to understand that the HSC is a NSW
State Government issued credential that is accepted by universities and employers, and as such
students are required to meet the course completion criteria.
While it is acknowledged that some students may experience on-going physical or mental health
issues during the HSC Course, assessment measures must be fair and valid. It is not possible to
assess students on potential, or to provide on-going estimates for scheduled tasks. Every
attempt is made to support students and the College is proud of the level of pastoral care and
compassion demonstrated by staff, however NESA requires evidence that students have met
course requirements in order for the internal HSC Assessment Mark to be valid and for the award
of the HSC.
NOTE
Marks from the Year 11 Course ARE NOT included
in the HSC, Internal Assessment Mark submitted to NESA for the HSC Credential.
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Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Practical and Performance HSC Examinations
Extract from NESA 2021 Rules & Procedures – available at
http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/rules-and-processes/rules-
procedures-guide-students
The following courses require you to undertake practical examinations, or to submit works, as part of your
HSC Examination:
• Dance
• Drama
• English Extension 2
• Industrial Technology
• Languages (except classical languages and languages & literature courses))
• Music
• Society and Culture
• Textiles and Design
• Visual Arts
HSC Performances and Practical Examinations, as well as works submitted for examination, should be
consistent with general community standards. Such works should be developed in a manner that takes into
account the values and culture of the school and its community.
The development and selection of student projects, major works, exhibitions and performances must satisfy
health and safety requirements. They must:
• be undertaken within the operating guidelines and directives of education authorities and/or schools.
• recognise and reflect relevant state and national legislation, regulations and standards including
those relating to Work Health and Safety (WHS), animal welfare, dangerous goods, hazardous
substances and weapons.
• take account of the needs of students, teachers, markers and others, including the general public.
Any HSC Project that might be considered dangerous to health
or safety may not be marked.
More information can be found on the NESA Website.
https://ace.nesa.nsw.edu.au/higher-school-certificate/examinations/submitted-works-and-practical-
examinations
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Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Submission of Assessment Tasks
1) Date / Lesson of Submission
The written Assessment Notice provided by the Coordinator / subject teacher to students will identify the
due date for submission of a particular task. If a task is due during a particular lesson, this will be indicated
on the initial Assessment Task Notice.
Unless specified otherwise, all prepared tasks will be due by 9:00 am on the due date. Failure to submit
by this time, without a valid reason will result in a 25% penalty. Students are strongly advised to either
email themselves a copy of the task or save to the cloud so that they have proof of completion if they
inadvertently leave their task at home. This email would need to be presented to the relevant Studies
Coordinator at the time of submission if a student wishes to avoid a late penalty being applied.
2) Method of Submission
The Assessment Calendar and Assessment Notification will clearly indicate the method of submission.
Most prepared Assessment Tasks will be required to be handed in at the Administration Office no later
than 9:00 am on the due date.
If a student does not hand in a task on time without a valid approved reason, a penalty of 25% per school
day for the first two (2) days will apply and after two (2) days zero awarded. Please note that weekends
will count as two (2) days late. The late penalty is applied to the mark gained for the task. For example,
if a task is marked out of 100 and a student receives a mark of 75, then 25% will be deducted from the
mark if one (1) day late, making the total for the task 50 marks, two (2) days late the mark received would
be 25 marks, three (3) days zero. Parents / Guardians will receive an official Penalty Letter for late
assessments.
If a task is to be submitted to the Administration Office, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the
task is handed to the relevant teacher on duty, and that the class roll is signed as verification of submission.
No responsibility will be taken for tasks that
are not signed off at the Administration Office.
In all instances students should ensure that a backup copy of Assessment Task(s) is kept.
This might be a hard copy (printed copy or photocopy), or a digital copy in the cloud,
on a memory stick or external hard drive.
Students are advised that when working on major tasks over a period of time, they should always ensure that
a printed, dated copy is stored as a record of progress. If students are handing in an electronically produced
work, they should also send themselves a copy of the work to their school email, or store on OneDrive so that,
if required, it can then be accessed at school. Penalties for lateness will apply where a student states
technology failure as the reason they have not been able to submit an assessment task. Students should
note that it is not a staff member’s responsibility to print emailed items.
Note that while there is availability of printing facilities in the College Library, students should not rely on this
facility on the due date in case of technology/server failure.
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Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Absence from an Assessment Task
1) If a student is absent from an assessment task, (including examinations and during the period of a long-
term task, or the day a task is due) he / she must produce a written explanation for the absence. This
written explanation must be an acceptable reason (within HSC Policy Guidelines) and must be supported
by relevant and appropriate evidence. Note that in the HSC Course a parent(s) and/or guardian(s) note
regarding illness will not be accepted. Students or parent(s) and/or guardian(s) must contact the Student
Services Office, prior to 9:00am, and leave a message for the relevant Studies Coordinator indicating
absence on the days of assessment. The student is also required to email the relevant Studies Coordinator
to make arrangements for sitting the task on the first day of their return to school.
The following are acceptable reasons.
a) Absent due to illness
For all absences due to illness a medical certificate is required covering the period of absence. The
certificate must be an original and must be on a doctor’s letterhead. The following conditions
apply:
• the doctor must sight the condition on / or prior to the day of assessment or date the assessment
is due.
• the certificate must cover the period of assessment (dates must appear on the certificate.)
• post-dated certificates will not be accepted.
• the doctor providing the certificate must not be a family member.
• the certificate is most helpful if it states the relevant illness / condition rather than a broad
statement such as ‘a medical condition’. A statement, unfit to sit for a HSC Assessment Task
/ Examination is also very helpful as it supports the Assessment Variation Rules.
• if a student is absent on and after the due date of the assessment the medical certificate must
indicate the day the student is fit to return to school. The student is expected then to complete the
task unless otherwise indicated.
The task must be completed immediately on return to school. If this is within an exam block, the student
must advise the relevant Studies Coordinator the day the student is fit to sit the exam within the exam block.
Refer to the Examination Timetable for further instructions on Absence from Exams.
Assessment Variation Procedures
Contact the
Student
Services
Office on
4961 2110
from 8:45 am
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Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Absence from an Assessment Task (continued)
a) Absent due to illness (continued)
The College understands the difficulty of acquiring doctor’s appointments on the day of illness,
however, due to the impact of HSC Internal Assessments on the final ranks, will only accept a
parent(s) and/or guardian(s) note in exceptional circumstances, and, only after discussion with
the Dean of Studies or the Dean of Students on the day of the student’s absence.
If a parent(s) and/or guardian(s) note is deemed acceptable, in the second instance a doctor’s certificate
will be required regardless of the course. For example, if a student is absent for an English task due to
illness and they submit a parent(s) and/or guardian(s) note, and then are subsequently absent for a
Biology task due to illness, they must provide a doctor’s certificate. The rule is not exclusive to a
single course.
Note
“Giving false reasons for not handing in work by the due date is considered Malpractice”.
https://ace.nesa.nsw.edu.au/higher-school-certificate/examinations/honesty-in-assessment
b) Absent due to an acceptable unforeseen circumstance (e.g. funeral)
A letter addressed to the Dean of Studies, Dean of Students or relevant Studies Coordinator
explaining the circumstances will be required and should be attached to the Assessment Variation
Form. Note that the Principal or Dean of Studies, may require evidence to support the request. The
Dean of Studies in consultation with the Principal will be the final arbiter of the acceptability of the
reason. It is normally expected that in these circumstances a student would complete the task before
leave is taken. Please note that in the case of a hand in task, where at least two week’s
notification has been given, a student will not generally be given an extension.
c) Absent due to acceptable school activities (e.g. representative sport, mock trial etc)
The Dean of Studies in consultation with the relevant Studies Coordinator determines that the
activity warrants a change of circumstance for an approved College Representation. The student will
need to submit an Assessment Variation Form prior to the day the assessment task is scheduled or
due. The expectation is that the Assessment Variation Form is submitted at least two (2) weeks prior
to the task. Please note that in the case of a hand in task, where at least two (2) weeks
notification has been given, a student will not generally be given an extension.
d) Absent due to other acceptable reasons
All other circumstances must be applied for in writing to the Principal, who, in consultation with the
Dean of Studies will determine if the reason is to be accepted. If the reason is NOT accepted the
student will receive zero for that task.
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Assessment Handbook Y12 2021Absence from an Assessment Task (continued)
2) If a student submits a task after the due date, without applying for special consideration, a zero mark will
be awarded for the task.
3) If an acceptable absence occurs during the period of an extended time assessment (e.g. project,
assignment etc.) an extension of the due date can be applied for, however, students should not assume
that an extension will be granted. If granted though, the extension may be pro-rata, that is, three (3)
school days sickness may warrant three (3) school days extension. The granting of an extension is at the
discretion of the Studies Coordinator in consultation with the Dean of Studies. Once determined, the
decision will be communicated to the student in writing, on the Assessment Variation Form.
4) Students returning after being absent with an acceptable reason.
The Studies Coordinator in consultation with the Dean of Studies will determine whether:
a) to allow the student to complete the original task.
b) complete a substitute task.
c) award an estimate based on appropriate evidence (exceptional circumstances only).
Important Notice
Major Works
Students undertaking a subject that requires the submission of a Major Work to NESA cannot, under any
circumstance, be given an extension on the due state set by NESA for submission. If a major work is late,
NESA requires the school to complete a Certification Form stating when the work was submitted. It is then
purely NESA’s decision as to whether or not the work will be accepted as part of the HSC mark.
Return to the Table of Contents 19
Assessment Handbook Y12 2021You can also read
