What is the Glossary of Key Words?

Syllabus outcomes, objectives, performance bands and examination questions have key words that state what students are expected to be able to do. We've published a glossary of key words to help. You understand words like "analyse" and "discuss". See www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/glossary_keywords.html

What is meant by 'satisfactory completion of courses'?

To receive a result in any course, you must satisfactorily complete that course.
Satisfactory completion of a course involves:

• following the course developed or endorsed by the Board
• applying yourself with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks provided in the course by the school
• achieving some or all of the course outcomes.

What happens if I am told I have not satisfactorily completed a course?

Before this can happen, your principal will give you written warnings in sufficient time to allow you to correct any problems regarding your achievement, application or completion of courses. If you do not address these problems and your principal decides that you have not satisfactorily completed a course, you will receive no results in that course.

Can I appeal my principal's decision that I have not satisfactorily completed a course?

Yes. You have the right to appeal to the Board against your principal's decision. If you choose to do so, your principal will explain the appeal mechanism to you.

Where can I find information about HSC assessment procedures?

Detailed information about your rights and responsibilities in HSC assessment can be obtained from the brochure HSC Assessments and Submitted Works - Advice to Students on the Board's website at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/manuals/pdf_doc/hsc_assess_advice_student.pdf

What are a student's responsibilities for school assessment tasks?

You are expected to complete the tasks that are part of the assessment program and you should ensure that you have a copy of your school's assessment program for each course.

All work presented in an assessment task must be your own, whether it is an examination or an assignment. Malpractice (cheating) or plagiarism (claiming someone else's ideas or work as your own) could lead to your receiving zero marks for the task. Find out more by reading HSC Assessments and Submitted Works - Advice to Students on the Board's website at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/manuals/pdf_doc/hsc_assess_advice_student.pdf

Why is school-based assessment important for the HSC?

In most Board Developed HSC Courses, school-based assessment counts for 50% of your HSC mark and is reported on your Higher School Certificate Record of Achievement.
For VET courses, you are assessed on your competency in performing work-related tasks. This assessment counts towards your AQF VET qualification but not towards an HSC mark.

What do schools do with assessment marks?

Your school calculates your assessment mark for each of your courses from your results in the assessment tasks listed on the school's assessment program. These marks are then submitted to the Board of Studies.
For Board Developed VET Courses studied at school, there is no assessment mark. Your school submits to the Board a list of the units of competency you have successfully achieved. This information is used to produce your Certificate or Statement of Attainment.

What happens if I don't complete an assessment task?

Every school has a policy on tasks that are not completed. Depending on the circumstances, a zero mark may be awarded, an extension of time granted or an alternative task set. If you are unable to complete an assessment task or hand it in at the scheduled time, it is your responsibility to ask your teacher whether you can be given an alternative task or an extension of time

Can I be given an estimate if I don't complete an assessment task?

Only in exceptional circumstances and only where an alternative task would be unreasonable or impractical can your principal allow an estimate to be given for a task that has not been completed.

Can I appeal to the Board of Studies if I disagree with a mark given for an assessment task?

No. There is no appeal against the marks awarded for assessment tasks.

What is my Assessment Rank Order notice?

After all HSC examinations have been completed, Students Online will provide you with your assessment rank order within each of your courses at your school. Your rank order is calculated from your assessment results in each of the courses you studied.

What can I do if I think there is a mistake relating to my rank order?

If you feel that your rank in any course is incorrect, you can apply to your school principal for a review. There is no provision for a review of the actual marks awarded for assessment tasks. Further details about reviews and appeals are on the assessment appeal form which can be obtained from your school.

What is an Assessment Rank Appeal to the Board?

If you are dissatisfied with the result of your school review of your course assessment rankings you can appeal to the Board against the decision. The Board then decides if the correct weightings were used, whether the school followed its own assessment program and that there were no clerical errors. If the appeal is upheld, the Board refers the matter back to the school for further review.

Can the Board help me if I have problems with how I'm taught?

No. The Board of Studies cannot make any provision for students who claim to have been disadvantaged by the failure of their school or college to provide adequate teaching. This applies to complaints regarding quality of teaching, qualifications of the teacher, teacher absences or the effect of a succession or change of teachers - adequate staffing is the responsibility of the relevant system or school.

What are syllabus outcomes?

Syllabus outcomes define the level of knowledge, skill and understanding that is expected to be achieved by students. This definition provides a clear basis for teaching and learning, as well as standards referenced assessment.

What are marking criteria?

The marking criteria are descriptive statements that markers will use for making judgments about the marks to be awarded for different levels of performance. The individual phrases describe how a student is to be scored. Criteria are individual components of a set marking guideline.

Where can I find out about student study days?

The Professional Teachers' Council NSW website has links to member associations which hold subject specific Students Days. Go to http://www.ptc.nsw.edu.au and also follow the links provided.

What are the school's responsibilities for internal assessment?

Your school needs to provide you with information on its assessment policies and details of your assessment tasks, such as due dates and the requirements for each task. Find out more at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/manuals/pdf_doc/hsc_assess_advice_student.pdf