How do I know if I am eligible for the HSC?

To be eligible for the Higher School Certificate, you need to:

• be enrolled at either a NSW government school, an accredited non-government school or a TAFE NSW institute
• study a permitted combination of courses (see 'What are the study requirements?')
• complete the syllabus requirements for each course
• sit for, and make a genuine attempt at, the required Higher School Certificate examinations
• complete the HSC: All My Own Work program in ethical scholarship (or its equivalent).

What are the HSC study requirements?

Students must satisfactorily complete a Preliminary pattern of study comprising at least 12 units and an HSC pattern of study comprising at least 10 units. Both patterns must include at least:

• six units from Board Developed Courses
• two units of a Board Developed Course in English
• three courses of two unit value or greater (either Board Developed or Board Endorsed)
• four subjects.

What are 'units of study'?

All HSC courses have a unit value, with each unit requiring approximately 60 hours of classroom study per year. The majority of HSC courses are 2 units and are divided into Preliminary (usually studied in Year 11) and HSC (usually studied in Year 12) components.
VET courses are not divided into HSC and Preliminary components and may be counted as Preliminary and/or HSC units.

What is an 'extension course'?

Extension courses build on the content of the 2 unit course and require students to study beyond the 2 unit course. Extension courses are available in English, Mathematics, History, Music, some languages and most VET courses. You must study the related 2 unit course to be eligible to enrol in an extension course.

Can I change any of my courses during the year?

Early in the year, your school will submit a list to the Board of the courses you expect to complete that year. If you wish to change courses after the list has been submitted, you need to apply to your school principal.

What are the rules relating to changing courses during the year?

For Preliminary courses, the principal can allow a change of course provided he or she is satisfied that you can satisfactorily complete the new Preliminary course before commencing study of the HSC course.
For HSC courses, you may only enter a new course if the principal is satisfied you:

• have satisfactorily completed the Preliminary component (or equivalent) of the course you wish to enter
• will be able to complete all HSC course requirements, including assessment.

What information and study resources for HSC courses are available?

Students Online has great links to useful study information, including the syllabuses for every Board Developed Course. Board syllabuses contain information about course objectives, outcomes, structure and content, as well as assessment requirements. Copies of these documents are also provided to your school.

How do I find out about any updates to the courses I am studying?

You should speak with your year adviser about individual course requirements. Schools are notified of any changes through Board publications distributed to schools and the Official Notices section on the Board's website. You can also check the Official Notices through Students Online.

How do I know what the rules and requirements are for my HSC?

Talk with your year adviser if you have any questions regarding rules and procedures for the HSC. Also, make sure you have received a copy of the Board's publication Rules and Procedures for 2009 Higher School Certificate Candidates. It's available on the Board website at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_assessment_policies/#hsc_rules_procedures

Are there different types of HSC courses?

Yes. There are two main types of courses - Board Developed and Board Endorsed.

What is a Board Developed Course?

These are the large number of courses set and externally examined by the Board of Studies including courses in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Creative Arts, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Human Society and its Environment, Languages and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Curriculum Frameworks. Most Board Developed courses contribute to the calculation of an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

What is a Board Endorsed course?

These include courses that may be developed by schools, TAFE or universities. They contribute to the HSC but do not have an external examination and do not contribute to the calculation of your ATAR.

What is meant by HSC Pathways?

The Pathways program can give you more flexibility in your study arrangements. Under Pathways, you can:

• take extra time to complete your HSC (up to five years)
• repeat one or more HSC courses
• accelerate, taking less time to complete your HSC
• gain recognition of prior learning, where you may be granted credit transfer towards your HSC, or advanced standing in a course
• combine HSC study with a part-time traineeship

How long can I take to complete my HSC?

You can 'accumulate' your studies over a period of up to five years to complete your HSC study pattern.

Can I repeat an HSC course?

You may repeat one or more HSC courses, but you must do so within the five-year accumulation period. Results of all attempts will appear on your cumulative Record of Achievement.

If I repeat a course, which mark will contribute towards my ATAR?

In the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will use the HSC marks awarded at the most recent attempt.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

If you can demonstrate that you have achieved the required syllabus outcomes in another way, for example through other study, you may be granted either:

• a credit transfer - this allows you to count courses studied in educational institutions such as TAFE, towards your Higher School Certificate
• advanced standing - this gives you an exemption from some components of your HSC courses

How do I know if any of my courses involve a practical examination or major work?

Ask your teacher or year adviser whether any of the courses you are undertaking require practical examinations and/or submitted works or projects in addition to the written Higher School Certificate examination.
There are also Board publications on prescribed texts, topics, projects and works for all courses in each examination year. Copies should be available at your school or check under 'HSC Syllabuses' on the Board's website.

If I repeat an HSC course can I resubmit my major work?

You cannot submit any works or projects entered and marked in a previous year without special permission from the Board. If you do receive Board permission, you will still be required to make substantial changes to the work, and may then be required to resubmit the original or documentation of the original (eg photographs).

Where can I find out more information on the HSC?

For more information you should first contact the teacher who is the Year Adviser at your school. You can also contact the Board of Studies Liaison Officer (BOSLO) in your area.