Can I get my HSC results from Students Online?

Yes, but your HSC results are available earlier through the main HSC results website and SMS/telephone services. Your HSC results are available through Students Online from 30 December 2009.

How can I get my HSC results?

You can access your HSC results on Wednesday 16 December.

• Internet: Go to www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au or www.hscresults.nsw.edu.au or www.hsc-results.nsw.edu.au and type in your student number and PIN.
• SMS text message: You can register by text messaging your student number and PIN to 0427 659 900. A return message will confirm that you are registered for the service. Standard charges will apply. For more details click here.
• Telephone: Call the automated telephone service on 1300 669 248 and follow the voice prompts. You will be given information about the cost of the call and asked to enter your student number and PIN.

Which calculators can be used in HSC exams?

The list of approved scientific calculators for the HSC Examinations can be found here: www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/manuals/calculators_hsc.html

Where is the Equipment Checklist for Higher School Certificate Examinations and School Certificate Tests?

www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/manuals/equipment_list.html

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. A glossary of key words has been developed to help provide a common language and consistent meaning in the Higher School Certificate documents. Using the glossary will help teachers and students understand what is expected in responses to examinations and assessment tasks. See www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/glossary_keywords.html

What HSC documents do I get?

1. Testamur - this certificate shows your name and the name of your school.
2. Higher School Certificate Record of Achievement - your Record of Achievement lists all the courses you have satisfactorily completed and your results in those courses. It also lists any courses you have satisfactorily completed in previous years.
3. Course Report - issued for each HSC Board Developed Course you have completed and presented for examination. It shows; your assessment mark (except in VET courses); your examination mark; your HSC mark, which is the average of your assessment and examination marks (except in VET courses); the performance bands; and a graph showing where your HSC mark lies in relation to all candidates HSC marks for the course.
4. If you have completed requirements for a Board Developed VET Course, you will also receive an AQF VET Certificate or Statement of Attainment.
5. If you have completed requirements for one or more Board Developed Life Skills Courses, you will also receive a Profile of Student Achievement.

What is my HSC Student Results Summary?

Your Higher School Certificate Student Results Summary shows your course results and eligibility for the HSC. It will be posted to you in December.

When are Higher School Certificate examinations held?

Most examinations for the Higher School Certificate are written examinations, held in October and November each year. However, some courses also have practical works and/or examinations, which are due/conducted during Term 3.

What happens to submitted works after they are marked?

All submitted works will be returned after marking. In some cases this may not occur until the following year. While every care will be taken, the Board accepts no responsibility for loss of or damage to such projects. It is your responsibility to arrange any insurance. Your teachers will advise you about the packing of your submitted work if it is to be transported to a marking centre.

What are special examination provisions?

Special examination provisions offer practical support to students with special needs. Provisions can include such things as braille or large print papers, the use of a reader or writer, rest breaks, permission to take medication and other requirements as judged appropriate. Contact your year adviser if you wish to apply for special examination provisions or need further information.

How many marks are given to each section of the examination?

The proportion of marks given to written examinations, practical examinations and practical works is set out in the Examination Specifications for each course and listed in the syllabus. Talk with your teacher or look at the syllabus on the Board's website.

Why are assessment marks moderated?

Assessment marks from each school are 'moderated' or placed on a common scale to ensure each school's results can be fairly compared with assessments from other schools across the state.

Why are three marks reported on my HSC Record of Achievement?

Your HSC mark, assessment mark and examination mark are all reported on your Record of Achievement. The school-based assessment mark summarises your performance in assessment tasks set and marked by the school. Your examination mark is gained in the external HSC examinations set and marked by the Board of Studies and your HSC mark is a fifty-fifty combination of the assessment mark and the examination mark.

What is meant by 'non-serious' attempts at HSC exams?

Non-serious attempts contain frivolous or objectionable material. Penalties include the non-award of the course concerned or zero marks for the examination.

What happens if a student does not make an attempt at an HSC exam?

Students who do not attempt any questions in the examination do not receive a result in that course.

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 examination rubrics?

The examination rubrics are general criteria at the beginning of a section of each examination paper that will be taken into account in marking the questions. This indicates to students the basis on which their performance will be judged.

How many students do the HSC each year?

There is a Media Guide for the HSC published each year which has information about the numbers for each subject. The Board's Statistics Archive has detailed information for every year since 1991 including the number of males and females attempting different subjects and lists of All Rounders, Distinguished Achievers and other merit lists.
See http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/bos_stats/

Why do I have to sign a confirmation of entry?

The confirmation of entry is important for two reasons. Firstly, it shows that you have checked that you are enrolled in the right courses and are eligible for the HSC. Secondly it shows that you understand and will follow the HSC rules and procedures.