NSW Students Online - Year 12 :: Frequently Asked Questions

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).

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 thecourses you expect to complete that year. If you wish to change coursesafter the list has been submitted, you need to apply to your schoolprincipal.

For Preliminary courses, the principal can allow a change of courseprovided he or she is satisfied that you can satisfactorily completethe 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.

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.

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 areundertaking require practical examinations and/or submitted works orprojects in addition to the written Higher School Certificateexamination.

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).

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.

Can students undertaking Life Skills courses obtain the HSC?

Yes. If you are studying one or more Life Skills course you can still obtain your HSC.

How do I know if I should study Life Skills courses for my HSC?

Life Skills courses are for the small percentage of students for whom the regular Board Developed or Board Endorsed courses are not appropriate. Your school can provide information about entry requirements for HSC Life Skills Courses.

What are the Stage 6 Life Skills courses?

There are a variety of Life Skills courses, visit www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc

These courses have Board Developed status and can be used to meet the requirements for the award of the Higher School Certificate.

Do Life Skills courses have HSC examinations?

No. Life Skills courses have no HSC examinations and do not contribute towards the calculation of an ATAR. You will receive an HSC Profile of Student Achievement along with your HSC credentials which lists the course outcomes you have achieved.

How can part-time traineeships and apprenticeships fit in with the HSC?

A traineeship or apprenticeship is an employment-based training program with a formal agreement (Training Contract) between the employer and the student.

The formal training part of a traineeship or apprenticeship can contribute to HSC. If this is the case, it is called a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship.

The Training Plan which is signed by the school, the student and their parents/guardians, should show the HSC VET courses being studied as part of the school-based traineeship or apprenticeship.

Approved school-based trainees and apprentices can also do Industry-based Learning which gives additional HSC unit credit for learning in the workplace.

More information on school-based traineeships and apprenticeships can be found at http://www.sbatinnsw.info/

What are the options for a student with special education needs accessing a VET course?

Students with special education needs may access a VET course in one of two ways: either by undertaking the course under regular course arrangements, or by undertaking selected units of competency within the course that have been identified through the collaborative planning process.

Are all HSC VET courses part of an industry curriculum framework?

No. You can study other VET courses in industries where there is no framework. These courses include:

Board Developed, TAFE NSW Delivered VET Accounting course
VET Content Endorsed courses
locally designed VET courses endorsed by the Board of Studies

Details of other VET courses are available on the Board website at http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/voc_ed/board-endorsed-courses.html

Where can I study a VET course?

HSC VET courses must be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Your school may deliver VET courses at the school or you may study a VET course at a TAFE NSW institute or with some other RTO.

What is work placement?

HSC VET courses can have work placement requirements. This involves leaving the school and going into a suitable workplace for a period of time as defined in the syllabus for the course you are studying.

Each of the VET Industry Curriculum Framework courses includes a mandatory component of work placement. Some other VET endorsed courses also have mandatory work placement requirements.

Failure to complete this requirement means that the course has not been completed and will not count towards your HSC.

Work placement is different from work experience which is used by schools to give students a taste of what a particular occupation is like. It is often undertaken in Year 10 and it does not form part of any Board of Studies course or credential.

How does the HSC allow me to include Vocational Education and Training as part of my studies?

There are 11 Board Developed Industry Curriculum Frameworks, each incorporating a range of courses, that allow you to gain both HSC accreditation and Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) VET qualifications. The AQF VET qualifications are recognised by industry and employers throughout Australia.

Will my VET course count towards my ATAR?

The 240-indicative hour VET industry curriculum framework courses have an optional written HSC examination. If you choose to sit for the examination, the result from the examination can be included in the calculation of your ATAR. To be eligible to sit the optional HSC VET examination you must complete the requirements of the 240-indicative hour course being examined that year.

The results from the TAFE NSW delivered VET Accounting course can also contribute to your ATAR.

What is the HSC: All My Own Work program?

The HSC: All My Own Work program is a short course designed to help Higher School Certificate students follow the principles and practices of good scholarship. It helps students understand and value ethical practices when finding and using information as part of their HSC studies.

How do I know if I've completed the HSC: All My Own Work program?

Your school is responsible for teaching the program - talk with your year adviser if you're unsure you have met the course requirements.

What is the student certification declaration?

You are required to certify that any submitted work is your own. Your class teacher and principal must also certify that the work has been done under your teacher's supervision. If they cannot do so, you may not be awarded marks for the work.

What is Honesty in Assessment - the Standard?

This standard sets out the Board of Studies NSW requirements concerning students submitting their own work in HSC assessment. Candidates for the Higher School Certificate, as well as their teachers and others who may guide them, are required to comply with the standard. It can be viewed at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_assessment_policies/honesty.html

What is the Glossary of Key Words?

Syllabus outcomes, objectives, performance bands and examinationquestions have key words that state what students are expected to beable 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 happens if I am told I have not satisfactorily completed a course or have been issued an 'N' determination?

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, or an 'N' determination.

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.

Why is school-based assessment important for the HSC?

In most Board Developed HSC Courses, school-based assessment counts for50% of your HSC mark and is reported on your Higher School CertificateRecord of Achievement.

For VET courses, you are assessed on yourcompetency in performing work-related tasks. This assessment countstowards 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 coursesfrom your results in the assessment tasks listed on the school'sassessment program. These marks are then submitted to the Board ofStudies.

For Board Developed VET Courses studied at school, thereis no assessment mark. Your school submits to the Board a list of theunits of competency you have successfully achieved. This information isused 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 onthe circumstances, a zero mark may be awarded, an extension of timegranted or an alternative task set. If you are unable to complete anassessment task or hand it in at the scheduled time, it is yourresponsibility to ask your teacher whether you can be given analternative task or an extension of time.

How do I get my Assessment Ranks?

After all HSC examinations have been completed, you will be able to see your assessment ranks within each of your coursesat your school in "My Details" on Students Online. Your rank order is calculated from your assessmentresults in each of the courses you studied.

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.

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.

Where can I find information about HSC assessment procedures?

Detailed information about your rights and responsibilities in HSC assessment can be obtained by reading HSC Assessments and Submitted Works - Advice to Students on the Board's website at
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_assessment_policies/hsc-assessments-works-advice-students.html

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 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 http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_assessment_policies/

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 you 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 http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_assessment_policies/hsc-assessments-works-advice-students.html

Which calculators can be used in HSC exams?

The list of approved scientific calculators for the HSC Examinations can be found in the HSC Exam section of the Board's website.

What equipment can I take into an exam?

See the Equipment Checklist for details of what is and isn't allowed in the exam room.

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

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. See the Board's website for all key HSC dates and calendars.

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 examination provisions?

Examination provisions offer practical support to students with special needs. Disability 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 disability provisions or need further information. Read more about disability provisions in the disability FAQs section.

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.

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 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.

What material is not allowed in the exam room?

You cannot bring any unauthorised material into the examination room. You may only take the equipment listed in the equipment checklist into the examination room. No other equipment is allowed. Unauthorised material includes written notes and recorded material on a phone or other electronic device. Mobile phones and electronic devices, such as organisers, MP3 players and electronic dictionaries, are not permitted in an examination room. Before the exam begins, Presiding Officers and examination supervisors will inspect any equipment brought into the examination room. Consequences if you are found with unauthorised material may be severe, including zero marks for an examination, the cancellation of a course and loss of the HSC. You can read more about examination rules in the HSC Rules and Procedures guide.

Is food and drink permitted in the exam room?

Water may be taken into the exam room, but only in a clear bottle. No other food or drink can be taken into the exam room unless approved as an Examination Provision.

Do you get extra marks when you have disability provisions?

Absolutely not. It's a very common misunderstanding but there is no such thing as 'bonus marks' for disability provisions in the NSW Higher School Certificate.

If you don't get extra marks, what's the point?

It's pretty simple: the only people who get disability provisions are those who really need them. Disability provisions are practical arrangements for students who wouldn't otherwise have a fair go at an exam paper.

Examples include large print or Braille for the exam questions, or a coloured paper for the exam and writing booklets. You may be diabetic and need to take food and insulin to the exam room. You may have a cast on your arm and need a bigger table to write on, or you may need a special chair to sit down for long periods. You may have physical pain or a learning difficulty that means you need short breaks during the exam, when you don't write anything for a few minutes without losing exam time. You might have a condition that means someone else writes your answers as you dictate them. In very rare cases it means using a computer.

So who gets disability provisions?

Students who would otherwise not have a fair go at showing in an exam what they have learnt at school.

Do disability provisions give you an advantage?

No. Disability provisions are designed to minimise disadvantage, not create an advantage. The difference might not sound like much, but it is a very important principle.

If I get a medical certificate will I get disability provisions?

Not automatically. Proof of a medical condition is only one part of the process, and you probably don't need loads of advice from medical specialists, either.

What the Board looks for is evidence that the condition actually stops you from showing what you know in an exam and how disability provisions may assist.

The evidence must include comments from your teachers and the principal that confirm that the provision requested will actually address the problem you would otherwise have in reading and/or responding to the exam paper. This is the only evidence that is common to every application.

Then, depending on your condition, the evidence can also include:

supporting documents from one or more health professionals
samples of classwork and exam papers illustrating your difficulty (eg, illegible handwriting)
results of additional tests you have completed at the Board's request (eg, audiogram, vision test, reading test or spelling test).

Won't students just deliberately go too slow in the Board's writing test so they can get disability provisions?

No. The Board has had plenty of experience in spotting fakers and builds in various checks and balances to the test process.

It is important to note that the Board does not reveal its benchmarks for the minimum handwriting speed and other criteria for disability provisions. The Board's right to keep the benchmarks secret to avoid abuse of the system has been settled in the Supreme Court.

Sometimes when I'm nervous my palms get a bit damp. Am I eligible for disability provisions?

Probably not. However, you might be eligible if you have a rare condition called palmar hyperhidrosis, which is a physiological condition caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system. It is believed to affect about 1% of the population and is not a simple matter of damp palms due to nerves. Rather, there is so much perspiration on the page it makes writing impossible. If you have this condition you might be given permission to take a handtowel into the exam. In even more extreme cases, you might be granted the use of a writer to take your dictation.

My handwriting is really messy. Can I get disability provisions?

Generally, no. Markers are use to reading a wide range of handwriting styles. There are a small number of cases where students have difficulty with their fine motor skills, such as dysgraphia, which makes their handwriting illegible. The usual provision for this condition is the granting of a writer, typically a Year 11 student. As with all disability provisions, the Board would need to see strong evidence of the condition and may ask for additional writing samples.

Can I get disability provisions because I am a slow reader?

All students are expected to read HSC questions carefully. If you have a condition that makes it difficult to read and understand questions, such as dyslexia where words sometimes appear to jumble on the page, you would be expected to sit a standardised test to assess whether you fall outside the usual range. Students with a significant vision difficulty may also be granted a provision. With sufficient evidence, these students would most likely be given a reader, who is generally a Year 11 student, or a vision aid.

Do I have a better chance of getting disability provisions if I go to a private school?

No. Every application is treated on its individual merits and the Board doesn't consider which school you attend, only whether you have a condition that stops you from having a fair go at the exam paper.

The Board has undertaken a thorough analysis of the pattern of applications and approvals from all schools, and received independent audit reports of the 2008 and 2009 programs. As a result, the Board is confident that its policies and procedures are rigorously applied.

What does it mean if my application is 'partially approved'?

The Board considers every application on its merits and every year some are either declined or only partially approved. The Board may decide that your application for a computer, for instance, will actually give you an unfair advantage and instead offer you regular rest breaks to relieve an arm condition, or the use of a writer to take your dictation under separate supervision.

This is partial approval: you may only receive part of what you requested, or you may be offered provisions that are not what you requested. These and other statistics, can be found on the Board's website.

What's the difference between 'disability provisions' and 'special consideration'?

The term 'special consideration' sometimes is used in universities to cover arrangements including supplementary examinations, extended assessment deadlines, make-up tasks and averaging of marks.

The Board of Studies does not offer 'special consideration' in its examination programs.

The Board's disability provisions are practical arrangements for students who wouldn't otherwise have a fair go at an exam paper.

Is it true that most people applying for disability provisions get three extra hours writing time as well as a computer?

No. On rare occasions, a student with profound disabilities may be given up to two extra hours to write or rest as they require. There have been cases where students have only had the use of one finger or a head pointer to type and have not been able to speak clearly enough to dictate to a writer. Obviously this makes writing very slow and tiring. Without disability provisions, including extra time and a computer, such students would not be able to sit for the exams at all.

Computers are granted to students to write their exams under very stringent conditions. In many cases computer requests are declined and students are instead offered other forms of assistance such as a writer to take their dictation under separate supervision.

What happens if I'm sick during an exam or have an accident on the way there?

If at examination time you become ill or suffer an accident that affects your exam performance, you should submit an illness/misadventure appeal form through the principal, provided that you can present evidence to support your appeal, eg a medical certificate.

How do I make an illness/misadventure appeal and when?

Ask the presiding officer or your principal for an illness/misadventure appeal form. Details of appeal procedures are on the form and on the illness/misadventure Information Guide for Students sheet. It is your responsibility to complete the form, including all appropriate evidence, and send it to the Board of Studies.

If the appeal relates to a written examination, it is your responsibility to lodge an appeal with the Board of Studies by the conclusion of the HSC examinations. If the appeal relates to a speaking or practical examination, you must lodge the appeal within one week of the date of the examination. You need to include appropriate evidence to support your appeal, eg a medical certificate.

What happens if my illness/misadventure appeal is upheld?

In the case of most Board Developed Courses, if your appeal is upheld you will receive your examination mark or your assessment mark for the examination, whichever is the greater.

In the case of the optional VET HSC examinations, if your appeal is upheld you will receive your examination mark or a mark derived from an estimate submitted by your school, whichever is the greater.

What happens if my illness/misadventure appeal is declined?

If your appeal is declined, you will be awarded the mark you achieved in the examination. If you were absent from an examination and your illness/misadventure appeal is declined, you will not receive any result in that course. This could mean that you become ineligible for the award of the Higher School Certificate.

What is a raw mark?

A raw mark is the mark you were allocated for each question in an exam. Your raw marks together are the first step in the process to determine your examination mark as reported on your HSC Record of Achievement.

Your raw marks have not been aligned to performance standards. Read more about how raw marks are used to determine your HSC results.

HSC students are able to order a report of their raw marks for each course they studied in the 2012 HSC. This service is available from 24 December 2012 to 12 April 2013 for a small fee. Read more about the HSC Raw Marks Report service.

Can I have my exam paper back with my answers?

You will be able to order a copy of your examination responses for each course you studied with a written exam in the 2012 HSC. This service is available from 24 December 2012 to 12 April 2013 for a small fee. Read more about the HSC Examination Responses service.

What is the HSC Results Check service?

If you feel your exam mark is not consistent with your expectation, the HSC Results Check service is available for a small fee per course. This service is available from 20 December 2012 to 12 April 2013. This service is an opportunity to confirm your examination marks were processed correctly. It does not involve a re-mark of examination responses. Read more about the HSC Results Check service including how to make a request.

How can I get my HSC results?

2012 HSC students will be able to access their HSC results online, by SMS or telephone on Wednesday 19 December 2012. You will need your Student Number and HSC PIN to access your details.

What HSC documents do I get?

Testamur - this certificate shows your name and the name of your school.
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.
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.
If you have completed requirements for a Board Developed VET Course, you will also receive an AQF VET Certificate or Statement of Attainment.
If you have completed requirements for one or more Board Developed Life Skills Courses, you will also receive a Profile of Student Achievement.

See samples of the HSC credentials on the Board's website.

What happens if I lose my hard copy of the Higher School Certificate?

The Board of Studies provides replacement statements for lost certificates issued by the Board of Studies, past Boards or the New South Wales Department of Education. Replacement statements can be provided for: Intermediate Certificates (to 1964), Leaving Certificates (to 1966), School Certificates (from 1965), Higher School Certificates (from 1967), TER (Tertiary Entrance Rank) (to 1996 only) and Year 10, 11 or 12 Statement of Attainments/Result Notice.

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. Read more about results in Understanding HSC results on the Board's website.

I think there is something wrong with my results, what can I do?

If you have any concerns, or want to ask a specific question about your results, you can call the HSC Results Inquiry Centre on 13 11 12 and speak to experienced Board staff. Standard call costs apply from anywhere in NSW (cannot be called from a mobile). Available from 19 December 2012, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Closed weekends and public holidays.

You may also request an HSC Results Check, which is a service available for a small fee per course to confirm your examination marks were processed correctly.

Will my HSC results give me credit towards a TAFE course?

The skills and knowledge you have gained through your HSC studies are recognised by TAFE NSW. The process is called credit transfer. Your VET course may also give you further recognition towards completing a TAFE course. Read more about this process in the Fast Track to a Qualification brochure.

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 the ATAR?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 with increments of 0.05. It is a rank which reports your achievement in relation to that of other students. Universities use the ATAR as one of several measures to select school leavers for university study. The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) releases the ATAR.

What is the difference between my HSC and my ATAR?

Your HSC is issued by the Board of Studies and provides a detailed report of your achievement in each of the courses you study, using a combination of marks and performance descriptors. The ATAR is issued by the Universities Admissions Centre and is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 used to report your results in relation to that of other students. It is calculated from your best ten eligible units, after further scaling to place all courses on a common scale.

What are the eligibility requirements for an ATAR?

To be eligible for an ATAR you must satisfactorily complete at least 10 units of Board Developed Courses for which there are formal examinations conducted by the Board of Studies. The Board Developed Courses must include at least two units of English, at least three courses of two units or greater and at least four subjects.

Where can I find information on the ATAR?

Details of ATAR requirements can be found in the UAC Guide, published each year by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). You can phone UAC on (02) 9752 0200 or visit the UAC website at: www.uac.edu.au

Will my VET course count towards my ATAR?

The 240-indicative hour VET industry curriculum framework courses have an optional written HSC examination. If you choose to sit for the examination, the result from the examination can be included in the calculation of your ATAR. To be eligible to sit the optional HSC VET examination you must complete the requirements of the 240-indicative hour course being examined that year.

The results from the TAFE NSW delivered VET Accounting course can also contribute to your ATAR.

Where can I get information on careers after my results come out?

Each year, following the release of the Higher School Certificate results, the NSW Department of Education and Communities offers free careers advisory services which provide students and their families or care-givers with relevant up-to-date information about a range of available career and study options.

Careers advisors will be available to answer your query via phone or the website.

Avaliability: To be announced later in the year

Telephone: 1300 300 687

website: cas.det.nsw.edu.au

The Careers Advisory Service website contains helpful information to assist you in clarifying course choices, employment opportunities, career pathways and training options.

How does the HSC compare to interstate qualifications?

Information on Year 12 credentials in each state is available on the Australasian Curriculum, Assessment and Certification Authorities (ACACA). See http://acaca.bos.nsw.edu.au/go/leaving-school.

What follows the HSC?

Approximately 30% of students go straight to university after completing the HSC, 30% go to TAFE and 30% go into the workforce.

Many HSC courses give students credit towards TAFE credentials. Credit can be gained from general courses, such as Geography and Visual Arts, as well as from courses that include vocational units of competency.

Students may also undertake TAFE study prior to enrolling in university. The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC), with participating universities, has developed national credit transfer arrangements for holders of TAFE qualifications in 13 broad fields of study. See http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au.

What is OnSTAGE?

OnSTAGE is a presentation and exhibition of outstanding individual and group performances by Higher School Certificate Drama students.
See http://boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/exhibitions/#onstage

What is ENCORE?

ENCORE is a program of outstanding performances and compositions by students from the Higher School Certificate Music examinations. It is held annually as a concert at the Sydney Opera House.
See http://boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/exhibitions/#encore

What is DesignTECH?

DesignTECH is an exhibition of outstanding Major Design Projects from Higher School Certificate Design and Technology Students.
See http://boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/exhibitions/#designtech

What is ARTEXPRESS?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of outstanding artworks created by Higher School Certificate Visual Arts students at government and non-government schools.
See http://boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/exhibitions/#artexpress

What is Texstyle?

Texstyle is an exhibition of outstanding HSC textile and design major projects.
For more information go to http://www.teansw.com.au

What is the Young Writers' Showcase?

The Young Writers' Showcase is a selection from the outstanding major works presented by English Extension 2 students at the 2011 HSC.
See http://boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/youngwriters

You and the HSC - Frequently Asked Questions

Getting ready for the HSC

HSC course and requirements

Life Skills

Vocational Education and Training

HSC: All My Own Work

Your school assessment marks

HSC assessment, course completion and ranking

The HSC Exams

HSC Exams

Disability provisions

Illness/misadventure

Your HSC results

HSC Results

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)

Beyond the HSC

Exhibitions

Using Students Online

Links

Help