Introduction cont.

AustralianTertiaryAdmissionRank(ATAR)

At the end of Year 12 students may elect to receive an ATAR

The ATAR is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that is used to rank students on their academic achievement for entry into tertiary institutions. The Universities Admission Centre (UAC) compiles this rank The ATAR indicates a student’s position relative to all the students in their age group So, an ATAR of 80.00 means you are in the top 20% of your age group.

For more information about the ATAR, refer to the UAC Website.

Calculation of the ATAR:

To be eligible for an ATAR in NSW, you must satisfactorily complete at least 10 units of HSC courses. These courses must include at least:

10 units of Board Developed courses two units of English three Board Developed courses of two units or greater four subject areas.

Your ATAR is then calculated from your: best two units of English best eight units from your remaining units

Non-ATAR HSC

Students do not require an ATAR to receive an HSC An ATAR is only required for students seeking placement at a university. A non-ATAR program of study for the HSC allows students to choose courses more relevant for their pathway beyond school. If an ATAR is not required, it is possible to follow a study program that will have minimal or no HSC exams

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are offered as part of the HSC They enable students to study courses which are relevant to industry needs and have clear links to postschool destinations. These courses allow students to gain both HSC qualification and accreditation with industry and the workplace as part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) This national framework is recognised across Australia and helps students to move easily between the various education and training sectors and employment These courses each have a specific workplace component and a minimum number of hours students spend in the workplace or a simulated workplace at school. Students receive special documentation showing the competencies gained Board Developed VET Courses (if examined) can count in the calculation of the ATAR.

HSC Requirements at Trinity Anglican College

Year 11

In Year 11 students must study a minimum of 12 units, with the option of studying 13 units

Two units of English is compulsory

Mathematics is not compulsory; however, it is recommended that you seriously consider including a Mathematics course in your pattern of study

Students select at least three courses of two-unit value from at least four subject areas

Year 12

In Year 12, most students will study 10 units

In almost all cases, the courses that students select in Year 11 flow into courses studied in Year 12.

Two units of English is compulsory

Students select at least three courses of two-unit value from at least four subject areas

Year 11 & 12 Extension subjects

Within an HSC subject area (eg mathematics) there may be several courses (eg. Mathematics Standard 2, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2). If a student studies, for example, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, English Advanced, English Extension 1 and Biology they will not meet the four subject area requirements because they have only studied three subject areas: Mathematics, English and Biology.

Likewise, if a student studies English Advanced, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Modern History and History Extension, they have only studied three subject areas: English, Mathematics and Modern History. History Extension does not count as an additional subject area. Similarly, Science Extension does not count as an additional subject area.

Extension subjects in Years 11 and 12 are one-unit subjects, and are taught off-line. Under these circumstances, extension subjects will have classes that take place before or after school. Students selecting these subjects must be committed to either starting their school day earlier or completing it after the scheduled 3.10pm finish. The days and times of these ‘off timetable’ classes will be published to students when the classes are finalised.

Student tips for choosing HSC Courses

1. Make the link between your choices now and where you want to go after Year 12

2. If you want to get an ATAR, make sure you will be eligible. In 2025, NSW Year 12 students must complete at least:

10 units of Board Developed courses

Two units of English

Three Board Developed courses of two units or greater

Four subject areas

3. Choose HSC courses that you are good at and interested in, and that will lay a foundation for your future plans. Choose courses that will prepare you well for the areas of university of study you’re planning to pursue.

4. If you are not sure what level Maths and English to take, choose the level that suits your ability and future plans, rather than trying to take advantage of how courses are scaled. You will not necessarily get a higher ATAR just by studying a lower level course. Also, be aware that while universities often increase the selection rank in recognition of your performance in particular HSC courses (usually Band 5 & 6), they do not always reward your performance in the lower level courses, no matter how well you do

5. Just about any combination of courses can lead to a good ATAR. It all depends on how well you do in all your courses in comparison to other students.

6. Check if the university you want to attend, or the course you want to do, has prerequisites and assumed knowledge. These can include a high-level Maths or English course

7. To make good choices about what to study, work to the best of your ability and focus on your goals for life after school

Visit the NESA website for more advice on subject selection