HSC Assessment Handbook

HSC 2021-2022

Assessment Manual

A Schedule of Tasks and

Rules for Students in Year 12

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CONTENTS 1. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................................................................ 2

2. FOCUS DAY SCHEDULE 2022 ......................................................................................................... 4

3. TERM SUMMARIES ........................................................................................................................... 6

4. INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT SCHEDULES ............................................................................................... 9 2 Unit Agriculture ..................................................................................................................................... 9 2 Unit Ancient History .............................................................................................................................. 9 2 Unit Biology ......................................................................................................................................... 10 2 Unit Business Studies ......................................................................................................................... 10 2 Unit Chemistry .................................................................................................................................... 11 2 Unit Chinese Continuers ..................................................................................................................... 11 1 Unit Chinese Extension ...................................................................................................................... 12 2 Unit Design & Technology .................................................................................................................. 12 2 Unit Drama .......................................................................................................................................... 13 2 Unit Earth & Environmental Science .................................................................................................. 13 2 Unit Economics ................................................................................................................................... 14 2 Unit English EAL/D ............................................................................................................................. 14 2 Unit English Standard ......................................................................................................................... 15 2 Unit English Advanced ........................................................................................................................ 15 1 Unit English Extension 1 ..................................................................................................................... 16 1 Unit English Extension 2 ..................................................................................................................... 16 2 Unit French Continuers ....................................................................................................................... 17 1 Unit French Extension ........................................................................................................................ 17 2 Unit Geography ................................................................................................................................... 18 1 Unit History Extension ........................................................................................................................ 18 2 Unit Industrial Technology .................................................................................................................. 19 2 Unit Information Processes and Technology ...................................................................................... 19 2 Unit Investigating Science .................................................................................................................. 20 2 Unit Japanese Continuers .................................................................................................................. 20 2 Unit Latin Continuers .......................................................................................................................... 21 2 Unit Latin Extension ............................................................................................................................ 21 2 Unit Legal Studies ............................................................................................................................... 22 2 Unit Mathematics Standard 2 ............................................................................................................. 22 2 Unit Mathematics Advanced ............................................................................................................... 23 Mathematics Extension 1 ....................................................................................................................... 23 Mathematics Extension 2 ....................................................................................................................... 24 2 Unit Modern History ............................................................................................................................ 24 2 Unit Music Course 1 ........................................................................................................................... 25 2 Unit Music Course 2 ........................................................................................................................... 25 1 Unit Music Extension .......................................................................................................................... 26 2 Unit Personal Development, Health & Physical Education ................................................................ 26 2 Unit Physics ........................................................................................................................................ 27 1 Unit Science Extension ....................................................................................................................... 27 2 Unit Society and Culture ..................................................................................................................... 28 2 Unit Software Design and Development ............................................................................................. 28 1 Unit Studies of Religion ...................................................................................................................... 29 2 Unit Studies of Religion ...................................................................................................................... 29 2 Unit Textiles and Design ..................................................................................................................... 30 2 Unit Visual Arts.................................................................................. .......... .......................................30 APPENDICES ....................................................................................................................................... 31 1. Eligibility Requirements and Regulations for the HSC ..................................................................... 31 2. Overview of Internal Assessments ................................................................................................... 34 3. Conduct of Internal Assessments ...................................................................................................... 35 4. Procedure for Appeals ..................................................................................................................... 36

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1. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (a detailed guide to assessment procedures can be found in the Appendices)

What do I do if I am sick on the day of the assessment task?

• Notify the Senior School Office (8438 7953) by 8:20am on the morning of the task. • Submit to the Dean of the Senior School appropriate documentation such as a specific medical certificate

or relevant agent's report (e.g. police report in event of a car accident) to explain the reason for being unable to complete the assessment task.

• Students will be advised by the Dean of the Senior School when they will sit the task or substitute task. Students should expect to sit the task as soon as possible after their return to school.

Appropriate documentation must be provided to the Dean of the Senior School within two school days of the original due date of the task. If this requirement is not met, penalties may apply even if appropriate documentation is subsequently provided.

What do I do if I arrive to School late on the day of an assessment task? A student who is late to school on the day of an assessment must bring a medical certificate, or other relevant documentation (police or agent’s report). A student who misses timetabled classes and/or other scheduled events without appropriate documentation will receive a penalty of 25%. What do I do if I can't make the deadline for an assessment task? An application for an extension of time must be made to the Dean of the Senior School at least one week prior to the due date where possible. An extension of time, beyond the published date, can only be granted by the Dean of the Senior School upon receipt of appropriate documentation, in consultation with the Head of Department. Individual teachers may not, under any circumstances, grant an extension of time for assessment tasks. If you have not been granted an extension, then penalties will apply for work submitted or completed late. What happens if I can't do an assessment task as described on the assessment notification? If you require variations to an assessment task, you must see the Dean of the Senior School a minimum of 1 week before the task to make alternative arrangements, unless the request is due to an unforeseen incident. You must provide documentation indicating specific reasons why the variation is required. If you require Disability Provisions, you need to apply for these through the Learning Support Department at the beginning of the HSC course (Year 11 Term 4). The Learning Support Department will discuss the documentation that you will need to collect and submit in support of your application. What types of penalties exist for assessment tasks? 1. For hand-in assessment tasks, penalties will be applied as follows for late work: 50% penalty - for up to one day late (i.e. 8:20am of the next school day) 100% penalty (zero mark) - for more than one day late 2. If a student fails to sit an in-class task, examination or performance as scheduled, and does not submit

appropriate documentation within two school days, a zero mark will be awarded. 3. Students who miss timetabled lessons and/or other scheduled activities on the day that a task is held

(without a medical certificate, etc) will receive a penalty of 25%. 4. Students who are guilty of malpractice (cheating) on an assessment task may receive zero. 5. Students who plagiarise may receive a penalty of up to 100%. What happens if technology breaks down? Technological problems will not be accepted as an excuse for non-submission, sub-standard or incomplete work. If there is a technological problem, students must be able to show evidence of their progress on a task. What do I do if I believe there has been an error in the administration or marking of a task? The procedure for appeals can be found in Appendix 4 (Page 36).

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2. FOCUS DAY SCHEDULE 2022 Students who do not have timetabled Focus Day activities are encouraged to use the day for personal study, consultations with their class teachers or to work on their major projects from practical subjects.

Term 1, 2022 Date Term/Week Subject Event Time

9 February

Term 1 Week 3

Mathematics: Standard 2, Advanced, Extension 2 Assessment Tasks 8:30 – 9:30am

Science Extension Poster assessment presentation 10:30am onwards

Chinese, Japanese, French Continuers Native Language Assistant 10:00am – 12noon

Latin Continuers, Latin Extension Guest Speakers 10:00am – 12noon

1:00 – 3:00pm

Drama Performance skills workshops/ Individual Project tutoring 10:30am onwards

23 February

Term 1 Week 5

Visual Arts 1 Excursion to visit the AGNSW for ARTEXPRESS and other exhibitions All Day

English Extension 1 Assessment task 8:30 – 10:00am

Physics Incursion with guest speaker. Physics skills and representations

11:00am – 1:00pm

Investigating Science ANSTO Scientist incursion follow-up to excursion 2:00 – 3:30pm

9 March

Term 1 Week 7

French Continuers French Film Excursion All Day

Legal Studies Guest speaker 8:30 – 10:30am

Economics Skills Sessions 11:00am – 12:30pm

Drama Australian Theatre Presentation 1:00 – 3:00pm

23 March

Term 1 Week 9

English: EAL/D, Standard, Advanced Assessment task 8:30 – 10:00am

History Extension Practice Exam 11:00am – 1:00pm

Notes: 1 Takes priority

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Term 2, 2022 Date Term/Week Subject Event Time 4

May Term 2 Week 2

Chemistry Lecture Series 8:30 – 10:30am 11:00am – 1:00pm

Drama Performance skills workshops/ Individual Project tutoring throughout the day

18 May

Term 2 Week 4

Geography1 Pyrmont Fieldwork All Day

PDHPE Improving Performance Option 8:30am – 12:30pm

SDD Project Development Workshop 1 hr workshop + throughout day

1 June

Term 2 Week 6

Mathematics: Standard 2, Advanced, Extension 2 Assessment Tasks 8:30 – 9:30am

Legal Studies Assessment task 11:00am – 12noon

IPT Project Development Workshop 1 hr workshop + throughout day

Chinese, Japanese, French Continuers Native Language Assistant 1:00 – 3:00pm

15 June

Term 2 Week 8

Business Studies Assessment task 8:30 – 9:30am

Earth & Environmental Science Assessment Oral presentations throughout the day

English Extension 2 Seminar on Reflection Statement 11:00am – 12:30pm

Biology Lecture 1:20 – 2:20pm


Term 3, 2022

Date Term/Week Subject Event Time 20

July Term 3 Week 1 Students can use this day for consultations with teachers prior to Trial Examinations

3 August

Term 3 Week 3 Trial HSC Examinations

17 August

Term 3 Week 5

Mathematics: All courses

Trial HSC Feedback Seminars (1 hour per seminar per course) 9:30am – 12noon

Latin Extension Guest Speakers 1:00 – 3:00pm

Physics ANSTO Incursion 1:00 – 3:00pm

31 August

Term 3 Week 7 Geography1 Hunter Valley Fieldwork All Day

14 September

Term 3 Week 9

English Extension 1 English Advanced English Standard

Lecture Lectures Lecture

8:30 – 9:30am 9:30am – 12noon 11:00am – 12noon

Latin Continuers Guest Speakers 1:00 – 3:00pm

Drama Section Two Workshops 1:00 – 3:00pm


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3. TERM SUMMARIES

Students are encouraged to record the day / date / period for their own Assessment tasks in the blank Date column below. Term 4, 2021

Week Date Scheduled Assessment Task

1 -

2 -

3 -

4 -

5 1U Studies of Religion

2U Studies of Religion

6

Design and Technology Drama Geography Industrial Technology Textiles and Design

7

Biology Business Studies Legal Studies PDHPE Software Design and Development

8

Agriculture Chinese, French, Japanese Continuers Earth and Environmental Science Economics English EAL/D, Standard, Advanced Information Processes and Technology Investigating Science Modern History

9

Ancient History Drama English Extension 2 Latin Continuers Music: Course 1 and 2 Physics Society and Culture Visual Arts

10 -

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TERM 1, 2022

Week Date Scheduled Assessment Task

1 -

2 Chemistry

3 Mathematics: Standard 2, Advanced, Extension 2

Science Extension

4

History Extension Mathematics Extension 1 Music Extension

5

Design and Technology English Extension 1 Industrial Technology 1U Studies of Religion 2U Studies of Religion Textiles and Design

6 Information Processes and Technology

7 English Extension 2

Software Design and Development Visual Arts

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9 English: EAL/D, Standard, Advanced

10

Assessment Block: Agriculture Ancient History Biology Business Studies Chemistry Chinese, French, Japanese Latin Continuers Chinese, French, Latin Extension Earth and Environmental Science Economics Geography Investigating Science Legal Studies Mathematics: Standard 2, Advanced, Extension 1, Extension 2 Modern History Music: Course 1 and 2 PDHPE Physics Society and Culture Examinations: Drama Industrial Technology Textiles and Design

11

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TERM 2, 2022

WEEK DATE SCHEDULED ASSESSMENT TASK

1 -

2 Drama

3 2U Studies of Religion

4 -

5

English: EAL/D, Standard, Advanced History Extension Music Course 2 Society and Culture

6

English Extension 1 Geography Legal Studies Mathematics: Standard 2, Advanced, Extension 2 Modern History Software Design and Development Textiles and Design

7

Ancient History Agriculture Economics Investigating Science PDHPE Mathematics Extension 1

8

Biology Business Studies Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin Continuers Earth and Environmental Science Information Processes and Technology Music Course 1 Music Extension Physics

9

Chemistry Chinese, French, Latin Extension Design and Technology Drama English Extension 2 Industrial Technology Science Extension

TERM 3 2022

DATE SCHEDULED ASSESSMENT TASK Day 1, Term 3 Visual Arts

Trial Examinations are scheduled for Weeks 3 and 4

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4. INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT SCHEDULES The schedules below list the assessment tasks for each HSC course. The week in which the task will be held is as indicated. A more exact indication of the timing of the task will be found in the notification sheet that will be issued two weeks prior to the task. The mode or form of the task is indicated in the column “Type”. The following codes are used: C in-class test, including practical tests H hand-in task: a task that is performed out of class time and submitted on the due date E formal written examination O oral task P performance

2 Unit Agriculture

Task # and Name Type Term/Week Weighting Description

1: In-class test C Term 4 Week 8 20%

Processing and theory test assessing outcomes on the Farm Product Study unit of work

2: In-class test C Term 1 Week 10/11 25%

An in-class test covering outcomes in the Animal Production and Farm Product Study units from the HSC course

3: Research Report and Oral Presentation H/O Term 2

Week 7 25% A research report and oral presentation based on the elective "Farming for the 21st Century" unit of work

4: Trial Examination E Term 3 Week 3/4 30% A formal written examination covering all

work from the HSC course to date

2 Unit Ancient History


1: Source Test C Term 4 Week 9 20% An in-class source test covering an

aspect of the Cities of Vesuvius topic

2: Historical Analysis Essay C Term 1

Weeks 10/11 25%

Students complete an in-class essay on their research for the historical period topic and a source exercise on Cities of Vesuvius

3: Personality task C Term 2 Week 7 25%

Students complete an in-class task on an aspect of Agrippina and the sources associated with her study

4: Trial Examination E Term 3 Week 3/4 30% A formal written examination covering

all work from the HSC course to date

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2 Unit Biology


1: Depth Study Task Report C Term 4

Week 7 20% A task based on a depth study, including first-hand investigation and secondary research

2: Processing and Knowledge Task C Term 1

Week 10/11 25%

A test based on working scientifically skills and knowledge and understanding outcomes from HSC course

3: Practical/Processing Task H Term 2

Week 8 25%

An in-class task based on working scientifically skills, data analysis and problem solving, covering specified modules of the HSC course

4: Trial Examination E Term 3 Week 3/4 30%

A formal written examination covering all work from the HSC course to date

2 Unit Business Studies


1: Research Report C Term 4 Week 7 25%

Students will conduct independent research on the topic of Operations and write a business report

2: In-class test C Term 1 Week 10/11 20% An in-class test covering certain

topics from the HSC course

3: Extended Response C Term 2 Week 8 25% Students prepare for and complete

an extended response



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2 Unit Chemistry Task # and Name Type Term/Week Weighting Description

1: Depth Study H/C Term 1 Week 2 30%

Students complete a first or second-hand investigation into one major area of study

2: Written test C Term 1 Week 10/11 20% A written test covering certain

sections of the HSC course

3: Processing Test C Term 2 Week 9 20%

A test assessing practical skills and data analysis and working scientifically outcomes



2 Unit Chinese Continuers


1: In-class Test C Term 4 Week 8 20%

An in-class test comprising: Reading and Responding (15) Writing (5)


An in-class test comprising: Listening and Responding (15)

Writing (5) Speaking (5)

3: In-class Test C Term 2 Week 8 15% An in-class test comprising of:

Speaking (15)


An examination comprising: Listening and Responding (15) Reading and Responding (15) Writing (10)

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1 Unit Chinese Extension

Task # and Name Type Term/Week Weighting /50 Description

1: In-class test C Term 1 Week 10/11 20/50

An in-class test comprising: Text Analysis (12) Writing (8)

2: In-class Test C Term 2 Week 9 15/50

An in-class test comprising of: Writing (8) Speaking (7)

3: Trial Examination E Term 3 Week 3/4 15/50

An examination comprising: Text Analysis (8) Writing (4) Speaking (3)

2 Unit Design and Technology


1: Project Proposal H Term 4 Week 6 20% Project Proposal: Research and

development

2: Innovation Case Study H Term 1 Week 5

20%

Research and analysis into Innovation and Emerging Technologies

3: MDP Practical H Term 2 Week 9 40% Testing, experimentation and

application of conclusions



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2 Unit Drama


1: Term 4 Check-in P/H Term 4 Week 6 10%

A progress mark on the Individual Project/ Performance chosen by the student

2: Australian Theatre Performance Essay P Term 4

Week 9 15% A ‘Performance Essay’ presented in a group to an audience

3: Written Examination E Term 1 Week 10/11 25%

An HSC style written examination covering both written components of the HSC course

4: Individual Performance OR 4: Individual Project

P

H

Term 2 Week 2 20%

A progress mark on the Individual Project / Performance chosen by the student

5: Group Performance P Term 2 Week 9 30%

An 8 - 12 minute group performance devised by the student and their group

2 Unit Earth and Environmental Science


1: Depth Study H Term 4 Week 8

30%

Hand-in task based on Depth Study work carried out in Term 4

2: Data Processing C Term 1 Week 10/11 20%

A data processing task on work covered in class from HSC course topics

3: Oral Presentation H/O Term 2 Week 8 20%

Hand-in an oral research presentation on an aspect of the course covered in Term 2



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2 Unit Economics


1: Extended Response C Term 4 Week 8 25%

Students will conduct independent research on a designated economy other than Australia and complete an unseen extended response

2: Stimulus Portfolio test C Term 1 Week 10/11 20% An in-class test covering certain


3: Skills Test C Term 2 Week 7 25% Students will complete a series of

responses applying economic skills



2 Unit English EAL/D


1: Reading and Writing task H/C Term 4

Week 8 20%

An in-class critical response written on the module, Texts and Human Experiences, using the prescribed text and a related text

2: Module C: Multimodal task C Term 1

Week 9 25%

Students are shown a particular clip from the film, The Truman Show and respond in class to unseen questions

3: Focus on Writing H Term 2 Week 5 25% Students submit a polished piece

of writing and reflection


Formal written examinations covering all work from the HSC course, modelled after Paper 1, Paper 2 and Listening Paper

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2 Unit English Standard



Week 8 25%

An in-class essay written on the module, Texts and Human Experiences, using the prescribed text. A response to a related text to be submitted as well

2: Module B Viewing, Listening and Representing Task

C Term 1 Week 9 25%

Students are shown a particular clip from the film, The Truman Show and respond in class to an unseen question

3: Craft of Writing H/C Term 2 Week 5 20%

Students submit a polished piece of writing and write an in-class reflection on that response


Formal written examinations covering all work from the HSC course, modelled after Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the HSC

2 Unit English Advanced



Week 8 25%

An in-class essay written on the module, Texts and Human Experiences, using the prescribed text. A response to a related text to be submitted as well

2: Module A Viewing, Listening and Representing Task

C Term 1 Week 9 25%

Students are shown a particular clip from the film, Looking for Richard, and respond in class to an unseen question

3: Craft of Writing H/C Term 2 Week 5 20%

Students submit a polished piece of writing and write an in-class reflection on that response


Formal written examinations covering all work from the HSC course, modelled after Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the HSC

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1 Unit English Extension 1


1: Analytical writing task C Term 1 Week 5 15/50

Students analyse an unseen text and respond to its creation of a literary world

2: Portfolio of Writing H/C Term 2 Week 6 20/50

Students submit a portfolio of writing, comprising imaginative and analytical responses, including one task done under time constraints


Students write 2 one-hour responses responding to the module, Literary Worlds and the elective, Reimagined Worlds

1 Unit English Extension 2


1: Viva Voce and Journal Submission 1 O Term 4

Week 9 15/50

Students present an oral explanation of the proposal for their Major Work, including the first submission of their journal

2: Literary Review and Journal Submission 2 H Term 1

Week 7 20/50

Students submit an analysis of 3-4 examples of their chosen form of writing and the lessons learned from this analysis, including the second submission of their journal

3: Critique of Process and Journal Submission 3 H Term 2

Week 9 15/50

Students critique their process of composition, reflecting on the way they have created their Major Work, including the third submission of their journal

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2 Unit French Continuers Task # and Name Type Term/Week Weighting Description




An in-class test comprising: Listening and Responding (15) Writing (5) Speaking (5)


Speaking (15)



1 Unit French Extension



An in-class test comprising: Text Analysis (12) Writing (8)


An in-class test comprising of: Writing (8) Speaking (7)


An examination comprising: Text Analysis (8) Writing (4) Speaking (3)

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2 Unit Geography


1: In-class task: Ecosystems at Risk C Term 4

Week 6 20% Students will respond to an extended response question based on the Ecosystems at Risk topic

2: In-class task: Geographic Skills, Ecosystems at Risk, Urban Places

C Term 1 Week 10/11 25%

Students will answer multiple choice and short answer questions and an extended response based on geographic skills, Ecosystems at Risk and the Urban Places topics

3: In-class task: Pyrmont Research and Field Work

C Term 2 Week 6 25%

Students will complete short answer questions based on the urban renewal of Pyrmont (with an emphasis on their field work)



1 Unit History Extension


1: History Project – Historical Process H Term 1

Week 4 15/50 Final Submission of Proposal, Process log and Annotated Sources

2: History Project - Essay H Term 2 Week 5 20/50 Final submission of research essay

(on Canvas and hard copy)



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2 Unit Industrial Technology (Timber Products and Furniture Technologies)


1: Project Development H Term 4 Week 6 20% Presentation of Major Project

Development

2: Broad Industry Report H Term 1 Week 5 20%

Report on management, manufacturing, communication processes, risk assessment and safety

3: Examination E Term 1 Week 10/11 20%


4: Practical Task & Posters H Term 2

Week 9 40% Problem solving and construction processes, (teaser) video and progress mark

2 Unit Information Processes and Technology


1: First Project (Interactive System) H Term 4

Week 8 20% Submission of project documentation and video

2: Second Project (Communication System) H Term 1

Week 6 20% Submission of project documentation

3: Third Project (Creation System) H Term 2

Week 8 30% Submission of project and project documentation



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2 Unit Investigating Science


1: Depth Study: Evaluating the scientific method H Term 4

Week 8 20% A task based on a primary investigation and evaluation

2: Data Analysis C Term 1 Week 10/11 25% Students analyse and interpret data

to solve problems

3: Depth Study: Testing claims report and in class reflection

H/C Term 2 Week 7 25%

A research report and in class reflection task based on a tested claim



2 Unit Japanese Continuers





An in-class test comprising: Listening and Responding (15)

Writing (5) Speaking (5)


Speaking (15)



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2 Unit Latin Continuers



An in-class test comprising: Skills in translating (8) Skills in grammar analysis (5) Understanding prescribed texts (7)


An in-class test comprising: Skills in translating (9) Skills in grammar analysis (3) Understanding prescribed texts (8)


An in-class test comprising of: Skills in translating (5) Understanding prescribed texts (5) Understanding and translating unseen texts (13)


An examination comprising: Skills in translating (8) Skills in grammar analysis (2) Understanding prescribed texts (10) Understanding and translating unseen texts (17)

1 Unit Latin Extension



An in-class test comprising of: Understanding, analysing and translating prescribed texts (11) Understanding, analysing and translating non-prescribed texts (6)


An in-class test comprising of: Understanding, analysing and translating prescribed texts (9) Understanding, analysing and translating non-prescribed texts (4)


An examination comprising: Understanding, analysing and translating prescribed texts (15) Understanding, analysing and translating non-prescribed texts (5)

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2 Unit Legal Studies


1: Research Based task C Term 4 Week 7 20%

Students will conduct research on Human rights and complete an in-class test

2: In-class test C Term 1 Week 10/11 25% An in-class test covering topics from

Crime and Human Rights

3: Research Based essay C Term 2 Week 6 25%

Students will conduct research on an aspect of family law and complete an in-class essay



2 Unit Mathematics Standard 2


1: In-class task C Term 1 Week 3 15%

An in-class task assessing components of an investigative project

2: In-class task C Term 1 Week 10/11 30% An in-class task covering certain



In-class task where students use concepts, skills and techniques to solve problems. Emphasis will be placed on the reasoning and communication of solutions.



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2 Unit Mathematics Advanced










Mathematics Extension 1










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Mathematics Extension 2










2 Unit Modern History


1: Source Test C Term 4 Week 8 20% Students complete a source test on

the Core – Power and Authority

2: In-class Assessment C Term 1 Week 10/11 25%

Students complete an in-class essay on the National Study and a source exercise on Power and Authority

3: Historical Analysis H Term 2 Week 6 25%

Students complete a research task on an aspect of the Peace and Conflict Unit



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2 Unit Music Course 1


1: Core Composition and Aural Analysis H Term 4

Week 9 20% Students submit their core composition and aural analysis

2: Core performance and Elective 1 P/H Term 1

Week 10/11 25% Core performance and Elective Task 1

3: Elective 2 and musicology research P/H Term 2

Week 8 25% Elective task 2 and Musicology Research

4: Trial Examination: Aural Skills and Elective 3 E/P/H Term 3

Week 3/4 30%

An examination comprising: Elective Task 3 and Aural Skills examination

2 Unit Music Course 2


1: Core Performance P Term 4 Week 9 20% Students perform one piece and

sight-singing

2: Elective Task and Research P/H Term 1

Week 10/11 20% Elective Task A and an analysis of related works

3: Core Composition and Elective Task P/H Term 2

Week 5 30% Elective Task B and core composition

4: Trial Examination E Term 3 Week 3/4 30% Musicology and Aural Skills

examination

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1 Unit Music Extension


1: Lecture Demonstration P Term 1 Week 4 15/50 Lecture Demonstration

2: Performance / composition portfolio / musicology portfolio

P/H Term 2 Week 8 15/50 First presentation or submission

of major work

3: Trial Examination P/H Term 3 Week 3/4 20/50 Final presentation or submission

of major work

2 Unit Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)


1: In-class task C Term 4 Week 7 10% Students will prepare for and

complete in-class responses


topics from the Core modules

3: Applied Research task H Term 2 Week 7 20%

Students will undertake research on a set option topic and submit their response



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2 Unit Physics


1: Depth Study C Term 4 Week 9 30% In-class task based on experimental

data collected at home

2: Processing Task C Term 1 Week 10/11 25%

An in-class task covering knowledge of class practicals and skills outcomes

3: Processing Task C Term 2 Week 8 15%

An in-class task covering knowledge of class practicals and skills outcomes



1 Unit Science Extension


1: Project Proposal Oral Presentation and Literature Review

O Term 1 Week 3 15/50

Deliver a progress update on the individual research project in the form of an oral presentation

2: Scientific Research Report H Term 2

Week 9 20/50 Submit a scientific report on the individual research project with accompanying portfolio

3: Data processing Task E Term 3 Week 3/4 15/50

Data gathering, recording, analysing and evaluating Task, focusing on the working scientifically skills outcomes

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2 Unit Society and Culture


1: PIP Proposal + Literature Review H/O Term 4

Week 9 30% Present Personal Interest Project proposal in written and oral form with accompanying literature review

2: In-class Topic Test C Term 1 Week 10/11 25% Popular Culture Depth Study

Review Questions

3: In-class Extended Response C Term 2

Week 5 15% Continuity and Change In-class Extended Response


A formal written examination covering all work from the HSC course to date including multiple choice, short answers and an extended response

2 Unit Software Design and Development


1: Option Topic Task H Term 4 Week 7 20% Option Topic Assessment

2: Design Brief and Planning Stage H Term 1

Week 7 20% Submission of Design Brief and Planning

3: Programming Project H Term 2 Week 6 30% Submission of programming project

4: Trial Examination E Term 3 Week 3/4 30% A formal written examination covering

all work from the HSC course to date

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1 Unit Studies of Religion


1: Research report H Term 4 Week 5 15/50 A research task on Friday Prayer and

Islam incursion

2: Research essay C Term 1 Week 5 20/50 A research essay on Martin Luther

3: Trial Examination E Term 3 Week 3/4 15/50 A formal written examination covering all


2 Unit Studies of Religion


1: Research report H Term 4 Week 5 20% A research task on Friday Prayer and

Islam incursion

2: Research essay C Term 1 Week 5 30% A research essay on Asoka

3: Oral task C Term 2 Week 3 20% An oral task on Religion and Peace

4: Trial Examination E Term 3 Week 3/4 30% A formal written examination covering all


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2 Unit Textiles and Design


1: Contemporary Designer Case Study H Term 4

Week 6 20% Knowledge and understanding of textiles and the textile industry

2: Project Proposal Presentation H Term 1

Week 5 20% Skills in design, manipulation and analysis and justification

3: Examination

E

Term 1 Week 10/11 30%


4: Experimentation, Manipulation and Development

H

Term 2 Week 6 30%

Experimentation, analysis, manufacture and selection of textiles for specific end purposes using appropriate technologies

2 Unit Visual Arts


1: Body of Work: Preliminary H/O Term 4

Week 9 20%

Visual Arts diary plus experiments and investigations for Body of Work, reflections and explanations, research about related artists’ practice. To be delivered in front of a panel of teachers

2: Critical and Historical Studies Task H Term 1

Week 7 20% Extended response essay based on case study content

3: Body of Work: Final H Term 3 Day 1 30% Final progress mark for the Body of

Work



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APPENDIX 1: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS FOR THE HSC

1.1 Introduction All courses have a value of 1 unit or 2 units. Most courses are 2 Unit courses. All 2 Unit course syllabuses are divided into a Preliminary Course (completed in Year 11 Terms 1-3) and an HSC course (beginning in Year 11 Term 4 and concluding with the final HSC examinations in Year 12). Extension study is available in a number of subjects. In the Preliminary Course, 1-unit Extension courses are available in English and Mathematics. In the HSC Course, both 1 Unit Extension courses and 2 Unit Extension courses are offered in English and Mathematics. Students must study the Preliminary Extension course in these subjects before proceeding to either of the two HSC Extension courses (Extension 1 and Extension 2). Extension courses in subjects other than English and Mathematics are only offered and examined in the HSC Course and include Science Extension, History Extension, Music Extension and Language Extensions. 1.2 Course Completion Criteria A student will be considered to have satisfactorily completed either a Preliminary or HSC course if he/she has:

• followed the course developed or endorsed by NESA: • applied themselves with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the

course; • achieved some or all of the course outcomes

In the HSC Course, students must also make a genuine attempt at assessment tasks that contribute in excess of 50 percent of the available marks in the course. Students who have not complied with the above requirements cannot be regarded as having satisfactorily completed a course. Courses deemed unsatisfactory (called an ‘N’ determination) will not appear on the student’s Record of Achievement. The School is obliged by NESA regulations to issue formal warnings to any student who is in danger of not satisfactorily completing a course. 1.3 Attendance and Leave Requests Students whose attendance is unsatisfactory, including due to illness, will be required to prove that they are meeting the course completion criteria as listed in Section 1.2. Students will be given warning if their absences are likely to prevent them from achieving course completion criteria. The Head of Barker College has discretion in granting leave where the reason for absence is legitimate. When taking such leave, students should acknowledge that their performance in subsequent assessment tasks may be affected. Students must still fulfil their subject commitments with relevant Heads of Departments and make suitable arrangements regarding the completion of assessment tasks with the Dean of the Senior School before the commencement of such leave. 1.4 Eligibility Requirements for Certain Courses Some courses require students to verify their eligibility for the course based on NESA requirements (e.g. see the NESA website for Stage 6 Language Eligibility requirements). Students should discuss these requirements with the relevant Head of Department to check their eligibility for these courses. 1.5 All My Own Work NESA requires all students beginning the Preliminary Course to have completed the "All My Own Work" (AMOW) program, which is designed to help students follow the principles and practices of good scholarship. At Barker, the AMOW program is delivered in Year 10. Students who have not satisfactorily completed AMOW may not be allowed to proceed to the Preliminary Course. 1.6 HSC Minimum Standard Tests for Literacy and Numeracy NESA requires all students to pass minimum standard online tests in reading, writing and numeracy in order to be eligible for the HSC. These tests are administered at Barker in Year 10, students can take the tests from Year 10 until up to five years after starting their first HSC course.

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1.7 Patterns of Study for the HSC For the award of the HSC, students must:

• complete a minimum of 12 units in the Preliminary Course • complete a minimum of 10 units in the HSC Course • complete each Preliminary subject satisfactorily before they are eligible to commence the corresponding

HSC subject Both the Preliminary course and HSC courses must include the following patterns of study:

• At least 2 units of a Board-Developed course in English • At least 6 units from Board-Developed courses • At least three courses of 2 units value or greater • At least four subjects (Extension subjects count as the same subject as the corresponding 2-unit course) • No more than 6 units of Science in the Preliminary course • No more than 7 units of Science in the HSC course

At Barker, students can take a maximum of 14 units subject to their feasibility in the School timetable. Students can take a maximum of 2 units of study off-campus (e.g. TVET courses). In the Preliminary Course, students taking Mathematics Extension, English Extension, or 1 Unit Studies of Religion must undertake these courses in addition to their base 12 units at the beginning of the Preliminary Course. In the HSC Course, students undertaking new Extensions (Mathematics Extension 2, English Extension 2, Science Extension, History Extension, Music Extension or Language Extensions) will not be allowed to take these courses as their 10th unit until they have demonstrated satisfactory progress. 1.8 Adjusting Subject Packages Most students are advised to begin the HSC Course (Year 11 Term 4) with more than 10 units. This ensures that they will have flexibility to adjust their subject packages later in the HSC Course when they have more information about their performance in various courses, which may be different to how they performed in the Preliminary year. Once a student has officially dropped a subject, they may not be allowed to pick it up again. This means that students should only drop a subject if they are certain of this path. If there is any element of doubt, they are advised to continue holding the subject. Students considering moving from Mathematics Advanced to Mathematics Standard 2 should complete this change before the commencement of the HSC Course in Term 4. This gives them the September holiday period to complete any required catch-up Preliminary work as set by the Head of Mathematics. Students must recognise that changes from Mathematics Advanced to Mathematics Standard 2 after the HSC Course has commenced may not be approved. 1.9 Accumulation, Acceleration, and Repeating Students may accumulate HSC courses towards the Higher School Certificate over a period of up to five years. This may only be done with approval from the Head of Barker College. The School timetable is not constructed to allow students to accelerate. The social and logistical implications regarding acceleration mean that this is not the usual practice at Barker. Any student wishing to accelerate must have the permission of the Head of Barker College, provided that the proposed acceleration is possible within the timetable. A student may repeat one or more HSC courses but must do so within the five-year accumulation period. All satisfactorily completed attempts at HSC courses will be reported on the cumulative Record of Achievement, but UAC only recognises the most recent attempt as being eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the ATAR. For students who have already been awarded an HSC, and who are repeating a course within the five-year accumulation period, the latest attempt will void all previous results in that course for ATAR calculation purposes.

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1.10 Student Transfers and Exchanges In exceptional circumstances, the Head of Barker College may approve the enrolment of a student during the Preliminary or HSC year. Students who are transferring from another school to Barker College may need to undertake catch-up work or assessment tasks to meet the course requirements. Students are advised not to undertake exchange programs in Year 11 or 12 if they intend to complete the HSC, as any lengthy period of absence will create difficulties in certifying that the Course Completion Criteria (Section 1.2) are being met. Please refer to Section 1.3 for information on applying for leave. 1.11 External Providers and Outside Tutors Where the School has approved a student's desire to undertake a course that it is unable to deliver, students may engage an External Provider or an Outside Tutor to deliver that course. There are separate school policies for these that must be adhered to. If an External Provider or Outside Tutor is unable to continue delivering the course, the School will not assume responsibility for providing a solution. Therefore, students need to recognise that undertaking courses delivered in this way contains an element of risk. 1.12 The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank In conjunction with NESA regulations, the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is based on the aggregate of marks in 10 units of Board-Developed HSC courses comprising of:

• At least two units of English • 8 more units chosen from the remaining courses • Only one Category B course (e.g. TVET courses) may be counted towards the calculation of the ATAR.

Students should check the status of a TVET course when considering their overall subject package.

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APPENDIX 2: OVERVIEW OF INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS These internal assessment rules have been developed to comply with the Assessment Certification Examination (ACE) Manual of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). The ACE Manual can be accessed online at https://ace.nesa.nsw.edu.au. 2.1 Nature and Purpose of Assessment Assessment of student achievement is integral to teaching and learning. It involves collecting information and making reliable judgements about student performance in relation to the objectives and related outcomes of the course that specify what students know, understand and can do. A variety of assessment tasks are provided at points during each course in order to collect evidence of student achievement. Such evidence is useful in that it:

• provides diagnostic information • determines future teaching directions • assists students with their learning • reports on the extent of student achievement of course outcomes

Measuring achievement at points during a course provides a better indication of student achievement than a single set of examinations. It increases the accuracy of the final assessment of each student’s achievement by using multiple measures, and caters for any knowledge and skills outcomes that are better assessed in specific settings (e.g. oral/aural tasks, practical tasks), thus broadening the base for assessment. 2.2 Period of Assessment Internal assessment in HSC Courses formally commences in Year 11 at the beginning of Term 4 and covers the four terms until the completion of the Trial HSC examinations in Term 3 of Year 12. In accordance with the guidelines provided by NESA, assessment tasks will be kept to a minimum number essential for accurate assessment of students against the course outcomes. 2.3 Non-Assessment Evaluation and Course Completion Criteria Apart from the formal assessment tasks detailed within this manual, all teachers routinely evaluate their students’ progress through class tests, assigned work and other means appropriate to their subjects. These marks do not contribute to the final school assessment mark submitted to NESA. Course Completion Criteria state that a student must apply themselves with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the course by the school (see Section 1.2). This means a student must apply themselves to regular day-to-day class and out-of-class work. Students must make a serious attempt at all work delivered in a course and not just the assessment tasks. Students who do not complete significant amounts of class work may be required to catch this work up to satisfy this Course Completion Criteria. The School also naturally expects students to make a diligent and sustained effort and genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set. 2.4 The Final Assessment Mark Towards the end of Term 3, the School is required to submit a final assessment mark to NESA for each course undertaken. This School assessment mark is combined with the student's result in the HSC examinations to produce an HSC mark. For each 2 Unit course, the School submits an assessment mark out of 100, and for a 1 Unit Extension subject, a mark out of 50. This final assessment mark is not released to students by the School, as it must be moderated by NESA before being released to students with the HSC results at the end of the year. The final assessment mark indicates the student’s achievements by the end of that HSC course and is based on the various internal assessment tasks performed throughout the HSC year. This mark is based on a wider range of syllabus outcomes than those measured by the external examination, and uses multiple measures made throughout the HSC course rather than being determined from a single examination or task. Tasks are planned in accordance with the component weightings prescribed in each syllabus and in this assessment manual. The final assessment mark is determined using these weightings.

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APPENDIX 3: CONDUCT OF INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS NESA requires schools to formalise rules for the conducting of Assessment tasks. Rules may vary from one school to another. The honesty of students in completing assessment tasks, examinations and submitted works, and of teachers and others in guiding students, underpins the integrity of the Higher School Certificate. Dishonest behaviour carried out for the purpose of gaining unfair advantage in the assessment process constitutes malpractice, or cheating. Malpractice in any form, including plagiarism, is unacceptable. NESA treats allegations of malpractice very seriously and has an online Register of Malpractice in HSC Assessment Tasks which the School is required to maintain. 3.1 Planning Your Completion of Assessment Tasks General details regarding the scheduling, nature and weighting of tasks are provided in this manual. Term summaries are included so that students can plan their individual programs for their subjects. Further details regarding the structure of the task, outcomes being assessed, marking guidelines or marking schemes, and submission details, will be provided to students at least two weeks prior to the date of submission of the task. Notification sheets can be issued as a paper or electronic copy. It is most important that students maintain steady application to these assigned tasks over the whole period from initial notification to completion by the due date. Significant penalties are applied for late submission of assigned tasks and are detailed in the following sections. 3.2 Submission of Assessment Tasks All hand-in assessment tasks specified in the formal assessment program must be submitted or presented to the Head of Department or designated teacher by 8:20am on the due date (using the 8:20am bell as the deadline of submission, or in the event of malfunction, the Head of Department will judge this time). These will be collected in a centralised location within the School, and/or submitted online, as indicated on the assessment notification. Presentation of notes, PowerPoints, etc for oral tasks will be submitted by 8:20am on the day indicated on the notification sheet. For electronic submissions, the received time stamp of the submitted or emailed soft copy of the task must be before 8:20am on the due date. 3.3 Extensions of Time to Complete Tasks If illness or misadventure has contributed to a student’s inability to submit such work by the due date, application for an extension of time must be made to the Dean of the Senior School at least one week prior to the date where possible. An extension of time, beyond the published date, can only be granted by the Dean of the Senior School upon receipt of appropriate documentation, in consultation with the Head of Department. Individual teachers may not, under any circumstances, grant an extension of time for assessment tasks. 3.4 Technological Issues Students cannot expect to be granted an extension on the basis of technological difficulties or emergencies. Students should take appropriate technological precautions when undertaking assessment tasks (e.g. keeping hard copy evidence of construction of a task, regularly saving copies of their work, ensuring they have access to a reliable Internet connection at appropriate times, and uploading any online submissions well in advance of any 8:20am deadline). If the file for an online submission is corrupted or unable to be opened, students may be liable for a penalty if their subsequent correct submission is late. 3.5 Requests for Variations to Assessment Tasks If students require variations to an assessment task, they need to see the Dean of the Senior School a minimum of one week before each task that requires a variation in order for alternative arrangements to be made, unless the request is the result of an unforeseen incident. Students will be asked to provide documentation indicating specific reasons why the variation is required. If students require Disability Provisions, they need to apply for these through the Learning Support Department at the beginning of the HSC course. The Learning Support Department will discuss the documentation that students will need to collect and submit in support of their application.

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3.6 Failure to Submit Work by the Due Time Where there is no valid reason for not submitting a hand-in assessment task on time, penalties will be applied as follows:

• 50% penalty for up to one day late (i.e. up to 8:20am of the next school day) • 100% penalty (zero mark) for more than one day late

When a zero mark is awarded for an assessment task for any reason, the School will notify the parents in writing. A satisfactory attempt must still be made for all assessment tasks in order to satisfy the requirements for each course. 3.7 Notification of Inability to do an Assessment Task In the event of a student being unable to sit or submit an assessment task, the following must be done, otherwise penalties will apply:

• Notify the Senior School Office (8438 7953) by 8:20am on the morning of the task • Submit appropriate documentation, such as a medical certificate or relevant agent's report (e.g. police

report in event of a car accident), to the Dean of the Senior School to explain the reason for being unable to complete the assessment task

• Students will be advised by the Dean of the Senior School when they will sit the task (or alternate task). Students should expect to sit the task as soon as possible after their return to school.

Appropriate documentation must be a legitimate original or an authentic copy satisfying the following: • Medical certificates must contain the specific dates for which the illness applied as well as the nature of

the illness indicating the reason why this prevents the student from sitting the assessment task. • Medical certificates cannot cover a broad period of time in general terms. For example, "X is unfit for

schoolwork during Term 2" or "X is unfit to sit examinations" are not adequate. • Medical certificates during the Trial examination period can only cover the day of the missed

examination. Certificates covering multiple examinations will not be accepted. • Medical certificates will not cover an assessment task held outside the dates to which it refers. • Medical certificates must be written by a qualified medical practitioner and will not be accepted if written

by medical practitioners who are family members of the student. • An appropriate agent's report (e.g. police report) must include the reason for inability to sit the

assessment task as well as the date, time and location of any incident that caused the student to miss the assessment task.

3.8 Non-Completion of an Assessment Task Where there is no valid reason for a student not completing an in-class assessment task, examination or performance on or by the due date, a zero will be awarded for that task. If a student makes a non-serious attempt at an assessment task then a penalty of up to 100% will be applied to that task. Non-serious attempts include not attempting significant portions of the task or writing frivolous or objectionable material. The teacher and Head of Department will make the decision as to whether the attempt was non-serious or genuine, in consultation with the Director of Studies. 3.9 The Use of Substitute Tasks Under the guidelines set down by NESA, compensation cannot be given for such factors as extended illness, misadventure or domestic problems, which may have affected a student’s performance.

Appropriate documentation must be provided to the Dean of the Senior School within two school days of the original due date of the task. If this requirement is not met, penalties may apply even if appropriate documentation is subsequently provided.

Students who miss timetabled classes and/or other scheduled activities on the day of an assessment task must provide appropriate documentation to explain their absence. Students who do not do this will receive up to a 25% penalty.

Once a student sits an assessment task, the result gained will stand.

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Students who miss tasks for legitimate reasons will be required to sit a substitute task at a reasonable time of the School’s choosing. If the student cannot sit this substitute task, they must submit a new medical certificate for that date. The substitute task will then be sat on another alternate date.

In exceptional circumstances an estimate may be provided if all of the following criteria are met:

• A substitute task cannot be set by the School, or the student is unable to sit the task for the duration of the HSC Course and has provided appropriate, specific and unequivocal documentation (e.g. medical certificate)

• The student has completed a 'like' task that covers similar outcomes as the original task and is assessed under similar conditions

• No unfair advantage is gained by the student by the calculation of an estimate Estimates are only calculated at the end of the HSC course and will be based on 'like' tasks or other appropriate evidence. Students will not be provided with raw estimates or specific details of how an estimate has been calculated, although they may be provided with the usual summary information (e.g. semester report) which includes the effect of the estimate. The School's calculation of an estimate will not be subject to review. Students who require substitute tasks, estimates or a significant number of extensions may not be considered eligible for academic prizes at Celebration at the end of the year. 3.10 Academic Malpractice / Misconduct It is important that Assessment tasks are run as fairly as possible for all students and that they are seen to be fair. Students leave themselves liable to penalties if they attempt to gain an unfair advantage by any form of malpractice or misconduct. The malpractice or misconduct may not necessarily be directly related to the running of the task itself. Malpractice/misconduct may include (but is not restricted to):

• carrying notes or other unauthorised material (e.g. mobile phone or other technology not permitted in an exam) into a task, whether used or not

• assisting someone in the task by passing notes or communicating with them in some way • having someone else sit the task • soliciting or leaking inside information regarding the task with the view to gaining an unfair advantage

for oneself or another student Students who do anything to jeopardise the integrity of an assessment task (e.g. give one student an unfair advantage over another) are liable to the award of zero. The Director of Studies will decide whether an advantage is fair or unfair. In subjects where multiple classes occur on the timetable, it is acceptable for a department to run an in-class Assessment task in the period where that class occurs on the timetable. While some students may therefore sit the task at different times to other students, it is in their best interests and in the interest of the integrity of the task that students do not convey any information about the task or nature of the task to students who have not yet sat the task. When a penalty is imposed for academic misconduct, the School will notify the parents in writing. 3.11 Plagiarism Students are responsible for the ownership of their work. Plagiarism is the deliberate or unintentional use of another’s work, resulting in the impression that it is your own. It includes the following:

• copying content from books, websites, or any other source without indicating this by appropriately acknowledging the source by quote marks, footnote or other appropriate citation

• paraphrasing ideas from books, websites, or any other source without indicating this by appropriately acknowledging the source by quote marks, footnote or other approved citation

• unauthorised collaboration with other students that goes beyond the discussion of general strategies or other general advice

• copying all or part of another student's work, including student work from earlier years • memorising another's work and rewriting it at a later date

Plagiarism will result in the work being penalised up to 100% for that task. Penalties will be determined by the relevant Head of Department and the Director of Studies. Students whose work is suspected of plagiarism may

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be asked to perform a viva voce, where they discuss the processes involved in completing the task as well as a discussion of the task itself. Plagiarism detection software may be used by subject areas requiring students to submit research work. Students should be aware that this software matches common sources from the internet, commercial databases and similarly lodged work from students at Barker and in other schools. Any student found to be using any method to circumvent plagiarism detection software may be penalised up to 100% for that task. 3.12 A Student Under Suspension A student under suspension from school will sit for any task(s) scheduled during their suspension period in isolation at the School. Tasks to be handed in must be left at the Senior School Office by the official submission time and the student will then leave the school to complete their term of suspension. 3.13 Invalid Assessment Tasks In the judgement of the Director of Studies and the relevant Head of Department, an assessment task (completed in part or in whole) may be deemed to be invalid if:

• it fails to appropriately assess prescribed syllabus outcomes • there is a breach of security of the task • inaccurate or conflicting information is published about the task which is deemed to be prejudicial to the

conduct of a fair assessment program • a student has received an unfair advantage that would seriously compromise the integrity of the task for

other students • technical or administrative misadventure regarding the conduct of an assessment task is deemed to be

prejudicial to a student's performance. In the event of an assessment task being declared invalid, the department involved may take appropriate action to address this, which may include setting a substitute task or part task. Students shall receive appropriate notification of any substitute task, which may not be the normal two week's notice. The substitute task can be no sooner than three (3) school days from the date of the original task. 3.14 Deadlines for Completion of Major Works For subjects requiring a major or body of work such as Visual Art, Design and Technology etc, there are published deadlines that apply for them to be substantially completed. In most cases this is the last day of Term 2. Official dates for the final submission of these major works to NESA must be strictly observed and are released on the NESA website. 3.15 Disability Provisions Students who receive disability provisions from NESA for the HSC examinations may be granted the same provisions for internal assessment tasks. Students applying for disability provisions may be required to participate in a testing program to determine the extent of their need for such provisions. The School may not support a student’s request to the Board for disability provisions if it believes that the request is frivolous or opportunistic.

3.16 Amendments to Assessment Policies This Assessment Manual is publicised to all students at the beginning of the HSC Course. In the interests of procedural fairness for all students, the assessment policies contained in this Manual (Appendix 1 to 4) cannot be amended during the year/s to which it refers. However, in exceptional circumstances, changes to these assessment policies may be made if an external statutory authority (e.g. the Federal or State government, NSW Education Authority or other relevant body) requires the School to do so. In this case, students will be provided with appropriate notice of any amendments to these assessment policies in writing.

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APPENDIX 4: PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS “The teacher must assess the student’s actual performance, not potential performance. Assessment marks must not be modified to take into account possible effects of illness or domestic situations.”

(ACE Manual, https://ace.nesa.nsw.edu.au/ace-8072) 4.1 Appealing a Result in an Assessment Task Once a student sits a task, an appeal cannot be made on the basis of illness or other similar issues as outlined in the regulation above. Academic departments use common marking criteria and guidelines, corporate marking or marking panels to ensure that tasks are marked consistently and fairly. Students may only appeal the result awarded in an assessment task within three (3) school days of the task being returned. Students may not appeal the results of multiple-choice or short answer questions once the assessment task has been returned to the student permanently (e.g. taken home). When lodging an appeal, students must recognise that one possible outcome is that their mark may decrease. Level 1 Appeal The student immediately informs the class teacher, who consults with the marker or marking team. They may make an adjustment if necessary, based on the specific criteria of the assessment task. Level 2 Appeal Should the student not be satisfied with the result of the Level 1 Appeal then he/she may appeal, but within three (3) school days of the decision of the Level 1 Appeal, to the Head of Department of that subject. Level 3 Appeal Should the student not be satisfied with the ruling made by the Head of Department then he/she can finally appeal to the Director of Studies. Such appeals must be made within three (3) school days of the delivery of the Head of Department’s decision. The Director of Studies will only check that due process has been followed and will not be concerned with specific aspects of content or specialised subject information. The Director of Studies will not question a teacher’s judgement of the student's performance. 4.2 Reviewing an Internal Assessment Rank Order for a Course Students are made aware of their rank order in a course at the end of the HSC year through Students Online and may seek a review of their rank order. Individual marks or grades will not be subject to review as part of this process. Students may seek a review of their rank order based only on the following grounds:

• the weightings specified by the School in its assessment program did not conform with NESA requirements as detailed in the relevant syllabus

• the procedures used by the School for determining the final assessment marks did not conform with its stated assessment program (in particular, the weightings used for various assessment tasks were inconsistent with those specified in the assessment program)

• there were computational or clerical errors in the determination of the assessment mark.

Appeals by students over their rank in a course must be lodged with the Director of Studies within three (3) working days after the last HSC examination has been held at the School. The Director of Studies will convene and chair a Review Committee which will also include the relevant Head of Department, and at least one additional member of the teaching staff from a different Department, to decide if the appeal should be dismissed or upheld. The Director of Studies will then inform the student of the outcome of the appeal. If the appeal is upheld, the School will contact NESA to make the appropriate adjustment/s. 4.3 Appeals to NESA Should the student remain dissatisfied with the result of the review, he/she may appeal to NESA. NESA will not hear appeals against marks awarded for individual assessment tasks and will consider only whether:

• the School review process was adequate for determining the criteria listed in Section 6.2 • the conduct of the review was proper in all respects.

If NESA decides that the appeal is upheld, it will direct the School to conduct a further review. The appeal to NESA should be submitted by the date stipulated in the Higher School Certificate Events Timetable. The appeal should be submitted through the School on the appropriate forms. Appeals submitted after the release of HSC results will not be considered by NESA.

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HSC Assessment Handbook

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