School CertificateSome useful resources
School Certificate
The exam that will not die!
School CertificateCertificate at end of four years of high schoolSignificance varies between schoolsCertificate shows
Internal grades (year 10 work only)External Test results (Year 9 & 10 work)
Internal gradesCompulsory subjects
English (200 hrs)Mathematics (200 hrs)Science (200 hrs)Australian History (100 hrs)Australian Geography (100 hrs)PD, Health & PE (most schools)
Elective Subjects100 or 200 hour courses
Internal gradesA to E based on Course Performance DescriptorsSchool developed assessment programOnly year 10 work used for 200 hour coursesWeighted towards end of yearWhere is student at end of course?
External TestsEnglish literacyMathematicsScienceAustralian History, Civics & CitizenshipAustralian Geography, Civics & CitizenshipComputing skills - Online test
National CurriculumDeveloped by ACARA - Australian Curriculum, Assessment & Reporting AuthorityGuided by 2008 Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young AustraliansCovers ten general capabilities: literacy, numeracy, ICT, thinking, creativity, self management, teamwork, intercultural understanding, ethical behaviour, social competence
National Curriculum Phase 1
English, Mathematics, Science & HistoryK-10 consultation documents released Mar 1, 2010Final documentation in schools August Implementation commences 2011“It is expected that the implementation of the Australian curriculum (K-10) will be well underway in 2013 across the country.” ACARA website
National Curriculum Phase 2
Geography, Languages & The ArtsTimeline is 12 months after Phase 1
National Curriculum Phase 3
MCEECDYA has asked ACARA to provide advice about other subjects mentioned in the Melbourne declaration - design and technology, health and physical education, ICT, economics, business and civics and citizenshipSubjects not being developed will remain a state responsibility
Research skills
Evaluating websitesOnline resources - journalsResearch schema e.g. ILPO
English
Wide readingStudy guidesFiction, Film and other Texts – Available from Board of Studies website
Science Research Project
Undertaken in Stage 5 (usually year 10)Outcomes
Planning & carry out investigationsCommunicating ideasSeeking evaluation from peers
‘Address problems relevant to their immediate environment’
Australian History
Year 9 - Federation to WWIIYear 9 - Post WWII to John Howard
VietnamMigrationRole of WomenPersonality (PM)
Australian Geography
Research Action PlanLocal geographical issue
BOS websitewww.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.auSyllabusesARC - Assessment Resource Centre
arc.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/Standards, work samples
Past School Certificate tests
ARC work sample