HSC Assessment Policy

Assessment is the broad name for the collection and evaluation of evidence of a student's learning. It is integral to teaching and learning and has multiple purposes. Assessment enhances student engagement and motivation, particularly when it incorporates interaction with teachers, other students and a range of resources.

Assessment:

·         provides opportunities for teachers to gather evidence about student achievement in relation to syllabus outcomes

·         enables students to demonstrate what they know and can do

·         clarifies student understanding of concepts and promotes deeper understanding

·         provides evidence that current understanding and skills are a suitable basis for future learning.

This Assessment Policy and Procedures document informs students of:

·         components for each course as specified in the course requirements

·         weightings of each task in relation to the total requirements for the course

·         nature of each assessment task e.g. formal examination, written task, oral task

·         the school’s policy regarding illness, misadventure, ‘N’ Awards and malpractice in assessment tasks

·         the school’s policy regarding late submission and non-submission or non-serious attempts at assessment tasks; and

Copies or links to:

Application for Extension: Students may apply for an adjusted assessment task due date due to certified illness, misadventure, or approved school activity. This online form can be accessed on the school’s Assessment Hub

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) results are based on TWO separate marks;

                                I.             the results of the external examination (HSC), and

                              II.             school-based assessment based on achievement throughout the HSC course which starts in Term 4 of Year 11 and continues through until the end of Term 3 in the HSC/Year 12 year.

The award of the HSC is determined by participation in ALL components of the work in every course, assessment and class work (including practical work and any work placement); and satisfactory completion of at least 12 Preliminary Units and 10 HSC units which reflect the New South Wales Educational Standards Authority (NESA) required patterns of study.

Students must satisfactorily complete:

·         a preliminary (Year 11) pattern of study that includes at least 12 units

·         an HSC pattern of study that includes at least 10 units.

Both patterns of study must include at least:

·         6 units of Board Developed Courses

·         2 units of a Board Developed Course in English

·         3 courses of 2 or more units (either Board Developed or Board Endorsed Courses)

·         4 subjects.

Some courses have certain rules and prerequisites, for example:

·         Students can enrol in an extension course, only if Students are enrolled in the corresponding 2-unit course

·         where courses have an optional exam, Students can enrol in the optional exam, only if Students have enrolled in the corresponding course (or in the case of VET, the 240-hour or 360-hour course where applicable)

·         Students cannot do more than one non-extension course from a course (eg Students cannot do Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Advanced).

The ATAR eligibility rules (uac.edu.au/futureapplicants/atar/atar-eligibility) are determined by UAC.

NESA advises students of their ATAR eligibility on behalf of UAC (uac.edu.au/futureapplicants/atar). For example, the HSC pattern of study must include 10 units of examinable courses including English.

For information about student’s ATAR or UAC PIN, visit UAC (uac.edu.au) or phone (02) 9752 0200. The ATAR is provided directly to students from UAC. It will not appear in Students Online.

It is essential that all students read and understand the information in this policy and procedures document.

This information has two purposes to:

·         inform students and parents of the Assessment Requirements during Year 11 (Term 4) and Year 12, leading to an Assessment Mark that will be reported on the Higher School Certificate; and

·         remind students to record and keep track their results as they are assessed, so that they may be aware of their progress.

1.4 1          Satisfactory completion of Year 12 Courses is required for a student to receive their Higher School Certificate. The successful completion of the HSC course is determined upon participation in ALL components of the course, assessment and class work (including practical work and any work placement).

1.4 2          Throughout Terms 4, 1, 2 & 3, various Assessment Tasks will be set. All tasks will contribute towards the final school-based assessment of the Year 12 Course.

1.4 3          Completed assessment tasks must be submitted to the class teacher by the specified due date on the original task notification. Except when prior approval for late submission has been given, work submitted after the due date will be awarded.

1.4 4          Any concerns about the mark awarded for an assessment task MUST be resolved at the time the task is returned. The student is to discuss this with the relevant Class Teacher and Head Teacher.

1.4 5          For each course studied, students are provided with the assessment weighting and components relevant to that course. The Yearly report will indicate examination performance only.

1.4 6          For students completing a Life Skills Year 12 course, assessment will be on the identified outcomes from Life Skills Syllabus. Teachers will sign off completed outcomes on student’s Profile Sheets.

1.4 7          A student will be eligible to receive the award of HSC provided the student has satisfactorily completed courses totaling at least 12 Year 11 Units and 10 Units of HSC courses which satisfy NESA’s pattern of study requirements.

1.4 8          At the end of Year 11, students are allowed to adjust their total number of units to reduce them to 10 if desired, and if appropriate, take up the study of an extension course or TAFE course for the HSC year.

1.4 9          No changes in HSC courses may occur after 30th June in the HSC year, except in a reduction of unit value in a related course or withdrawal from a course that may occur up until the due date for submission of Assessment Tasks.

1.5.2         All tasks are completed/submitted on time.

1.5.3         All submitted tasks are students’ own work. Malpractice (cheating) or plagiarism (claiming someone else’s ideas or work as your own) may lead to the student receiving zero marks and being referred to the NESA Register of Malpractice in HSC Assessment Tasks.

1.5.4         All course requirements are met, including attendance above 90% for each course.

1.5.5         All set tasks are completed, not only those set for HSC Assessment.

1.5.6         a serious attempt is made at all assessment tasks. Students who do not make a serious attempt at assessment tasks in excess of 50% of the available marks may receive an 'N Determination' for that course.

1.5.7         All work is submitted in an appropriate form and to an acceptable standard.

1.5.8         Students sign for the receipt of and point of submission of each task.

1.5.9         Students do not interfere with the progress of other students or impact their performance in tasks (e.g. in group work, or in the use of resources, or in the way they conduct themselves under examination conditions).

1.5.10      Students are responsible for knowing which tasks are to be assessed, and the due date for each assessment task.

1.5.11      A diary is used to plan for each task, ensure adequate planning, drafting and time for study.

1.6.1 HSC

1.6.1.1            Students studying an HSC course must make a genuine attempt to complete the course requirements. It is a matter for the teacher’s professional judgement to determine whether a student has made a genuine attempt to complete the requirements.

1.6.1.2            For courses where school-based assessment marks are submitted, students must make a genuine attempt at assessment tasks that contribute in excess of 50 percent of the available marks. It is emphasised that completion of assessment tasks worth exactly 50 percent is not sufficient; tasks worth in excess of 50 percent must be attempted. Furthermore, the student must fulfil the course completion criteria.

1.6.1.3            A course will not be listed on the RoSA unless the above conditions ( 1.6.1.1 and 1.6.1.3) are met.

1.6.1.4            In the case of competency-based courses, where a student has not successfully completed any units of competency, it is a matter for the teacher’s professional judgement to determine whether the attempts made by the student to complete the course are genuine.

1.6.1.5            Where students are studying an HSC course that includes a requisite examination, students must sit for and make a genuine attempt at the examination.

1.6.1.6            If it is determined that a student has not made a genuine attempt to complete the course requirements, the Principal must indicate on the appropriate documentation that the course has not been satisfactorily completed.

1.6.1.7            Students studying VET Industry Curriculum Framework courses must complete the mandatory work placement hours in order to be deemed satisfactory.

1.6.1.8            Until a student presenting for a Higher School Certificate has satisfactorily completed courses totalling at least 12 units of Preliminary courses and 10 units of HSC courses that satisfy NESA's pattern of study requirements, the student will not be eligible to receive the award of a Higher School Certificate.

1.6.2 VET Courses

1.6.2.1            The VET Curriculum Frameworks are reported on a Record of Achievement with an examination mark. Students undertaking VET courses may be deemed to have either completed or not yet completed course requirements.

1.6.2.2            If a student fails to undertake any mandatory work placement component it may be determined that the student has not made a genuine attempt to complete course requirements. In this case the Principal will indicate that the course has not been satisfactorily completed, the student may be eligible for an ‘N’ determination.

1.7.1 Policy:

1.7.1.1             Students should read carefully in order to understand both the requirements for the satisfactory completion of each course, as well as the processes that will be used to notify a student that they are at risk of an ‘N’ award in a course.

1.7.1.2             If Students are considered to have NOT satisfactorily completed a course if in the Principal’s view with sufficient evidence you may receive an N Determination for that course.

1.7.1.3             Such determinations relate to unsatisfactory application to courses, evidence may include:

·                preparation so trivial that poor examination performance is likely to result; or

·                failure to make a genuine attempt at assessable tasks; or

·                omission, to a significant degree, of experiences which are an integral requirement of the syllabus, eg. Assessment Tasks, practical work, participation in class etc.

1.7.1.4             Students who are NOT meeting course requirements will recieve a WARNING letter, indicating a potential N Determination for that Year 12 course. Students who are studying the minimum number of Units (10) would then not be eligible to receive their HSC.

1.7.1.5             Upon receipt of a warning letter, students need to discuss any outstanding work with their teacher and satisfactorily complete identified tasks and submit them for marking. (Work submitted will be marked but a zero recorded according to the policy for late work.) This would complete the course requirements and prevent the continuation of the ‘N Award’ process in that course.

1.7.1.6             Students at risk of not satisfying these requirements and consequently likely to be given an ‘N’ determination, will be provided with at least 2 warnings regarding the problem, in writing, in time for the problem to be corrected and issues resolved (e.g. Complete Task)

1.7.2 Procedures:

1.7.1.1             From the beginning of each course for Years 10, 11 & 12 (Higher School Certificate), teachers will maintain records of student attendance, submission of tasks and achievement of outcomes and results.

1.7.1.2             Teachers send a 1st warning letter home indicating work missing or not up to standard and outcomes not achieved. A new date will be set for work to be completed. Students must see the teacher to discuss how to resolve the problem by the date due.

1.7.1.3             Failure to resolve this warning will result in further action by the class teacher. The Teacher will send a 2nd Warning letter.

1.7.1.4             Failure to resolve the 2nd warning issues within the timeframe indicated on the 2nd Warning Letter will result in further action.

1.7.1.5             In line with the New South Wales Educational Standards Authority (NESA) process, students will be referred to the Principal for the determination of an ‘N’ Award in that course.

1.7.1.6             Students are able to appeal this decision using the paperwork provided by the New South Wales Educational Standards Authority (NESA).

1.7.1.7             Students who have had their appeal declined by the Principal, or did not appeal the ‘N’ Award decision will be determined to have an ‘N’ Award. These students will need to have an interview with the Principal or Deputy Principal to determine their status at the school.

1.8.1 If Students have an illness or misadventure on the day of a scheduled School-based Assessment Task:

1.8.1.1             Applications for extension of time for an assessment task must be made via the application form located in the Assessment Hub tab on the school website.
Students application will be reviewed and you will receive an email with the outcome of your application.

1.8.1.2             Approval is NOT AUTOMATIC AND MAY BE DENIED, The decision for an extension of time or alternative task for reasons of illness or misadventure rests with the Deputy Principal.

1.8.1.3             Illness or injury needs to be supported with adequate, contemporary evidence (eg. medical certificate) with specific detail as to how the illness or injury impacted the students’ ability to complete the assessment task and how participation in the task was not possible.

1.8.1.4             Absence due to a school activity authorised by the Principal may result in an alternate task being given or a different date due being set. Absences for reasons other than certificated medical, serious family situation or school activity authorised by the Principal will not be considered, and will result in a zero mark being awarded.

1.8.1.5             If students are absent for a formal examination (eg. Trial Examination) students must apply using the online illness/misadventure form with appropriate supporting documentation.(as soon as you are aware of your impending absence for the examination, or as  soon as you return to school) for the opportunity to sit the examination at an alternative time.

1.8.2 If Students have an illness or misadventure on the day of the HSC Examinations:

1.8.2.1             If Studnets cannot attend an exam, call through to the school on 9622 7300 and tell your Principal or Deputy Principal immediately before the exam but you can still attend, tell the Presiding Officer when you arrive.

1.8.2.2             during an exam and it may have affected your performance, tell the Presiding Officer immediately.

1.8.2.3             If Students do not attend an exam and NESA decline your illness/misadventure application, you will not receive a result for that course and the course will not appear on your NESA record. If you do not have sufficient units to be demed eligible you may not be eligible for your HSC or ATAR (see the Rules and Procedures  Applying for illness/misadventure provisions).

1.8.2.4             If Students are entered for an Extension course (other than Mathematics Extension 2) and do not sit for the related 2-unit course exam, you will receive no result for either course –  unless you submit an illness/misadventure application, and we uphold it. If you are an English Extension 2 or Mathematics Extension 2 candidate and you do not sit for the related Extension 1 exam, you will receive no result for either course –  unless you submit an illness/misadventure application, and NESA uphold it.

1.8.2.5             If illness or misadventure stops you from attending an exam or affects your performance in the exam, it is your right and responsibility to submit an illness/misadventure application. To do this, ask your Deputy principal or the exam’s Presiding Officer for the application forms and the Information Guide for Students, which explain how to apply. Follow the instructions and keep the acknowledgement letter you will receive through Students Online.

1.8.2.6             Illness/misadventure applications are for cases where an illness or misadventure:

•               Occurred immediately before or during an HSC exam

•               Was unexpected

•               Was beyond your control and

•               Prevented you from attending OR diminished your exam performance.

These applications do not cover:

•               Difficulty preparing or lost preparation time

•               Alleged deficiencies in teaching

•               Lost time or facilities for study before the formal study vacation

•               Misreading exam timetables

•               Misreading exam instructions

•               Mntering or sitting for the wrong exam

•               Long-term illness (eg glandular fever, asthma or epilepsy), unless you suffer a flare-up of the condition during the exam

•               Conditions for which you have been granted disability provisions, unless you have further unexpected difficulties

•               Conditions for which you should have applied for disability provisions

•               Courses where you are a self-tuition student

•               Other commitments such as participation in entertainment, family holiday, work, sporting events, or attendance at exams conducted by other education organisations. Always attend exams if you can, even if you have had an illness or misadventure. NESA does not expect you to attend an exam against medical advice or if it is unsafe to do so. Speak to your Deputy Principal if you are unable to attend an exam.

1.8.2.7             If you apply for illness/misadventure, you will need to include advice from a relevant independent expert. For example, a doctor or police officer must complete Section C of the form, to indicate why you could not attend the exam or how your exam performance was affected.

1.8.2.8             Studnets must seek independent evidence on the same day, either immediately before or after each exam for which you are applying.

1.8.2.9             The documentation you provide must be current, specific to the date and time of the exam, and submitted with the Illness/ Misadventure form. A medical certificate that merely states you were unfit for work/study is unacceptable.

1.8.2.10             NESA will not uphold an illness/misadventure application without sufficient evidence supporting a genuine reason.

1.8.2.11             Your school must lodge the illness/misadventure application for HSC written exams with NESA within one week of the affected exam. If you are affected in multiple exams, the school must submit your application within one week of your last affected exam.

1.8.2.12             For performance exams or submitted works, your school must submit your application within one week of the exam, performance or submission date. Your Principal or delegate must certify your application.

 1.8.2.13         We will only consider late applications in exceptional circumstances. If we uphold your application, you will receive either:

•               your exam mark or

•               a mark calculated from your assessment mark/estimated mark or unaffected components of your exam whichever is higher. You will receive a decision letter for your illness/misadventure application via Students Online on the same day as the release of your HSC results.

Students must be honest when completing all school-based assessment tasks, examinations and submitted works.

Malpractice includes:

   1.9.1             Copying part or all of someone else’s work and presenting it as your own

   1.9.2             Using material directly from books, journals, electronic media or the internet without acknowledging its source

   1.9.3             Building on someone else’s ideas without stating their source

   1.9.4             Buying, stealing or borrowing someone else’s work and presenting it as your own

   1.9.5             Submitting work that someone else, eg a parent, tutor or subject expert, substantially contributed to

   1.9.6             Using someone else’s words, ideas, designs or work in projects and performance tasks without mentioning the source

   1.9.7             Paying someone to write or prepare material and presenting it as your own

   1.9.8             Not acknowledging any work completed by others for your submitted work or performance

   1.9.9             Breaching school exam rules

 1.9.10             Cheating in an HSC examination

 1.9.11             Using non-approved aids in a school-based assessment task

 1.9.12             Giving false reasons for not handing in work by the due date

 1.9.13             Helping another student to engage in malpractice

 1.9.14             Providing fraudulent evidence in applications for disability provisions or illness/ misadventure

 1.9.15             being responsible for actions done or omitted to be done that confer an unfair advantage relating to the outcome of any HSC exam – irrespective of whether such actions occur before, during or after such an examination or assessment.

Malpractice in any assessment task will be appropriately dealt with by the Head Teacher, Deputy Principal and referred to the Principal and may result in a zero mark being awarded.

Submitted tasks must be the sole work of the student. If a student is subject to investigation of malpractice, they will be required to show that all unacknowledged work is entirely their own.

Students may need to:

·                prove and explain their work process with diaries, journals, notes, working plans, sketches or progressive drafts that show how the student's ideas developed

·                answer questions about the assessment task, exam or submitted work being investigated to show their knowledge, understanding and skills.

   1.9.1             In examinations, any breach of examination rules may indicate a non-serious attempt and may result in a zero mark awarded for that examination. Examinations submitted with inappropriate comments, sketches or non-serious attempts will be presented to the Review Panel for a decision as to their status as a non-serious attempt, which would result in a zero mark being awarded.

   1.9.2             Students must always acknowledge sources, which includes any part of their work that was written, created or developed by someone other than themselves. This includes any material from other sources, for example books, journals, electronic resources and the internet. For practical works, this includes work undertaken by others. Students do not need to formally acknowledge material learnt from their teacher in class.

1.10.1          In the event that a student questions or has concerns relating to a marked assessment task or an assessment task for which a mark of zero has been awarded, an appeal must be made by the student to the Deputy Principal within 7 days of notification of the mark. The appeal must be based on evidence of a breakdown in process or procedure in the administration of the task or the marking processes.

Appealing an assessment rank

1.10.2          Students are encouraged to speak with their teacher if they believe their rank is incorrect. Students can find out their assessment ranks (your final position in each school course) in your Students Online account after the final HSC exam.

1.10.3          Students cannot appeal marks for individual assessment tasks. However, if students feel their rank is wrong in a course, they are encouraged to speak to their immediately. If you are still not satisfied that your rank is correct, you can apply to your principal for a review. In this review, the school will consider whether it:

1.         weighted its assessment tasks in line with the NESA requirements

2.         complied with its stated assessment program when deciding your final assessment mark

3.         miscalculated or made a clerical error when deciding your assessment mark. If you want to apply for a review, you must do this before NESA’s cut-off date.

1.10.4          Your school will tell you the review outcome and inform NESA if your assessment mark should change.

1.11.1             Failure to comply with these rules may result in a zero being awarded for any assessment task, including examinations.

1.11.2             Examination conditions shall apply from the time you enter the examination venue until you leave.

1.11.3             During the Year 12 HSC final Examinations, students are required to be at school only when they have an examination.

1.11.4             It is a student’s responsibility to check their examination timetable.

1.11.5             Full, formal school uniform must be worn to examinations.

1.11.6             Students should arrive at the THSHS School Hall or other examination venue), at least 25 mins prior to the start of each examination.

1.11.7             Students who arrive after the examination entry time, will have their name reported to the Deputy Principal who will call home regarding lateness to examinations.

1.11.8             Students cannot leave before the end of the examination.

1.11.9             Enter and leave the examination venue SILENTLY. Sit in alphabetical order or as instructed. Sit facing the front. Do not turn around, look towards or interact with other students.

1.11.10           Bags, books and notes must be left at the back of the room or otherwise directed, away from the examination desks.

1.11.11           Follow all instructions provided by supervising teachers or invigilators.

1.11.12           No student is to communicate in any way with other students during the examination or whilst in the examination room.

1.11.13           Writing pads will be provided, many examination papers will have answer sheets.

1.11.14           Borrowing in the examination room is NOT permitted. Bring your own equipment and a stapler or clips to attach papers together.

1.11.15           Mathematical instruments and calculators will be needed for some examinations. Check with your teacher what is required and any restrictions on calculator types.

1.11.16           Do not begin to write until instructed. Cease writing immediately when told to stop.

1.11.17           Your examination paper must demonstrate a serious attempt to answer all the examination questions.

1.11.18           All enquiries are to be addressed to the supervising teacher by raising your hand but no assistance will be given to answer questions.

1.11.19           Students absent from examinations must provide a doctor’s certificate which specifically describes the illness or health concern involved. For school examinations you may be required to sit for a substitute examination on their return to school. Refer to school assessment policy, especially section on illness/ misadventure.

1.11.20           Supervised visits to toilets will be permitted where necessary. Times will be recorded.

1.11.21           No examination paper or answer booklet is to be taken from the examination room.

1.11.22           Mobile phones and smart watches etc are NOT to be on your person in the examinations. Instead, they should be switched off and left in your bag at the back of the examination room or placed on desk/stage at the front of the room. Any phone alarms must be deactivated.