BONNYRIGG HIGH SCHOOL
I Shall Strive
for the Best
Partially Selective and Local Enrolments from 2010
2017 Subject Selection Mentoring
Wednesday 3rd June
Ms Olga Gromof & Curriculum Advisers
Discussions on Patterns of Study &
Subject Choices
Period 5 In the Hall
Head Teachers & Teachers
Subject Discussions & Faculty Displays
Bonnyrigg High School
HSC SUBJECT SELECTION
YEAR 11 2018
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What’s it all about?
Qualifying for the Higher School Certificate
What are units
Types of Courses
Pathways
1. ATAR
2. Non ATAR
• Key Considerations
The New School Leaving Age
Students now have to stay until the age of 17 - It’s the law
Work or Study - you can leave if you have:
• An Apprenticeship
OR
• Obtain a job of 25hrs a week or more
If you decide to stay and complete your HSC, you do have choices:
• University Pathway OR
• Work and Further Study Pathway
To obtain a Higher School Certificate, students must complete the following:
1. Preliminary Course – Year 11
• Comprising of 12 units of study
2. HSC Course- Year 12
• Comprising of at least 10 units of study
It is mandatory for both the Preliminary and HSC course that students undertake:
• 2 units of English
• At least 3 Board developed subjects
• At least 4 subjects
• Mini HSC Course
• Studied in Year 11 for 3 terms
• All subjects studied in Year 11 will be carried through to Year 12 (TVET
courses and 1 unit courses are the exception)
• Students must fulfil the assessment requirements in Year 11 in order
to continue onto Year 12.
• All students must have at least 6 ATAR units including English
• Studied in Year 12 for 4 terms
• Most courses ending with a final exam
• Students will be presented with a HSC and SOME will also obtain an
ATAR.
• All students must carry through at least 6 ATAR units
• Students must fulfil the assessment requirements of the HSC in order
to obtain a HSC and ATAR
All courses have a unit value
Most courses are 2 units
2 units = 7 or 8 hours study per two-week cycle
• Board Developed Courses (ATAR courses)- e.g. English,
Mathematics, Legal Studies, Physics
• Board Endorsed Courses (non ATAR) e.g. SLR & Work Studies
• Vocational Education & Training (VET) courses- Industry
accreditation-written exam if ATAR is required e.g. Hospitality
• Life Skills -special pattern of study.
• Extension Courses – extra units in some courses e.g. English,
History, Mathematics .
Students at Bonnyrigg High School will have 2 patterns of study in which to
choose from:
1. University Pathway
• Can only select from Category A & ONE subject from Category B (Students
undertaking extension courses are an exception)
• Students will receive an ATAR, giving them the option to apply for university
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Work & Further Training pathway
Can choose subjects from all 3 categories
Will have the option of choosing ONE TAFE course
Will have the option of undertaking an SBAT
Will receive an HSC but NOT an ATAR.
WHAT IS AN ATAR?
An ATAR is an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank and outlines a student’s rank in
comparison to all other students sitting for an ATAR that year.
For students who select the university pathway, there are specific guidelines set in
place regarding subject selections
• 2 units of English
• 8 units of Board Developed Courses (in which only 2 are allowed to be category B)
Total of 10 units
N.B. It is advised that students maintain a 12 unit pattern of study in year 12 in order
to obtain their best possible ATAR.
Table sourced from Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT)
Sourced from Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT)
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Still need to complete 12 units
English Studies will be the only compulsory subject
Have the opportunity to undertake ONE TAFE course
Have the option of choosing from all 3 categories
Have the option of undertaking a School Based
Apprenticeship/Traineeship
• Could give students a head start in a career.
Reminder: Students who undertake the NON ATAR pathway
WILL NOT qualify for a University Admissions Rank.
Abilities - Choose subjects in which you are capable of doing well.
Interests - Choose subjects which interest you, do NOT choose
subjects according to what your friends are doing.
Post School Options- Consider what you would like to study or do
after school
Motivation - Choose subject areas which you want to study.
Select your pattern of study carefully - Most courses extend over 2
years.
Knowledge- Seek knowledge about courses before selecting.
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Year Adviser
Careers Adviser
Class Teachers
Head Teachers
Older students
Friends who have already taken this path
People in your chosen career
If ever in doubt ASK!!! We are here to help you!
First round selections will be done online via the school’s Sentral
Portal page.
Subject selection will be open week 3 of term 2.
Selections can be made from any device and can be accessed at
school or from home.
Please take an instruction sheet at the end of your mentoring session