SUBJECT ARRANGEMENT (SOME EXAMPLES)

There is flexibility in the way students can put together Year 11 and Year 12 subject arrangements to meet the requirements for an HSC. The following examples illustrate HSC and ATAR eligibility. Immediately following these is anexample illustrating that the ATAR is based on HSC subjects, not Preliminary subjects. (The subject arrangement lists are an example only and do not necessarily reflect an available combination of subjects for next year.)

E.g. 1 If studying 12 units next year, a study pattern may continue with 12 units the following year.

E.g. 2 If studying 12 units next year, a study pattern may discontinue 2 units the following year.

E g. 3 Some subjects have 3 units, e g. History in Year 12, (also 4 units of Maths, 4 units of English).

If a student achieves well enough in a subject that has an extension component, as long as the student is eligible, a change in study pattern could result.

Having more than 10 HSC Units gives the student a broader range of subjects from which UAC can draw to determine the student’s final ranking for the ATAR. Also of importance is consideration as to the student’s ability to handle the overall quantity of work involved in the number of Units being studied.

A student must finish the Preliminary Course in a subject in order to enter an HSC Course in the subject. For example, a student cannot do the HSC Biology Course unless he/she has done the Preliminary Biology Course.

The following example illustrates that the ATAR is based on HSC Courses not Preliminary Courses. It is important if you want an ATAR, to plan your studies to ensure that your HSC subject arrangement will result in you receiving an ATAR. 10 Units of Board Developed HSC Courses are needed.

Study Pattern in Year 11

2 Unit English (Preliminary Units)

3 Unit Maths “

2 Unit Ancient History “

2 Unit Hospitality “

1 Unit Photography “

2 Unit Animal Care (TVET) “

Study Pattern in Year 12

2 Unit English (HSC Units)

3 Unit Maths “

2 Unit Ancient History “

1 Unit Extension History “

2 Unit Hospitality “

If a student continues these subjects for HSC in Year 12 he/she will be ineligible for an ATAR. (Photography and Animal Studies are non-ATAR courses)

Eligible for ATAR. 10 Board Developed Units including English, at least 4 subjects, three courses of 2 Units or more