Structure of Courses in Years 11 and 12

The Year 11 course begins Term 1 2024 and is completed at the end of Term 3 2024. The HSC course begins Term 4 2024 and is completed at the beginning of Term 4 2025.

Satisfactory completion of the Year 11 course or its equivalent is a pre-requisite for entry into the HSC course.

The Extension Courses (with the exception of English and Mathematics) may not be commenced until the Year 11 course has been completed.

For examination purposes the Year 11 course is regarded as assumed knowledge. However, all course work in a subject will need to be completed for a student to gain a Year 11 Record of School Achievement. (RoSA) The major focus of the final HSC examination in most courses will be on the content of the HSC course. The assessment component of the HSC will only occur during the HSC course. All HSC courses will be listed in the Year 12 Record of School Achievement (RoSA).

NESA Developed courses have NESA syllabuses, external HSC examinations and may contribute marks to the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). NESA Endorsed Courses are developed by individual schools. They are included on the HSC record with an assessment mark awarded by the school and hence do not contribute to the ATAR. Content Endorsed Courses (CEC) have content developed by NESA but no external HSC and hence do not contribute to the ATAR.

THE PATTERN OF STUDY (SEE NESA SECTION)

All students must study 2 units of English in both Years 11 and 12.

All students must study at least three courses of two units value or greater.

All students in Years 11 and 12 undertake the NESA developed course, Studies of Religion I (1 unit) or Studies of Religion II (2 units). This may count towards an ATAR.

Classes in subjects will be available provided there are sufficient students to warrant a class being formed.

In some cases, the demands of timetabling will limit the choice of subjects a student may take.

At the end of Term 3 in Year 11, students who have shown a high level of competence and interest in a subject may, with the approval of the Head of Department concerned, elect to do that subject at the extension level. In the case of Mathematics Extension 1 and English Extension 1 this election must be made at the end of Year 10. Students may, however, choose to extend this study in Year 12 to Mathematics Extension 2 or English Extension 2.

Some classes (see list below) may be timetabled outside of normal school hours, i.e. before school or after school. These are considered mandatory classes and attendance is compulsory if the student elects that course of study.

Dance, Drama, English Extension 1 & 2, History Extension, Hospitality, Mathematics Extension 1 & 2, TAFE, Visual Art.

Units of Study at Loreto Normanhurst

Students who want the award of HSC must study a minimum of 12 units in the Year 11 course and a minimum of 10 units in the HSC course. For 2024, students may study either 12 or 13 units in Year 11.

12 Units

2 Units Studies of Religion II (SOR II)

2 Units English Standard OR English Advanced OR English Studies

8 Units 4 courses of 2 units OR

1 Unit Studies of Religion I (SOR I)

1 Unit English Extension 1

2 Units English Advanced

8 Units 4 courses of 2 units OR

1 Unit Studies of Religion I (SOR I)

2 Units English Standard OR English Advanced

1 Unit Mathematics Extension 1

2 Units Mathematics Advanced

6 Units 3 courses of 2 units

13 Units

1 Unit Studies of Religion I (SOR I)

2 Units English Standard OR English Advanced

10 Units 5 courses of 2 units OR

1 Unit Studies of Religion I (SOR I)

1 Unit English Extension 1

2 Units English Advanced

1 Unit Mathematics Extension 1

2 Units Mathematics Advanced

6 Units 3 courses of 2 units OR

2 Units Studies of Religion II (SOR II)

1 Unit English Extension 1

2 Units English Advanced

8 Units 4 courses of 2 units OR

2 Units Studies of Religion II (SOR II)

1 Unit Mathematics Extension 1

2 Units Mathematics Advanced

2 Units English Standard OR English Advanced

6 Units 3 courses of 2 units

Units of Study at Loreto Normanhurst (Continued)

Students may transfer out of courses until Term 1 Week 6 provided there is room in the new course. After Term 1 Week 6, students cannot transfer out of this course until the end of Year 11.

When choosing subjects, allow for the possibility of needing to discontinue the study of an Extension course. Students who study outside courses through TAFE or the Open High School will study three electives within school and hence these students will have study time for the outside course.

ATAR eligibility and calculation from 2025

From 2025, there will be no distinction between Category A and and Category B courses.

To be eligible for an ATAR in NSW, you must satisfactorily complete at least 10 units of HSC courses.

These courses must include at least:

• 10 units of Board Developed courses

• 2 units of English

• 3 Board Developed courses of 2 units or greater

• 4 subject areas.

Your ATAR is then calculated from your:

• best 2 units of English

• best 8 units from your remaining units.

Choosing A Course

There are four major criteria that should be considered when choosing your courses for Years 11 and 12:

• choose courses that you are interested in

• choose courses that you can competently handle

• choose courses that have relevance for future career paths

• ensure that you have chosen appropriate courses according to the HSC requirements.

If you have not made up your mind about possible future careers don’t worry. Choose a combination of subjects that will give the most options in the future. This means choosing a broadly balanced range of courses.

Remember that a good performance in any subject will advantage the ATAR. All subjects at an HSC level are difficult and achievement will depend on the extent to which students are able to meet this challenge. Achievements at Bands 5 and 6 are more likely to support a higher ATAR.

To protect students from frustration and disappointment resulting from inappropriate subject choices, the school reserves the right to prevent students selecting subjects in Year 11 of which they have not demonstrated sufficient mastery in Year 10.

Students can usually assess their own level of competency in a subject. If there are doubts they talk to a Careers Advisor or a Dean of Learning, Heads of Department of particular subjects or your current subject teachers or Tutors.

Students who have some idea regarding their future career should ensure that they have checked the current requirements for that particular career or relevant course and if in doubt should see a Careers Advisor.

Procedures For Choosing Year 11 Courses

Initially all students should study the outlines of available courses in this Handbook and discuss these with parents. It may be advisable to consult a subject teacher or Head of Department.

All students will be invited to meet with a Careers Advisor or Dean of Learning or other staff member to discuss their proposed choices.

The Subject Selection website will be open on Wednesday 21st June 2023 for students to make their selections after considering all the information provided in the weeks prior. Students will complete Subject Choices by Friday 28th July 2023

New students should discuss their subject choices with an appropriate staff member at their present school and they may also wish to discuss their choices with a Dean of Learning. New students must inform the Dean of Learning of their subject choices as soon as acceptance for Year 11 2024 has been confirmed.

The lines for subjects are constructed according to the majority of students’ choices.

English and Studies of Religion are mandatory subjects. Students are asked to elect the English and Studies of Religion courses of their choice. They are required to have a minimum of 12 units, which includes English and Studies of Religion. Every effort will be made to give each student their first selected preferences. Students need to also select 2 reserve subjects should their selected preferences become unavailable.

Students should be informed about their 2024 course enrolment by the end of Term 3. If there are any problems with a student’s subject choice, they will be advised of this.

If after the classes are finalised, a student wishes to change their chosen subject, they may only do so if there is space available in the particular class. Students will need to make an appointment with the Careers Advisor and the Dean of Learning to discuss the change. If the change is possible, students will then be required to complete a Subject Change Form which also needs to be signed by a parent or guardian.

Please Note: The lines for subjects are constructed according to the majority of students’ choices. Loreto Normanhurst does not guarantee that all subjects will be available to all students. Students should consider their priority order carefully as multiple classes will not be available in all subjects.

We look forward to assisting you and your daughter reflect on her future courses of study. Please contact the Learning Office if you have any further questions.

Time Management In Year 11 And 12

It is important to be organised effectively from the beginning of Year 11. The Higher School Certificate is a two-year course.

It is important to plan time. Although the needs and requirements of all students are different, the following is a rough guide. Students will need to allocate the following (estimated times):

20 hours/week on homework and study; 8-9 hours sleep/night; 20 hours of recreation per week; 3-4 hours of exercise per week.

• Plan to study/review work for most difficult subjects during that time of day when learning is most effective.

• Constantly evaluate study/work schedule and its effectiveness.

• Make a decision to be effective in schoolwork and study.

Time Management in Year 11 and 12 (Continued)

Study should be planned and calculated carefully depending on how much time is needed to allocate to each subject. It is important to allocate an appropriate amount of time to each subject, based on strengths and weaknesses. Ensure that some work in each subject, is done almost every evening. If there is not an assignment in a particular subject, use the time scheduled for it to review is done and/or revise notes. This is an essential part of the revision process.

• Study periods are scheduled for most students at school. It should be used effectively. Research is an effective use of this time.

• Check the assessment calendar regularly. Dates should then inform student deadlines to ensure completion of all work. Consult the Assessment Calendar on the school portal.

• Be as realistic as possible about potential and the marks achieved.

Accumulation Of The Hsc

Since 1994, Year 11 students have been able to accumulate courses towards their HSC credential. This means that a student may take up to 5 years to complete the HSC by sitting for the HSC in just one or a few subjects each year.

Students who are interested in this option will need to seek an interview with a Dean of Learning.

Calculating the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank

This information is available in the booklet University Entry Requirements 2021/22

Year 10 Booklet published by The University Admissions Centre. More information may be found at the ATAR website https://www.uac. edu.au/future-applicants/year-10-students

CAREER PLANNING Career Advisors:

Ms Katrina Smith / Ms Alexi Kayes

The subject choices made for the senior years are part of the lifelong process of career decisions. The choices should be based on sound research but it is highly likely that some refinement of choices will be necessary.

The following points may be helpful in subject selection and career planning:

• Base your choices on your interests, abilities, skills and possible future plans

• Knowledge of the job market and changes to the world of work

• The level of training required

• Admission requirements

• Choose subjects that give you broad future options

The school provides:

• The Year 11 Subject Selection Handbook

• University Admissions Centre (UAC) ‘Steps to Uni for Year 10 Students’

• Optional Career Interviews for all students

• Subject Selection Plenary

• Morrisby Profiling Test

The above resources are all useful for helping students choose subjects in senior years and developing an understanding of tertiary courses available and occupations. If you are interested in pursuing a particular tertiary course you should seek out specific information concerning prerequisites (course and subjects), assumed knowledge, recommended subjects and additional selection requirements.