• Section 1 - Purpose 
• Section 2 - Scope 
• Section 3 - Responsibilities
• Section 4 - Guideline
• The Higher School Certificate (HSC)
• HSC School-Based Assessment
• Satisfactory completion of an HSC course: course completion criteria
• HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) Assessment 
• Calculation of Marks, Grades and HSC School-Based Assessment Ranks
• HSC School-Based Assessment Appeal
• Maintaning the Integrity of HSC School-Based Assessment/Malpractice Policy
• Illness / Misadventure and Absence
• HSC School-Based Assessment Illness and Misadventure Applications (during an HSC School-Based Assessment Task)
• Disability Provisions

Section 1 - Purpose 

(1) The Schools HSC Assessment Guideline incorporates requirements from the Education Act 1990 NSW, the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA), as outlined in the NSW Registration Systems and Member Non-government Schools Manual as well as the Assessment Certification Examination (ACE) Rules. Additionally, Diocesan requirements are specified in the Schools Curriculum, Programming, Assessment and Reporting K-12 Guideline.

(2) The purpose of the Schools HSC Assessment Guideline is to provide information regarding assessment in Year 12.

Section 2 - Scope 

(3) This guideline applies to all Catholic Schools of the Diocese.

Section 3 - Responsibilities

Section 4 - Guideline

The Higher School Certificate (HSC)

(4) The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is the highest educational award in New South Wales schools. It is awarded to NSW students who have satisfactorily completed the required pattern of study for both Years 11 and 12. To be eligible for the HSC, students must meet HSC course requirements and undertake the relevant designated state-wide HSC examinations. The HSC is an internationally recognised credential that provides a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue tertiary qualifications, vocational training or employment.

(5) Students undertaking the Higher School Certificate must follow the HSC eligibility requirements, including the completion of All My Own Work, meet HSC Minimum Standards and follow the required pattern of study. For further information, please refer to ACE Rule 1.2.2 https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace1/achieving-hsc

Eligibility exemptions

(6) Students who are only undertaking Stage 6 Life Skills courses are not required to complete the HSC: All My Own Work program or its equivalent. Students may also be eligible for an exemption from the HSC Minimum Standard. Please refer to ACE Rule 1.2.2 for further information regarding eligibility for the HSC https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace1/achieving-hsc

Meeting mandatory Curriculum requirements for the HSC

(7) Schools must ensure that students meet the NESA requirements for the award of the HSC. Students must satisfactorily complete the curriculum requirements to be eligible for the award of the HSC.

(8) Students must meet the pattern of study requirements as outlined below by NESA. Please refer to Ace Rule 5.1.4 for HSC Curriculum Requirements. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace5/curriculum-requirements

(9) Students in Catholic Schools are required to study at least 1 Unit of either Studies in Catholic Thought or Studies of Religion.  

HSC School-Based Assessment

HSC School-Based Assessment Task Notifications

(10) Schools will ensure that students are provided with an HSC School-Based Assessment Notification for each task and course. This notification will be issued at least 14 Calendar days prior to the due date of the task and must include:

1. course components and component Weightings, and
2. syllabus outcomes assessed, and
3. type of the Assessment Task, and
4. scheduled date and time for attempting or submitting the task, and
5. marking criteria (where appropriate)

(11) In the event that the original due date of the HSC School-Based Assessment Task needs to be altered, students will be advised of the changes to the assessment details in writing. 

Satisfactory completion of an HSC course: course completion criteria

(12) The following course completion criteria refer to preliminary and HSC courses. A student will be considered to have satisfactorily completed a course if, in the Principal’s view, there is sufficient evidence that the student has:

1. followed the course developed or endorsed by NESA; and
2. applied themselves with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the course by the school; and
3. achieved some or all of the course outcomes.

(13) While NESA does not stipulate attendance requirements, Principals may determine that, as a result of absence, the above course completion criteria might not be met. Clearly, such absences are serious and Principals must give students early written warning of the consequences of such absences. Warning letters will be issued for students whose absences impact the non-completion of course requirements.  Please refer to ACE Manual Rule 4.1.2 regarding satisfactory course completion requirements. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace4/course-completions

Completion of HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks

(14) All students must attempt all set Assessment Tasks. For all Board Developed Courses (except VET courses and Life Skills courses) NESA requires all students to follow an assessment program and have an assessment mark submitted. There are different formal assessment requirements for VET courses.

(15) The minimum requirement is that a student must make a genuine attempt at Assessment Tasks that contribute in excess of 50 percent of available marks in the course in order to be eligible for the award of an HSC credential.

Changing a level in English and Mathematics

(16) While there are several subjects within a course, e.g. English Advanced, English Standard and English Studies, each course has a specific set of outcomes that must be demonstrated.  If a student wishes to move from one level to another within English / Mathematics, they must complete the relevant change of course forms. 

(17) Students are not permitted to change courses after 30^th June in the calendar year.

(18) Students who have been approved to change a level of English and Mathematics will be required to complete all HSC School-Based Assessments scheduled for the course on a date arranged by the school.  Where changes to a pattern of study have taken place, HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks may be scheduled after the conclusion of HSC Trial Examinations.

Satisfactory Completion of a Higher School Certificate Vocational Education & Training (VET) Course

1. VET courses are ‘dual accredited’ – students receive recognition towards their HSC as well as a Statement of Attainment. As with all HSC courses, students undertaking VET courses may be deemed to have either completed or not completed course requirements based on the course completion criteria.

(19) VET Mandatory Work Placement

1. The requirement to complete work placement in a VET framework course is also stated in the student declaration on the Confirmation of Entry. This is to be signed by the student and retained by the school.
2.  If a student does not undertake the mandatory work placement component, they will not be eligible for a Statement of Attainment, and the course will not contribute to HSC units; therefore, a student with ten (10) units would be ineligible for the HSC.
3. It is possible for the Principal to certify, at a later time, that the student has subsequently completed the mandatory requirements and request that the ‘N’ determination be withdrawn.

HSC Practical Examinations and Components

(20) Some Stage 6 courses require students to complete a practical component. Each course has specific requirements which MUST be followed and information regarding the practical component is outlined in the Assessment and Reporting information for the following courses.

1. Dance
2. Drama
3. English Extension 2
4. Industrial Technology
5. Music
6. Science Extension 2
7. Society and Culture
8. Textiles and Design
9. Visual Arts

(21) When developing projects, submitted works and performances, schools and students must:

1. refer to the Assessment and Reporting information for each course
2. abide by work health and safety (WHS) requirements detailed in the Assessment and Reporting information for each syllabus; specifically related to:
   1. animal welfare; and
   2. dangerous goods; and
   3. hazardous substances and prohibited weapons; and
   4. ethical considerations.
3. take account of the needs and expectations of the school community, including the Catholic Ethos of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, as well as broader public and community standards.

HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks

Types of HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks

(22) There are two types of HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks:

1. In-Class HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks – examples of these types of tasks include examinations, in-class responses, oral tasks, presentations, practical tasks and performance tasks (e.g., music or drama performances). In-Class HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks will be completed on the nominated date and in the specified lesson. This information will be identified on the HSC School-Based Assessment Task Notification. 
2. Submission HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks - examples of these types of tasks include research tasks, written / scientific reports and extended responses. Submission HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks can be presented in a range of ways, depending on the nature of the task. The process for submission will be clearly outlined on each HSC School-Based Assessment Task Notification. The ways tasks can be submitted include:

Arrangements for Submission HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks

(23) Online/Electronic submission:  Students in Year 12 are responsible for submitting their task by the nominated date on the HSC School-Based Assessment Task Notification. Students completing Oral HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks will be required to submit a copy of their speech/presentation via the procedures outlined for in-class HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks on the due date.

(24) Hand in submissions (examples include models, artworks, design folios etc):  Students in Years 12 are responsible for submitting their task on the nominated date and time as prescribed by the HSC School-Based Assessment Task notification.

1. Tasks are to be submitted to the submission point as outlined on the HSC School-Based Assessment Task Notification and students are to sign the Assessment Record Sheet to acknowledge they have submitted their task.

Arrangements for In-Class HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks involving Multiple Classes

(25)  In circumstances where there are multiple classes of a course (e.g., there are two Biology classes in Year 12) and they are required to complete an In-Class HSC School-Based Assessment Task, the following arrangements will be applied:

1. All students (in all classes in a course) will complete the In-Class HSC School-Based Assessment at the same time.
2. The specific arrangements for the HSC School-Based Assessment will be communicated to the students via the HSC School-Based Assessment Notification.

Managing Invalid or Unreliable Results in HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks

(26) An HSC School-Based Assessment Task may be deemed to have produced unreliable or invalid results.  Invalid results occur when an HSC School-Based Assessment Task does not measure the learning as intended. Unreliable results occur when the marking criteria do not align with the task or are not applied consistently.

(27) The most appropriate action will be determined by the Assessment Committee after a review and may include one or more of the following:

1. Only part of the task may be marked.
2. The Weighting of the task may be reduced and a greater Weighting applied to a future task.
3. A substitute task with a new due date will be issued.

(28) Students and parents/carers will be informed in writing by the Assessment Committee if a task produces invalid or unreliable results.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Assessment 

(29) HSC Assessment Tasks in VET courses delivered in diocesan schools are issued by the RTO. Schools may only use current RTO Assessment Tasks to assess units of competency listed in the Training and Assessment Schedule for the course. However, if students intend to sit for the HSC VET Examination in an Industry Curriculum Framework course, an estimate mark, based on the Trial HSC Examination and/or the Year 11 Final Examination, will be submitted to NESA in case of Illness/Misadventure in the HSC Examination. The school keeps records of all competencies achieved and these are regularly updated to NESA so that a Statement of Attainment can be generated at the end of the course, or, if the student leaves prior to the completion of the course.  

Work Placement

(30) As part of the assessment for VET Industry Curriculum Framework Courses, there is a compulsory work placement of 35 hours per year (total of 70 hours). Board Endorsed VET courses including VET Manufacturing and Engineering Introduction and VET Sport Coaching have a compulsory 35 hours work placement over two years. Work placement is optional for VET Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways.

1. Where mandated, non-completion of Work Placement by a student may be determined as having not made a genuine attempt to complete course requirements and be grounds for a non-completion 'N' determination.

(31) Students need to be aware of the following:

1. Students must check their Assessment Schedule to ascertain if a task is scheduled during their Work Placement.
2. HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks must be submitted as per the assessment schedule prior to Work Placement or meet the assessment deadline and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure this occurs. If this requirement is not met, a mark of zero may be applied.
3. In the case of Examinations and In-Class HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks, Work Placement students must complete an HSC School-Based Assessment Task Variation Form and submit this prior to work placement to allow for the details of the task to be finalised.

Calculation of Marks, Grades and HSC School-Based Assessment Ranks

Calculation of Marks

(32) Students will receive a mark for each individual HSC School-Based Assessment Task.  It should be noted that any appeals regarding the mark may only be made within 48 hours (two school days if returned prior to the weekend) of the task being returned by the teacher – retrospective requests will not generally be considered.

(33) Marks are combined in accordance with the Weightings indicated in each Course’s Assessment Schedule that will determine a student’s final Course Rank. Cumulative assessment ranks are provided on a student’s report published each semester. 

Final Assessment Rank and HSC Marks

(34) Schools must not advise students of their final submitted HSC school-based assessment mark. Students will be advised of their final rank. Therefore, the final Year 12 Report will indicate the Final Cumulative Rank.

(35) Students who consider that their placement in the final rank order for any course is not correct, based on feedback provided on their performance during the course, may seek a school review by completing the HSC School-Based Assessment Appeal Form. The review will focus on the school procedures for determining the final HSC School-Based Assessment Rank. The marks awarded for individual assessment tasks will not be subject to review as part of this process.

(36) Students have an obligation to log in to the NESA Students Online Website to check their final rank for individual courses. If there are perceived differences, it is the student’s responsibility to immediately notify the school in writing. Please refer to the Ace Manual 2.2.26 https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace2/s6-marks-grades).

Assessment Task Feedback

(37) Feedback is a vital part of a student’s learning journey during the HSC. After each HSC school-based assessment task, students will receive feedback designed to help them understand strengths and identify areas for improvement. This feedback may be provided in various forms, including written comments, verbal discussions, or Marking Guidelines. It is important to engage with this feedback, as it can guide preparation for future tasks and the HSC examinations.

English Studies and Mathematics Standard 1

(38) For students enrolled in English Studies or Mathematics Standard 1 in the HSC, grading is handled differently compared to other HSC subjects.

(39) Students studying English Studies or Mathematics Standard 1 who do not sit the optional HSC Examination, will receive a final grade from A to E, based on a student’s performance in HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks.

(40) If a student chooses to sit the optional HSC examination for either course, the final result will include both:

1. An Examination mark, and
2. An HSC Performance Band (e.g., Band 1 to Band 4), which reflects a student’s achievement in the examination.

(41) Students enrolled in English Studies, Mathematics Standard 1, or Numeracy have the right to appeal their end-of-course grade if they believe it does not accurately reflect their performance. A student wishing to appeal must complete an HSC School-Based Assessment Appeal. If unresolved, the student may be able to escalate the appeal to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), particularly if there are concerns about how the grade was determined or if procedures were not followed fairly.

HSC School-Based Assessment Appeal

(42) Students can seek a review of an HSC School-Based Assessment Task; however, this will only be considered within 48 hours of the cohort receiving their results if any of the following grounds can be proven:

1. Procedural or administrative error;
2. Insufficient notice of task;
3. Weighting of course components not matching syllabus requirements;
4. The task was not marked using the published Marking Guidelines as per the HSC School-Based Assessment Notification.  

(43) Students will review their results with their classroom teacher at a nominated time. The school will ensure students cannot alter a paper (which may include retaining the paper for the nominated 48-hour period).

(44) This appeal form must be lodged with the Assessment Committee using the HSC School-Based Assessment Appeal Form within 48 hours of reviewing the task.

(45) On the HSC School-Based Assessment Appeal Form, the student will be required to:

1. Outline the grounds for the appeal
2. A  written notification will be sent to the student to advise of the receipt of the appeal.
3. The Assistant Principal will discuss the appeal with the relevant Leader of Learning, and a copy of the task obtained to be referred to the Assessment Committee
4. The Assessment Committee will review the appeal and provide an outcome to the student and parent in writing.

(46) If the appeal is upheld, on the direction of the Assessment Committee, the Leader of Learning will adjust the mark on the task and return the task to the student. The adjusted mark will be reflected in the student's result.

(47) If the appeal is declined, the student will be informed by the Assessment Committee and may be given additional feedback to clarify why the mark has not been adjusted. A final appeal to the Principal may occur.

(48) This process must be resolved within two weeks of the task being returned to the students. After this time, no further appeal can be made. Please refer to ACE Rule 2.1.2.40 for further information regarding eligibility for the HSC https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace2/assessment-programs.

Maintaning the Integrity of HSC School-Based Assessment/Malpractice Policy

(49) The honesty of students in completing Assessment Tasks, Examinations, and tests underpins the integrity of the HSC. Dishonest behaviour carried out for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage in the assessment process undermines the standard of scholarship represented by the award of the HSC and constitutes malpractice.

(50) In circumstances where a student is suspected of not complying with the expectations outlined above for HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks, such as malpractice, the following course of action will be applied:

1. The Subject / Classroom Teacher consults with the Leader of Learning regarding concerns related to HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks, malpractice, plagiarism and cheating (please see the glossary for the definition of these terms)
2. Students will be required to demonstrate that all unacknowledged work is entirely their own (this includes cases of suspected sharing of work).  This process will be overseen by the Leader of Learning (or delegate) and will require the student to produce evidence. The Leader of Learning (or delegate) will meet with the student to discuss this matter.

(51) The following process will be enacted:

1. The Assessment Committee will consider all evidence presented and make a final determination.
2. Parents/Carers will be notified of any cases regarding breaches of the HSC School-Based Assessment Task, Malpractice.
3. If an established case of a breach of the HSC School-Based Assessment Task is found, the student may be awarded a mark of ZERO or a penalty if the malpractice applies to a section of the task only;
4. An N Warning Letter WILL be issued;
5. Students may be required to resubmit the HSC School-Based Assessment Task in accordance with All My Own Work (ie the resubmitted work must be the student’s own work);

(52) Students and families can appeal to the Principal if they disagree with the decision of the Assessment Committee within 48 hours of receiving the outcome.

(53) All cases of malpractice are recorded on NESA's malpracmalpractice Register.  Please refer to the Ace Rule 10.1.29 for further information. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace10/malpractice

(54) Please note carefully: NESA expects students to make a serious attempt at all school-based Assessment Tasks, HSC examinations, and HSC Minimum Standard Tests.  Please see the details regarding Malpractice, Misrepresentation, Plagiarism, Collusion and Breach of Assessment Conditions below:

Principles and Procedures regarding HSC School-Based Assessment (in-class examination assessment)

(55) The following relates to student conduct during HSC School-Based Assessment – in any cases where student conduct is outside the rules, the Assessment Committee will be notified.

(56) Students must follow the day-to-day rules of the school when they sit for their examinations. Failure to observe these rules may result in zero marks for the HSC School-Based Assessment, no result for the course, or non-award of the Higher School Certificate.

(57) For a HSC examination, HSC minimum standard or HSC School-Based Assessment Task to be considered a serious attempt, students must:

1. respond to and demonstrate academic engagement, and
2. answer in English, unless specifically instructed otherwise.

(58) Non-serious attempts include but are not limited to:

1. answering only multiple-choice questions, and/or
2. responses containing objectionable material:
3. abuse directed at a member of school staff, Presiding Officer or NESA, and/or
4. obscene symbols, drawings, or comments

(59) During each examination, students must not:

1. cheat
2. include frivolous, offensive, threatening or objectionable material
3. take any of the prohibited items into the room
4. speak to anyone other than a supervisor
5. behave in any way that may disturb another student or disrupt the running of the examination
6. be affected by alcohol or illegal drugs
7. eat unless approved by NESA or the school (e.g. if you have diabetes)
8. take any examination material out of the room
9. write on your body (e.g. your arms), tissues or material that is not examination material
10. leave the room if your Principal requires all students to stay until each examination ends.

Approved Equipment to be brought to HSC School-Based Assessment (in class)

(60) Students should bring the equipment they know they will need and are allowed for each examination. Make sure that your equipment is in good working order, because misadventure applications will not be upheld (or supported/accepted) for equipment failure.

(61) Students can bring the following items into their examinations:

1. black pens;
2. pencils (must be at least grading 2B);
3. erasers and a sharpener;
4. a ruler;
5. highlighter pens;
6. water in a clear, unlabelled bottle;
7. a non-programmable watch, which must be taken off and placed on the desk in clear view and not touched during the HSC School-Based Assessment Task;
8. An approved calculator (if listed as approved)

(62) Students may need to bring certain equipment, like a calculator for some HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks / Examinations. Students need to ensure that their scientific calculator is an approved model.

(63) Students are not permitted to bring any of the following items into Assessment Tasks/examinations. They are to be left outside the room in a nominated location. These include:

1. mobile phones (not permitted in an examination room under any circumstance)
2. programmable watches (for example, smart watches)
3. other electronic devices (excluding a calculator or wired headphones where permitted), any other communication devices, including:
   1. organisers
   2. tablets
   3. wireless earphones and headphones
   4. electronic dictionaries
   5. music players.
4. paper or any printed or written material (working paper may be provided by the supervising teachers)
5. print dictionaries (except where permitted in language examinations)
6. correction fluid.

(64) Students are not allowed to borrow equipment during examinations.

Illness / Misadventure and Absence

(65) Where a student’s pattern of attendance could jeopardise the satisfactory completion of the HSC, parents/carers should establish communication with the school as soon as practicable.

(66) Leave may be granted to cover absence from the school’s educational program for short periods, provided that the reason for the absence is substantiated and that the progress of the student towards course outcomes will not be unduly affected. Please note that leave may not automatically be granted during the HSC year where students will be absent from an HSC School-Based Assessment Task.

(67) When leave is granted by the Principal, such leave should not, of itself, jeopardise the student’s eligibility for the HSC.

(68) Furthermore, the NSW Education Act (1990) Part 2 – 4 (b) states “the education of a child is primarily the responsibility of the child’s parents (p.4).”  This information is taken from the NSW Education Act (1990). This information is taken from the ACE Manual: ACE 4.2 – Satisfactory completion of an HSC course: Course non-completions. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace4/course-non-completions

Illness/Misadventure from an HSC School-Based Assessment Task

(69) The following arrangements (where appropriate) will be in place for students who are absent from a HSC School-Based Assessment Task due to illness, unforeseen absence or foreseen absence. Students must for the HSC School-Based Assessment process.  

1. In-class HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks.  A student who misses a task may have an alternate task to complete and may not complete the original task. This alternate task date will be arranged and published to the student in writing. This will likely be on the first available opportunity of return to school.
2. Submission HSC School-Based Assessment Task.  A student who has a foreseen absence, such as a scheduled medical appointment or extracurricular activity, will be required to submit the task prior to the due date or by the original due date. For students who are impacted by illness or unforeseen circumstances, please refer to item 13.2 below.

(70) Estimate marks are only given in extenuating circumstances and will be determined by the Principal.

(71) All HSC School-Based Assessment Variation Forms will be reviewed by the Assessment Committee.

Absences due to Illness

(72) For all absences due to medical illnesses, an HSC School-Based Assessment Variation Form with evidence, which includes a Medical Certificate.

1. The Medical Certificate / Pharmacist Certificate must be an original and be on the registered Medical Practitioner’s / Pharmacist’s letterhead. In addition to these general points, the following conditions also apply:
   1. Students must seek independent evidence on the same day, either immediately before or after each HSC School-Based Assessment Task for which you are applying.
   2. The documentation must be current, specific to the date and time of the HSC School-Based Assessment Task and
   3. Submitted with the HSC School-Based Assessment Variation Form.
   4. A medical certificate that merely states you were unfit for work or study is unacceptable.

(73) Failure to follow any of these procedures could result in a zero mark being awarded. NESA considers “giving false reasons for not handing in work by the due date” to be malpractice. This information is taken directly from the HSC Rules and Procedures. https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/rules-and-procedures

Absences due to an Acceptable Unforeseen Circumstance

(74) In circumstances where a student needs to be absent for an HSC School-Based Assessment Task due to an unforeseen reason, the following actions need to take place:

1. The student’s Parent/carer needs to advise the school of the circumstances.
2. Student must submit a completed HSC School-Based Assessment Variation Form. Evidence will be required. Please contact the school for advice regarding the required advice in these circumstances.
3. The missed HSC School-Based Assessment Task must be completed immediately upon return to school or at a time that is suitable to the school. Students will be required to check individual arrangements for the alternate task.
4. In cases where the task is a Submitted HSC School-Based Assessment Task and the Assessment Task Notification has been issued at least 14 calendar days prior to the due date of the task, a student will generally not be granted an extension and may receive “0” for their task.

Absences due to an Acceptable Foreseen Circumstance

(75) Students representing the school in an extra-curricular activity or participating in an internal school-based activity are required to follow the procedure outlined below:

1. The student must complete an HSC School-Based Assessment Variation form and submit prior to the scheduled date of the HSC School-Based Assessment Task.
2. In circumstances where students need to attend a scheduled medical appointment (e.g., Pediatrician's Appointment or Orthodontist's Appointment, etc) and this appointment coincides with an HSC School-Based Assessment Task (in-class task), an HSC School-Based Assessment Variation Form MUST be submitted prior to the scheduled dates of the HSC School-Based Assessment Task with a provision to provide the certificate after the appointment if required.  
3. Students attending TAFE/EVET or SBAT must complete an HSC School-Based Assessment Variation Form prior to a scheduled task if an HSC School-Based Assessment Task is a scheduling conflict. Please note that an alternate task may be issued. Please note that a student cannot complete the original task.

Outcome of the Assessment Committee – Right to Appeal

(76) If an HSC School-Based Assessment Variation is declined, the following appeal process may be undertaken.

1. Appeals may be submitted to the Principal in writing within 48 hours of receiving the outcome of the Assessment Committee.
2. The appeal must state why the decision is considered unacceptable, with reference to the evidence supplied in the original application.
3. The Principal will review all the documentation and evidence and will advise you in writing of the outcome of the review.

Penalties for Non-Submission, Malpractice and Assessment / Examination Non-Compliance

(77) Penalties can be applied for academic Malpractice and/or non-compliance with HSC School-Based Assessment / Examination Etiquette. Requirements are outlined below.

HSC School-Based Assessment Illness and Misadventure Applications (during an HSC School-Based Assessment Task)

(78) Illness and Misadventure procedures for students in Year 12 related to Illness/Misadventure are reflective of both the expectations of the school and of NESA. Therefore:

1. Students may lodge an Illness/Misadventure application using the HSC School-Based Assessment Variation Form if they believe that circumstances occurring immediately before or during an HSC School-Based Assessment Task, and which were beyond their control, diminished their performance in the HSC School-Based Assessment Task.
2. Student’s application for Illness/Misadventure related to submitted HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks will generally NOT be considered, as the student will have had sufficient notice to complete the task.
3. Students are responsible for applying for Illness/Misadventure, except in circumstances where this is not possible due to severe illness or exceptional circumstances.
4. A student has to submit their Illness/Misadventure application on the day of the task or immediately upon their return to school with appropriate supporting evidence/documentation.
5. If a student’s circumstances prior to a task are such that they believe they will be applying for Illness/Misadventure after the task, the student needs to advise the supervising teacher prior to the commencement of the task. This will allow the student’s performance during the task to be monitored.
6. Illness and Misadventure can only be considered for tasks that are completed or submitted.

(79) A student CANNOT make an application for Illness/Misadventure on the basis of:

1. Difficulties in preparation or loss of preparation time; for example, due to an earlier illness
2. Alleged deficiencies in teaching
3. Loss of study time or access to facilities
4. Long-term illness, such as glandular fever, unless the student has experienced a flare-up of the condition immediately prior to or during the task – A Medical Certificate would be required to confirm the recurrence of the illness
5. The same grounds for which a student usually receives disability provisions, unless the student faces additional unrelated difficulties during the task. For example, a hypoglycaemic event suffered by a diabetic student or a student who has been isolated but is still unwell, or other difficulties, supported by the supervising teacher.
6. Misreading the Assessment Schedule or Examination Timetable
7. Misreading the Assessment or Examination instructions
8. Other commitments, such as participating in entertainment, work, VET Work Placement, sporting events, or attendance at examinations organised by other educational institutions
9. Technology failure – this alone is NOT a valid reason for failing to submit a summative Assessment Task on time.
10. Attendance at a sporting or cultural event, or a family holiday immediately prior to the task. The basis for this information was sourced from the ACE Manual: ACE 9.1.2 – Higher School Certificate (HSC) - Illness/Misadventure Applications – Grounds for Appeal. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace9/im-program 

Disability Provisions

(80) Disability provisions address students' examination needs impacted by one or more of the following categories of disability:

1. learning, and/or
2. medical, and/or
3. vision, and/or
4. hearing
5. are determined on the basis of functional evidence of impact, and
6. provide practical support for students with disability to access HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks, not to achieve potential.

(81) Schools must ensure that students with disability can access and participate in education on the same basis as other students, as required under the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

(82) Through collaborative curriculum planning, the school must determine, and implement, reasonable adjustments for a student with disability for HSC school-based Assessment Tasks. Adjustments are actions taken that enable a student with disability to access syllabus outcomes and content on the same basis as other students, as required under the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

(83) The school is responsible for any decision to determine adjustments to school-based assessment activities and tasks, including in-HSC School-Based Assessment Tasks and will communicate with families regarding the adjustment for the HSC School Based Assessment Program. Please refer to ACE rule 6 for further information regarding Disability Provisions. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace6/disprovs-program

Life Skills

(84) The Life Skills curriculum is designed to support students with significant learning needs who are unable to access regular course outcomes, particularly those with intellectual disabilities. Students may access Life Skills Courses in Years 11 and 12 following a collaborative planning process involving teachers, parents/carers, and other relevant professionals.