11to12 Circulars – Edition 3, March 2023

Courses

New ATAR Years 11 and 12 Agribusiness and Agricultural Science and Technology Syllabuses

Contact
Nick Ognenis (08) 9273 6354
Nick.Ognenis@scsa.wa.edu.au

Years 11 and 12 Agribusiness

The Year 11 and 12 Agribusiness syllabuses are due to be published in Term 2. The Year 11 Agribusiness syllabus is for teaching from 2024 and the Year 12 Agribusiness syllabus for teaching from 2025. Support materials, including sample course and assessment outlines and sample assessment tasks, for Year 11 will be made available during 2023.


Years 11 and 12 Agricultural Science and Technology

Contact
Allan Knight (08) 9273 6792
Allan.Knight@scsa.wa.edu.au

The new ATAR Years 11 and 12 Agricultural Science and Technology syllabuses are available on the Authority website at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/science/agricultural-science-and-technology.

Note: The new Years 11 and 12 Agribusiness and Agricultural Science and Technology syllabuses replace the Animal Production Systems and Plant Production Systems ATAR courses. The General Animal Production Systems and Plant Production Systems courses will continue in 2024. 2023 is the final year for teaching the ATAR Year 11 Animal Production Systems and ATAR Year 11 Plant Production Systems courses, and 2024 is the final year for teaching the ATAR Year 12 Animal Production Systems and ATAR Year 12 Plant Production Systems courses.

Implementation workshops will be held during Term 3 for both Year 11 ATAR courses.

ATAR Physics Syllabus Review Information Sessions

Contact
Ian Wilson (08) 9273 6788
Ian.Wilson@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers and stakeholders of the ATAR Physics course are invited to register for one of the ATAR Years 11 and 12 Physics syllabus review information sessions.

Teachers and stakeholders are invited to register to attend an online meeting (via Webex) to:

  • identify the main changes between the current and the draft course syllabuses
  • learn about the draft revised syllabuses
  • provide opportunities to ask clarifying questions
  • provide feedback through an online survey.

Teachers and stakeholders are requested to access the draft materials prior to attending the information session. Following the information session, teachers and stakeholders are encouraged to complete the online syllabus review consultation survey. Both the draft syllabus materials, and a link to access the survey, will be accessible on the Physics page of the Authority’s website, found under ‘syllabus review’, at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/science/physics prior to the information sessions.

The workshop is free to attend, however, schools are responsible for teacher relief and any travel and accommodation expenses (if required). The dates for these events are:

  • Monday, 8 May 2023, from 3.30 to 5.00 pm online via the Webex platform
  • Wednesday, 10 May 2023, from 3.30 to 5.00 pm online via the Webex platform.

Register at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/events/physics-atar-syllabus-review-information-sessions to attend a session. A link will be sent to participants closer to the meeting date.

ATAR Engineering Studies Syllabus Review Information Session

Contact
Kim Outtrim (08) 9273 6380
Kim.Outtrim@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers and stakeholders of the ATAR Engineering Studies course are invited to register for the ATAR Years 11 and 12 Engineering Studies syllabus review information session.

Teachers and stakeholders are invited to register to attend an online meeting (via Webex) to:

  • identify the main changes between the current and the draft course syllabuses
  • learn about the draft revised syllabuses
  • provide opportunities to ask clarifying questions
  • provide feedback through an online survey.

Teachers and stakeholders are requested to access the draft materials prior to attending the information session. Following the information session, teachers and stakeholders are encouraged to complete the online syllabus review consultation survey. Both the draft syllabus materials, and a link to access the survey, will be accessible on the Engineering Studies page of the Authority’s website, found under ‘Syllabus review’, at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/technologies/engineering-studies prior to the information session.

The workshop is free to attend, however, schools are responsible for teacher relief and any travel and accommodation expenses (if required). The date is Tuesday, 9 May 2023, from 4.00 to 6.00 pm. Participants may join the meeting either:

  • face-to-face at the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, Level 2, 303 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington or
  • online via the Webex platform.

Register at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/events/engineering-studies-atar-syllabus-review-information-session to attend the session. A link will be sent closer to the date for those participants joining the meeting online.

School-based application of Music ATAR practical (performance) examination marking key Criterion 7: Stylistic interpretation

Contact
Nick Fielding (08) 9273 6756|
Nick.Fielding@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers of the ATAR Music course are advised that the preferred method for the application of Criterion 7: Stylistic interpretation in school performance assessments including repertoire from multiple styles (i.e. contemporary, jazz, music theatre, and western art music) has changed.

It is now preferred that each work within a performance assessment is marked according to the style‑appropriate version of Criterion 7. Previously, teachers were advised to apply only the version of Criterion 7 that matched the student’s selected style (e.g. jazz), regardless of whether all repertoire presented fell within the selected style.

It is suggested that teachers:

  • advise students to specify in writing the associated music style for each work in a performance assessment
  • apply the style-appropriate version of Criterion 7 when marking each individual work within an assessment.

Where a student does not specify the style for each work, teachers may assume that the student’s overall selected style for the practical component applies to all works.

Teachers are reminded that all existing requirements contained in the syllabus, marking key and practical examination requirements documents continue to apply. These requirements include:

Teachers should continue to counsel students in their selection of repertoire, and consider whether the inclusion of repertoire outside of the student’s selected music style is in their best interests.

2023 ATAR Design Target Audience Workshop

Contact
Claire Hodge (08) 9273 6342
Claire.Hodge@scsa.wa.edu.au

Conducting target audience research and applying feedback is fundamental to the ATAR Design course. As part of a design process, including and understanding the target audience helps to identify problems, test ideas and improve the effectiveness of design outcomes. The workshop is being presented in conjunction with design consultancy Anthologie and will provide attendees with real world insight into this important course concept.

This workshop will focus on:

  • qualitative and quantitative research strategies – what, how, why and when to use them
  • defining and interpreting findings – understanding the difference between an observation and an insight
  • applying research – informing the Define and Develop phases of the design process
  • making an informed presentation – how to test and prove the effectiveness of a design outcome.

This workshop will be an invaluable opportunity to assist teachers in the delivery of the new syllabus.

There are two opportunities to engage in the workshop:

  • Online meeting: Wednesday, 3 May, 4.00–6.00 pm or
  • Face-to-face meeting: Thursday, 4 May, 4.00–6.00 pm.

Teachers are asked to bring in a digital or hard copy format the ATAR Year 11 Design Syllabus (for teaching from 2023 version).

The workshop is free to attend, however, schools are responsible for teacher relief and any travel and accommodation expenses (if required).

Registrations are now open at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/events/design-atar-target-audience-workshop-2023.

Examinations

2023 Year 12 Practical examination requirements documents and practical marking keys for ATAR courses

Contact
Gabby Raggio (08) 9273 6787
Gabby.Raggio@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers are advised that the 2023 Year 12 Practical examination requirements documents and the practical marking keys for ATAR courses with practical examinations are available on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website. The materials are located on the relevant ATAR course page. Please see the links below.

Both teachers and students must be familiar with the course specific practical examination requirements document and practical marking keys. They contain important information about the reporting of achievement, how the examination is structured and conducted as well as key dates.

Aviation
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/technologies/aviation

Chinese: Second Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/chinese-second-language

Dance
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/arts/dance

Design
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/arts/design

Drama
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/arts/drama

French: Background Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/french-background-language

French: Second Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/french-second-language

German: Background Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/german-background-language

German: Second Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/german-second-language

Indonesian: Second Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/indonesian-second-language

Italian: Background Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/italian-background-language

Italian: Second Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/italian-second-language

Japanese: Second Language
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/languages/japanese-second-language

Materials Design and Technology
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/technologies/materials-design-and-technology

Media Production and Analysis
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/arts/media-production-and-analysis

Music
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/arts/music

Physical Education Studies
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/health-and-physical-education/physical-education-studies

Visual Arts
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/arts/visual-arts

Calculators in the Year 12 ATAR course examinations 2023

Contact
Barclay Jones (08) 9273 6309
Barclay.Jones@scsa.wa.edu.au

Information relating to approved use of calculators in Year 12 ATAR course written examinations for 2023 is provided in the syllabus design brief, the Year 12 Information Handbook Part I: Information for all students 2023, located on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) website at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/year-12-information and the front cover of the ATAR course examinations that are scheduled for release in August 2023.

Calculators are permitted in the examination room for the Year 12 ATAR course written examinations in Mathematics Applications, Mathematics Methods and Mathematics Specialist. The use of a calculator is limited to ‘Section Two: Calculator assumed’. Use of a calculator during ‘Section One: Calculator free’ will be deemed a breach of examination rules that may result in a penalty.

Calculators are not approved inside the examination room of the Year 12 ATAR course written examinations in Ancient History, Applied Information and Technology, Career and Enterprise, Children, Family and the Community, Chinese First Language, Chinese Second language, Dance, Drama, English, English as an Additional Language or Dialect, French Background Language, French Second Language, German Background Language, German Second Language, Health Studies, Indonesian Second Language, Italian Background Language, Italian Second Language, Japanese Second Language, Literature, Media Production Analysis, Modern History, Music, Outdoor Education, Philosophy and Ethics, Politics and Law, Religion and Life and Visual Arts. Possession of a calculator in these ATAR course written examinations may be deemed a breach of examination rules that may result in a penalty.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Nominal Hours for Certificate II VET qualifications

Contact
Rachael Davidson (08) 9273 6750
vetinfo@scsa.wa.edu.au

Schools are reminded to check the total nominal hours of the units of competency selected within Certificate II Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications to ensure that they will meet the minimum 220 nominal hour requirement to be allocated full unit equivalence towards the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

Completion of a Certificate II level qualification with less than 220 nominal hours may impact on a student’s WACE achievement as only two Year 11 unit equivalents are awarded.

Commonly delivered VET qualifications with low total nominal hours include:

  • CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering (155 nominal hours)
  • CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways (200 nominal hours)
  • FSK20119 Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (205 nominal hours)
  • SIS20321 Certificate II in Sport Coaching (190 nominal hours).

The following two qualifications meet the 220 nominal hours threshold, however, there is a risk that the hours could be lower than 220 depending on the elective units of competency chosen:

  • AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (230 nominal hours)
  • SIT20122 Certificate II in Tourism (225 nominal hours).

Nominal hours for units of competency can be accessed from the Department of Training and Workforce Development via the training product search: https://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/training-product-search.

Further information about the allocation of unit equivalence for VET qualifications can be found on page 72 of the WACE Manual 2023: https://scsa.wa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/1024430/WACE_Manual_2023.pdf.

SIRS, Enrolments and General Information

Online Student Declaration and Permission

Contact
Kerry Tarrant (08) 9273 6770
Kerry.Tarrant@scsa.wa.edu.au

This is an early reminder that the completion date for the online Student Declaration and Permission is Thursday, 24 August 2023 as per the 2023 Activities Schedule.

Information about the online Student Declaration and Permission procedure was sent to schools on Thursday, 16 February 2023.

Please advise students about the purpose of the Student Declaration and Permission and ensure that they discuss this with their parents/guardians/carers prior to completion.

Further information about the online Student Declaration and Permission is available on the Authority website at: https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/the-wace/student-declaration.

The student portal login link is: https://studentportal.scsa.wa.edu.au/.

For further information to help students log in to the student portal and complete the online Student Declaration and Permission, please refer to the Student login and navigation guide.

Schools can monitor in SIRS which students have completed the online Student Declaration and Permission by generating the Report CSE058 – Student Release Choices by Provider.

The pathway to the report CSE058 is: Reports > Other reports > Report type: Students, Report: CSE058.

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority appreciates your assistance in obtaining this important information.

Final date for enrolment in year-long Year 11 courses, 2023

Contact
Lisa Honczarenko (08) 9273 6763
Lisa.Honczarenko@scsa.wa.edu.au

Schools are reminded of the final date for upload into SIRS:

  • Friday, 5 May 2023 (Week 2 of Term 2) – enrolments in year-long Year 11 courses (i.e. courses with codes starting with either AE, GE or FE) for Year 11 students (via ENCOS file).

After this date, this Student Information Records System (SIRS) facility will be locked and no further changes (except withdrawals from those courses) will be accepted.

From this date, Year 11 students may only be enrolled into single units for Semester 2.

Final dates for Year 12 students to withdraw from courses 2023

Contact
Lisa Honczarenko (08) 9273 6763
Lisa.Honczarenko@scsa.wa.edu.au

Schools are reminded of the final dates to withdraw Year 12 students from courses:

  • Thursday, 20 July 2023 – final date for withdrawing students from ATAR courses with practical examination components. No changes will be made to student enrolments in these courses after this date.
  • Monday, 7 August 2023 – final date for withdrawing students from ATAR courses which do not have practical examination components. No changes will be made to student enrolments in these courses after this date.
  • Monday, 7 August 2023 – final date for withdrawing students from General, Foundation, Preliminary and Vocational Education and Training (VET) industry specific courses. No changes will be made to student enrolments in these courses after this date.

As withdrawing from a course is a significant decision, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority strongly encourages students and their schools to use the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) checker to test the possible impact of their decision. The WACE checker is available on the Authority website at https://wacechecker.scsa.wa.edu.au/.

Schools are reminded that students who are enrolled in a Year 12 ATAR course must sit the external examination in that course. For ATAR courses with practical components, students must sit both the written and practical examinations. Students who do not sit an ATAR course examination and do not have an approved sickness/misadventure application for that course, will not have the grades for the pair of units completed in that year contribute to the calculation of the WACE.

As a consequence, a student may not meet the requirements to receive a WACE.

2023 Registration of students into SIRS

Contact
Data Services (08) 9273 6344
dataservices@scsa.wa.edu.au

Initial Registrations
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority would like to thank schools and other education providers for meeting the deadlines of uploading their student registrations. Your efforts contributed to the timely transfer of data for the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) and ensured student’s details were ready for the start of Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA)Term 1 window.

Regular updates to registration and demographic information
Now that schools have uploaded their initial registrations for Term 1, it is strongly advised that schools should update and upload a current student registration (SRGDG) file to the Student Information Records System (SIRS) on a regular basis.

At a minimum, it is recommended that schools upload their student registration file at the beginning of each term. This will ensure any new students to the school are recorded in SIRS as well as update the status of any students who have left the school.

To encourage schools to continue the good practice of uploading student registrations, a reminder will be sent to all schools who have not uploaded a current SRGDG file by the end of Week 3 of Term 2.