11to12 Circulars – Edition 1, February 2023
Important
Notification of communications to schools 2023
Contact:
Patricia Dunnett (08) 9273 6794
Patricia.Dunnett@scsa.wa.edu.au
All schools should note two letters sent to principals by the Board Chair, Mrs Pauline White with key themes and priorities for 2023. A copy of those letters can be found via the following link:
https://scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/communication-to-schools under ‘Letters sent to schools – 2023’.
For more details, please refer to the relevant letters to schools or contact Patricia Dunnett.
Courses
Minor syllabus changes for 2023
Contact
John Newman (08) 9273 6757 (The Arts, Technologies)
John.Newman@scsa.wa.edu.au
Mandy Hudson (08) 9273 6755 (Humanities and Social Sciences, Science)
Mandy.Hudson@scsa.wa.edu.au
Adriana Douglas (08) 9273 6784 (Languages)
Adriana.Douglas@scsa.wa.edu.au
Graeme Quelch (08) 9273 6758 (Mathematics)
Graeme.Quelch@scsa.wa.edu.au
School administrators and Heads of Learning Area are reminded that the 11to12 circular, edition 7, August 2022 contained information regarding minor syllabus changes for courses in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Languages, Mathematics, Science and Technologies learning areas for 2023.
Details of the specific courses in each learning area, and the nature of the change, can be located at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/11to12-circulars/edition-7-august-2022 under the heading Minor Syllabus Changes for 2023.
Removal of unacceptable combination of ATMAA and ATMAM
Contact
Suzie Harman (08) 9273 6768
Suzie.Harman@scsa.wa.edu.au
The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) has advised that from the 2023 school year (relevant to university admission from 2024), Mathematics Applications and Mathematics Methods will no longer be an unacceptable subject combination for the purposes of calculating the ATAR. Students will now be able to include the score from both courses in their final ATAR. TISC publications and the TISC website will be progressively updated to reflect this change.
Note: Mathematics Applications and Mathematics Specialist remains an unacceptable combination for the calculation of the ATAR. Students will continue to be able to contribute all three ATAR Mathematics subjects toward their WACE, however only Mathematics Methods and the highest scaled score out of Mathematics Applications and Mathematics Specialist will be considered in ATAR calculations.
2023 ATAR Year 12 MPA Examination workshops
Contact
Gemma Wright (08) 9273 6783
Gemma.Wright@scsa.wa.edu.au
Teachers are invited to register to attend Webex workshops for the 2023 ATAR Year 12 Media Production and Analysis (MPA) examinations. The focus of the workshops is to:
- refresh understanding of the 2023 12 ATAR MPA examination design briefs
- highlight and discuss resources available on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) website.
The workshops are free to attend. Schools are responsible for any costs of attending workshops. The dates for these events are:
Written examination workshop:
- Wednesday, 22 February 2023, via Webex, 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm
- Thursday, 23 February 2023, via Webex, 12.00 pm to 1.30 pm.
Practical examination workshop:
- Wednesday, 29 March 2023, via Webex, 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm
- Thursday, 30 March 2023, via Webex, 12.00 pm to 1.30 pm.
To register for these events, click this link https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/events/atar-media-production-and-analysis-examination-workshops.
Please note, the content of the written examination workshop is different to the content of the practical examination workshop, so it is encouraged that teachers attend one of each workshop.
Teachers are encouraged to have a digital copy of the Year 12 ATAR MPA course syllabus for reference during both the written and practical workshops. This is available on the MPA course page under ‘Syllabus’.
Teachers are encouraged to have a digital copy of the 12 ATAR MPA course:
- Sample ATAR examination (for teaching from 1 January, 2023)
- Sample ATAR marking key (for teaching from 1 January, 2023)
for reference during the written examination workshop. These are available on the MPA course page under ‘Examination Materials’.
Teachers are encouraged to have a digital copy of the 2023 ATAR Year 12 MPA course:
- practical (production) examination requirements booklet
- practical (production) examination marking key.
for reference during the practical examination workshop. These will be available Friday, 24 March 2023 on the MPA course page under ‘Examination Materials’.
Ancient History ATAR Syllabus Review Information Sessions
Contact
Annette Moon (08) 9273 6789
Annette.Moon@scsa.wa.edu.au
Teachers and stakeholders of the Ancient History ATAR course are invited to register for the Years 11 and 12 Ancient History ATAR 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 Ancient History page of the Authority’s website, found under ‘syllabus review’, at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/humanities-and-social-sciences/ancient-history.
The information sessions are free to attend. The dates for these events are:
- Tuesday, 28 February 2023, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. online via the WebEx platform
- Wednesday, 8 March 2023, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. online via the WebEx platform.
and register at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/events/ancient-history-atar-syllabus-review-information-meeting to attend a session.
Modern History ATAR Syllabus Review Information Sessions
Contact
Meredith Beaton (08) 9273 6778
Meredith.Beaton@scsa.wa.edu.au
Teachers and stakeholders of the Modern History ATAR course are invited to register for the Years 11 and 12 Modern History ATAR 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 Modern History page of the Authority’s website, found under ‘syllabus review’, at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/humanities-and-social-sciences/modern-history.
The information sessions are free to attend. The dates for these events are:
- Wednesday, 1 March 2023, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. online via the Webex platform
- Tuesday, 7 March 2023, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. online via the Webex platform.
and register at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/events/modern-history-atar-syllabus-review-information-meeting to attend a session.
WACE Language course applications – Year 11 or 12 2023
Contact
Adriana Douglas (08) 9273 6784
Adriana.Douglas@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools in Western Australian are advised that applications for new enrolments in Year 11 and Year 12 resumes from Monday, 23 January 2023 to Thursday, 23 February 2023.
Applications are to be submitted online via the Student Records Management System (SRMS) student portal https://studentportal.scsa.wa.edu.au/.
How to check the language course application status of students intending to enrol in a language course To complement report CSE208 (Language Course Application Status) in the Student Information Records System (SIRS), a new report (CSE229 – SRMS Language Course Application Status) has been developed. CSE229 shows the status of all online language course applications submitted via the Student Record Management System (SRMS) student portal. CSE208 shows the application status of students who have submitted language applications using the paper form, and those students who have submitted online language applications through the student portal that have been finalised. CSE208 will be phased out in 2024.
CSE229 is available via the following SIRS pathway:
Reports > Other reports > Report type: Enrolments, Report: CSE229 – SRMS Language Course Application Status.
After selecting the current calendar year, it is important to select the relevant Academic Year (eg: Year 10 in 2022 for students intending to enrol in Year 11 in 2023).
If you have any questions, please use the School guide for online applications for WACE language courses or Student guide for online applications for WACE language courses to assist you/your students in completing the applications, or email languagesenrolment@scsa.wa.edu.au.
Non-school candidates
Any Year 12 student undertaking
must complete an Application to enrol in a WACE Language course before they submit the Non-school Candidate enrolment form 2023 by Thursday, 30 March 2023.
If you have any questions regarding students undertaking a language as a non-school candidate, please email languagesenrolment@scsa.wa.edu.au.
Examinations
2023 Year 12 ATAR course examinations
Contact
Barclay Jones (08) 9273 6309
Barclay.Jones@scsa.wa.edu.au
The 2023 Year 12 ATAR course written examinations are scheduled from:
Monday, 30 October to Friday, 17 November 2023.
The 2023 Year 12 ATAR course practical examinations are scheduled from:
Saturday, 23 September to Sunday, 22 October 2023.
The 2023 Year 12 ATAR course examination timetables will be available on the Examination Timetables webpage of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/examinations/examination-timetables. No information regarding the date of specific written examinations is available prior to this date.
From Tuesday, 5 September 2023, students will be able to download their Personalised written examinations timetable and Personalised practical examinations timetable from the student portal at: https://studentportal.scsa.wa.edu.au.
The Personalised written examinations timetables will contain the date, time and examination centre for the student’s written examinations. The Personalised practical examinations timetable will contain the date, time, venue and location of the student’s practical examination.
2023 ATAR course examinations marked online
Contact
Barclay Jones (08)9273 6309
Barclay.Jones@scsa.wa.edu.au
Gloria Richmond (08)9273 6732
gloria.richmond@scsa.wa.edu.au
In 2023, online marking of ATAR course examinations will continue for the following courses:
- Accounting and Finance
- Biology
- Business Management and Enterprise
- Chemistry
- Drama
- Economics
- English
- English as an Additional Language/Dialect
- Geography
- Human Biology
- Literature
- Mathematics Applications
- Mathematics Methods
- Mathematics Specialist
- Modern History
- Physical Education Studies
- Physics
- Politics and Law
- Psychology
- Religion and Life
- Visual Arts.
Online marking will be introduced for the following ATAR course examinations:
- Applied Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Health Studies.
For examination scripts to be scanned for online marking, the format of the paper includes the following features:
- a barcode at the bottom of the front page
- a solid 5 mm square in each corner of the front page
- a unique identifying number printed on every page within the paper.
The margins of each page will be excluded from the area available for writing and will be marked with the wording ‘DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA AS IT WILL BE CUT OFF’.
It is highly recommended that you advise your students not to use erasable pens, gel pens or pencil. Pencil is acceptable for diagrams.
The front covers of each examination will be available on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website in August.
Year 12 ATAR course specifications booklet, formula sheets and data booklets for teaching and examining in 2023
Contact
Gabby Raggio (08) 9273 6787
Gabby.Raggio@scsa.wa.edu.au
The following course booklets are available on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website at the links indicated under ATAR and Examination Materials. Each booklet is for teaching and examining in 2023.
Accounting and Finance ATAR course
Contact
Fran van Oyen (08) 9273 6359
Frances.VanOyen@scsa.wa.edu.au
The 2023 Specifications booklet is now available at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/humanities-and-social-sciences/accounting-and-finance.
Chemistry ATAR course
Contact
Allan Knight (08) 9273 6792
Allan.Knight@scsa.wa.edu.au
The 2023 Data booklet is now available at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/science/chemistry.
Mathematics ATAR courses
Contact
Suzie Harman (08) 9273 6768
Suzie.Harman@scsa.wa.edu.au
The 2023 Year 12 Formula sheets are now available.
Mathematics Applications
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/mathematics/mathematics-applications.
Mathematics Methods
Mathematics Specialist
Engineering Studies ATAR course
Contact
Kim Outtrim (08) 9273 6380
Kim.Outtrim@scsa.wa.edu.au
The 2023 Formulae and Data booklet is now available at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/technologies/engineering-studies.
Physics ATAR course
Contact
Ian Wilson (08) 9273 6788
Ian.Wilson@scsa.wa.edu.au
The 2023 Data booklet is now available at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/science/physics
Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions
Contact
Gabby Raggio (08) 9273 6787
Gabby.Raggio@scsa.wa.edu.au
The Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions has been updated for use commencing in 2023. The glossary can be located on every ATAR, General and Foundation course page, under Support Materials.
The definitions in the glossary are generic and applicable across all courses. The glossary assists teachers and students to have a common understanding of the command terms in questions that indicate to students what is required to complete the question. This Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions is used to formulate questions in ATAR examinations and externally set tasks developed by the Authority.
Spanish (Continuers) written electronic examination
Contact
Barclay Jones (08) 9273 6309
Barclay.Jones@scsa.wa.edu.au
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) sources the Spanish (Continuers) language examination from the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). The SACE Spanish (Continuers) examination will be offered in an electronic examination (e-exams) format in 2023.
The Authority will make provisions to allow these students to sit the e-exam provided by SACE in 2023.
Schools and students will be able to find further information about the SACE Spanish (Continuers) e-exams and access practice e-exams via the SACE website https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/web/spanish-continuers.
Application for 2023 ATAR course examination Chief Markers
Contact
Barclay Jones (08) 9273 6309
Barclay.Jones@scsa.wa.edu.au
Gloria Richmond (08)9273 6732
Gloria.Richmond@scsa.wa.edu.au
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority is seeking applications for the role of Chief Marker for the written and practical components of the 2023 ATAR course examinations. For information regarding the application for 2023 ATAR course examination Chief Markers please refer to
https://scsa.wa.edu.au/about-us/employment.
Equitable access adjustments (special arrangements) for ATAR course examinations 2023
Contact
Carolyn Hackett 9273 6316
Carolyn.Hackett@scsa.wa.edu.au
Glenn Carroll 9273 6327
Glenn.Carroll@scsa.wa.edu.au
The Application for Equitable Access Adjustments form for the 2023 ATAR course examinations will arrive in schools in time for the start of Term 1. This form is to be used for candidates with a permanent or temporary disability that is demonstrated to impair their access to examinations under standard conditions and who wish to be considered for adjustments. Commencing this year, the terminology has changed from special examination arrangements to equitable access adjustments.
It is the responsibility of the school to complete the form and submit it to the Authority on behalf of each eligible candidate. The form is not to be sent home for completion. Completed forms should be submitted to the Authority by Thursday, 30 March 2023.
Any student seeking any type of variation to the standard examination conditions must have an application form submitted for them. This includes students with health conditions that may need support during an examination. Adjustments are available for practical and written examinations.
For information on the application process, please visit https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/examinations/special-provisions.
There will be no sickness/misadventure consideration in practical performance examinations for candidates on the basis of an injury or illness existing at the start of
Term 3.
Applications for alternative format practical examinations will be accepted until Wednesday, 26 July 2023.
Alternative format practical examinations for ATAR course examination candidates with long-term injury or illness 2023
Contact
Carolyn Hackett 9273 6316
Carolyn.Hackett@scsa.wa.edu.au
Glenn Carroll 9273 6327
Glenn.Carroll@scsa.wa.edu.au
Candidates with an injury or illness existing at the start of Term 3 should apply to be examined in an alternative format, if the injury or illness will affect their participation in the standard practical examination of any course. There will be no sickness/misadventure consideration in practical examinations for candidates on the basis of an injury or illness existing at the start of Term 3.
For more information on the alternative format practical examinations, please visit https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/examinations/special-provisions
The last date for application is Wednesday, 26 July 2023.
Equitable access adjustment (special examination arrangement) assessors 2023 – expressions of interest
Contact
Carolyn Hackett 9273 6316
Carolyn.Hackett@scsa.wa.edu.au
Glenn Carroll 9273 6327
Glenn.Carroll@scsa.wa.edu.au
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) is seeking expressions of interest by Friday, 24 February 2023 from suitably qualified and experienced persons to assist with the assessment of equitable access adjustment (special examination arrangement) applications for the 2023 ATAR course examinations. Applications to be assessed will relate to candidates within the specific learning disability, psychological/neurological or ADHD categories.
Assessors will work in pairs with a registered psychologist and a person with school management experience. Work will be outside business hours on a contract basis, with payment per application. Before commencing work, assessors must already have a current Department of Education Screening Clearance Number (SCN) or apply through the Department of Education to complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check to be issued with a SCN. Assessors will also be required to comply with any health directives in place at the time.
Assessing applications will provide an excellent opportunity for valuable professional development related to the assessment of candidates with disabilities. The role is also well suited to those recently retired or on leave.
Interested school counsellors or educational psychologists should have experience assessing and diagnosing senior students with learning disabilities using current, relevant diagnostic tools.
Interested school representatives should have experience working in schools with senior students with learning disabilities or psychological/neurological conditions in the ATAR pathway. Ideally, applicants would have whole-of-school management experience.
Training, to be provided before the start of the assessment period, is expected to occur in the first week of Term 2. Training will be conducted outside school hours.
Assessment of most applications will be completed within a tight timeframe in late April, May and June 2023. Assessors should be available through Term 2, with the possibility of some work continuing into Term 3.
An expression of interest does not guarantee appointment. Applicants will be advised in Term 1 if their services will be required. Assessors from previous years are encouraged to reapply for 2023.
The Expression of interest form is available on the Authority website at
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/examinations/special-provisions.
Moderation
2023 Consensus Moderation
Contact
Graeme Quelch (08) 9273 6758
Graeme.Quelch@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools are advised that the Board of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority has endorsed consensus moderation processes for selected ATAR and General Year 11 and Year 12 courses in 2023.
Participation in this moderation process is compulsory for all schools delivering a course in the table below. In 2023, consensus moderation meetings will be full day meetings.
Consensus meetings will focus on the review of student assessment files and the application of the grade descriptions in a course to determine a grade, and on assessment practice as outlined in the WACE Manual 2023 in Section 2.4.
A key aspect to achieving comparability in standards is the development and implementation of valid and appropriate school-based assessment tasks that provide for a comprehensive sampling of the syllabus content and provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of achievements.
Teachers participating are required to provide a student assessment file for three students (one at each grade from A to C), including all assessment types and all marked assessments up to the time of providing the file. Additionally, schools will be required to provide a proposed grade distribution for the course at the time of the meeting.
Course specific information will be provided to schools in Term 1, 2023.
In the Perth metropolitan area and larger regional centres consensus moderation occurs at meetings of typically 10–15 teachers. Schools more than 100 km from the nearest scheduled meeting venue will be given the option of either attending meetings at their nearest location or participating in an online meeting following the same process as the face-to-face meetings.
Consensus moderation meetings will be conducted in Weeks 7, 8 and 9 of Term 2 and in Weeks 2, 3 and 4 of Term 3, 2023.
Further information on consensus moderation can be found in Section 3.4.3 of the WACE Manual 2023.
During Term 1, 2023, each school will be required to register one teacher for each of the courses below that the school is delivering.
Information regarding registration of teachers and specific course requirements will be sent to Principals in Term 1, 2023.
Teachers are reminded they need to have procedures in place to ensure that all marked student work is retained for moderation purposes. This includes evidence collected for courses with portfolios and/or practical requirements. Please see the WACE Manual 2023 (Section 2.8) for further details.
Courses in Consensus Moderation in 2023
Course | Pathway | Year Level |
Health and Physical Education | ||
Outdoor Education | General | 12 |
Health Studies | General | 12 |
Health Studies | ATAR | 11 |
Humanities and Social Sciences | ||
Accounting and Finance | ATAR | 11 |
Modern History | General | 11 |
Politics and Law | ATAR | 12 |
Religion and Life | General | 11 |
Languages | ||
French: Second Language | ATAR | 11 |
Italian: Second Language | ATAR | 11 |
Japanese: Second Language | ATAR | 11 |
Mathematics | ||
Mathematics Methods | ATAR | 11 |
Science | ||
Biology | ATAR | 11 |
Earth and Environmental Science | General | 11 |
Marine and Maritime Studies | ATAR | 11 |
Technologies | ||
Computer Science | General | 12 |
The Arts | ||
Dance | General | 12 |
Drama | General | 12 |
2023 Assessment Task Review of selected General and ATAR Years 11 and 12 courses
Contact
Graeme Quelch (08) 9273 6758
Graeme.Quelch@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools are advised that in 2023 the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) will conduct the Assessment Task Review process (ATR) for selected Year 11 and 12 General and ATAR courses (see table below). This moderation activity is designed to support teachers to develop assessment tasks and marking keys that reflect the appropriate pitch and demand of the course, and meet the syllabus requirements.
Please note that only selected schools will be required to participate in the 2023 ATR moderation process. Further correspondence will be sent directly to these selected schools on Thursday, 9February 2023.
The schools selected for the ATR are required to submit a separate assessment task and marking key for each of the nominated assessment types for each course they offer (see table below). The process will require the upload of documents to SIRS2.
Following the Authority’s review of the documents in 2023, a report for each course will be made available to schools. The report will outline suggested action/s the teacher may take to improve the quality of the assessment tasks or marking keys submitted.
Courses selected for the 2023 ATR – General and ATAR Years 11 and 12 courses
Learning Area | Course | Nominated Assessment Types |
Arts | ATAR Year 11 Dance |
|
General Year 11 Visual Arts |
| |
English | General Year 11 English |
|
Humanities and Social Sciences | General Year 12 Religion and Life |
|
Languages | ATAR Year 12 Arabic |
|
ATAR Year 11 Chinese: First Language |
| |
ATAR Year 11 Chinese: Second Language |
| |
ATAR Year 11 German: Second Language |
| |
ATAR Year 11 Indonesian: Second Language |
| |
Science | General Year 11 Psychology |
|
Technologies | General Year 12 Applied Information Technology |
|
2023 Syllabus Delivery Audit of selected General and ATAR Years 11 and 12 courses
Contact
Graeme Quelch (08) 9273 6758
Graeme.Quelch@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools are advised that in 2023 the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) will conduct a syllabus delivery audit (SDA) for selected General and ATAR Years 11 and 12 courses (see table below). This moderation activity is designed to ensure that all schools are teaching and assessing the current syllabus in line with the requirements of the WACE Manual 2023, available on the Authority website.
Schools are required to submit a separate course outline and assessment outline for each listed course delivered. Schools are reminded that for Year 12 courses, the course outline and the assessment outline must cover both Unit 3 and Unit 4 (year-long).
The process will require the upload of documents to SIRS2.
The Syllabus Delivery Audit 2023 School Coordinator Handbook and the Syllabus Delivery Audit 2023 Teacher and Head of Learning Area (HoLA) Handbook are available on the Authority website at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/moderation/syllabus-delivery-audit.
Schools are required to complete the task of uploading documents between 9.00 am Monday, 16 January 2023 and 4.00 pm Friday, 17 February 2023. The documents can be either in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Following the Authority’s review of the documents in 2023, a report for each course will be available to schools. Schools will be informed if a document does not meet the requirements of the syllabus and/or the WACE Manual 2023. The report will specify the action/s that the school needs to take to ensure the document meets the requirements of the Authority.
Courses selected for the 2023 SDA – General and ATAR Years 11 and 12 courses
Learning Area | Course |
Arts | ATAR Year 11 Design ATAR Year 12 Drama ATAR Year 12 Media Production and Analysis ATAR Year 11 Music |
Humanities and Social Sciences | General Year 11 Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies ATAR Year 11 Economics ATAR Year 12 Geography General Year 12 Geography |
Languages | ATAR Year 12 Chinese: First Language ATAR Year 11 French: Second Language ATAR Year 11 Italian: Second Language ATAR Year 11 Japanese: Second Language ATAR Year 11 Hindi: Second Language ATAR Year 11 Hindi: Background Language ATAR Year 11 Korean: Second Language ATAR Year 11 Korean: Background Language ATAR Year 11 Tamil: Second Language ATAR Year 11 Tamil: Background Language |
Science | ATAR Year 12 Biology ATAR Year 12 Human Biology ATAR Year 11 Psychology |
Technologies | ATAR Year 11 Computer Science |
2023 EST for all Year 12 General and Foundation courses
Contact
Gabby Raggio (08) 9273 6787
Gabby.Raggio@scsa.wa.edu.au
Teachers are advised that all students enrolled in a Year 12 General course and/or a Year 12 Foundation course are required to complete the Externally Set Task (EST) developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) for that course. The EST is compulsory and forms part of the school-based assessment.
Information about ESTs and the administration of ESTs can be found in the Externally Set Tasks Handbook 2023 that is available on the Authority website at
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/externally-set-tasks.
General Year 12 Music change to the EST design brief for teaching from 2024
Contact
Nick Fielding (08) 9273 6756
Nick.Fielding@scsa.wa.edu.au
Kevin Sadler (08) 9273 6332
Kevin.Sadler@scsa.wa.edu.au
Teachers of the General Year 12 Music course are advised that the design brief for the Externally Set Task (EST) has been modified, for teaching from 2024.
The changes, from 2024 onwards, are as follows:
- questions will be based on content from the Aural and theory and Investigation and analysis sections of the syllabus only
- the design brief will specify that the EST does not include an audio component.
Teachers are reminded that the 2023 EST:
- will include composition content, as indicated in the 2023 General EST Unit 3 Content document on the music page of the Authority website, under ‘General – Externally Set Task Materials 2023’
- will not include an audio component.
Small Group Moderation Seminars 2023
Contact
John Newman (08) 9273 6757
John.Newman@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools are advised that the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) is offering Small Group Moderation seminars in February to assist senior secondary teachers who are delivering Year 12 ATAR courses that require their school to take part in the small group moderation process.
Registration and further information can be located on the Authority website using the link below:
SIRS, Enrolments and General Information
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Review Survey 2023
Contact
Daisy Tyson (08) 9273 6314
Daisy.Tyson@scsa.wa.edu.au
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) is reviewing its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). You are invited to provide feedback by completing the survey located at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7174183/Disability-Access-and-Inclusion-Plan-2023-2027-survey.
The DAIP plan will focus on access to buildings, facilities, events, services, information, skilled staff and complaint and consultation mechanisms of the Authority in meeting the DAIP outcomes. Visit the Authority webpage http://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/ for more details on the DAIP.
To request an alternative format of the survey or way to contribute to the DAIP, please contact us via email at info@scsa.wa.edu.au or phone (08) 9273 6314.
The survey and consultation period closes on 16 February 2023.
The final DAIP 2023-2027 will be made available on the Authority website in March 2023.
2023 Year 11 and Year 12 student enrolments in course units
Contact
Lisa Honczarenko (08) 9273 6763
Lisa.Honczarenko@scsa.wa.edu.au
In 2023, Year 11 and Year 12 students can enrol in ATAR, General, Foundation, Preliminary and VET industry specific courses.
Schools are reminded that Year 11 and Year 12 student enrolments in these courses must be uploaded to the Student Information Records System (SIRS) by Thursday, 23 February 2023.
Enrolments in course units
The instructions to assist schools to enrol their students in courses are detailed in the Data Procedures Manual 2023. The manual is available on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) website at the following address: https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/data-procedures-manual.
The specific sub-sections for information relating to extracting data of students enrolled in courses, uploading the enrolments into SIRS and verifying these enrolments in SIRS are listed below.
Section | Details relating to enrolments |
13.4 | RTP (Reporting to Parents) instructions for extracting data of students enrolled in courses |
13.2 | Civica (MAZE) instructions for extracting data of students enrolled in courses |
13.6 | Synergetic instructions for extracting data of students enrolled in courses |
13.3 | AoS (Administration of Schools) instructions for extracting data of students enrolled in courses |
5.6 | Excel instructions for creating a CSV file for student enrolments in courses |
5.8 | SIRS instructions for uploading student enrolments |
11 | SIRS reports available to schools. |
Details relating to enrolments in course units
Further information relating to the study of courses can be found in Section 5: Enrolments of the Data Procedures Manual 2023.
2023 Non-school candidate enrolments
Contact
Lisa Honczarenko (08) 9273 6763
Lisa.Honczarenko@scsa.wa.edu.au
In 2023, an individual may enrol to sit an ATAR course examination as a non-school candidate (formerly private candidate) in the event that the individual is:
To enrol as a non-school candidate in an Interstate Language course examination or in Chinese: First Language, or French, German, Hindi, Italian or Korean: Background Language course examination, the candidate must be enrolled to sit at least three other ATAR course examinations as a school candidate in 2023.
An individual may not enrol in:
A student enrolled in an ATAR course examination as a non-school candidate will not be considered for a sickness/misadventure claim. That is, non-school candidates who suffer a sickness or misadventure prior to or during the ATAR course examination caused by them, a third party or the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) are unable to receive consideration for their examination mark.
An individual enrolled in an ATAR course examination as a non-school candidate is unable to use the mark from that examination to contribute towards the achievement of an exhibition or award. As a non-school candidate, that examination does not contribute towards meeting the requirements for the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
Enrolments as non-school candidates in ATAR course examinations are due by Thursday, 30 March 2023. No further applications will be accepted after this date.
How to Search for a WASN in SIRS
Contact
Data Services (08) 9273 6344
numbers@scsa.wa.edu.au
dataservices@scsa.wa.edu.au
All current students in Western Australia are required to a Western Australian student number (WASN) and be registered with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority). This number remains with the student throughout their school life. Schools need to recognise the importance of the WASN to avoid duplication of records and maintain continuity of student data.
If a student arrives at your school from another school in Western Australia, or even from overseas/interstate, you have the ability to search in the Student Information Records System (SIRS) for that student’s Western Australian student number (WASN) using the family name, given name and date of birth.
All student registrations are recorded in SIRS by the end of Term 1 2023. After this time, you will be able to search for students in the database.
Please note we do not issue numbers for Pre-Kindergarten students.
- Hover over Enrolments in the menu bar.
- Click on Student Enrolment > Student Maintenance > Find Student Number (see screenshot below).
- Click Search.If the information you have entered exactly matches the information in SIRS, you will find a result even if the student is not at your school (see screenshot below).
The Find Student Number directory will appear (see screenshot below). Enter the student’s Family Name, Given Name and Date of Birth.
If the details you have requested are different from the information in SIRS (e.g. date of birth is different, Jackie is spelt as Jacky), no information will be found. In this case, please email numbers@scsa.wa.edu.au and provide the student’s:
- Family name (surname)
- Given name (first name)
- Date of birth
- Academic year
- Previous school (if known).
Troubleshooting: Search WASN
- What happens if I search for a student number and no information is returned?
Email numbers@scsa.wa.edu.au and provide the student family name, first name, academic year and date of birth.
- What happens when a single year (e.g. 2022 to 2022) is entered in the date range?
Only a result for that year will be returned.
- What does it mean when Notice of Arrangement is shown as the student’s main provider?
It means the student is likely to be under a Notice of Arrangement or may have been on the Whereabouts Unknown List.
Recognition of student achievement in Year 11 ATAR course units for Year 10 students in 2025 (Year 8, 2023)
Contact
Kerry Tarrant (08) 9273 6770
Kerry.Tarrant@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools are required to identify potential students in Year 8 (2023) and to submit the application form demonstrating how the Year 9 and Year 10 Western Australian Curriculum will be compacted and reported on.
Schools should apply only if the studies are part of a longer-term program for students who are either:
- gifted and talented or
- accelerated language students.
To apply for recognition and recording of student achievement in ATAR Units 1 and 2 for Year 10 students in 2025, the school needs to complete the Application for recording of enrolment and achievement in ATAR Units 1 and 2 for students in Year 10 in 2025 (Year 8, 2023) form, available on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) website at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/forms/forms under Enrolments.
For further information please refer to Section 7 in the WACE Manual 2023. This publication is available on the Authority website via the following link: https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/wace-manual.
The completed application form is to be returned to the Senior Consultant – Certification, certification@scsa.wa.edu.au at the Authority, no later than Thursday, 16 November 2023.
Finalising Year 11 students U status from 2022
Contact
Kerry Tarrant (08) 9273 6770
Kerry.Tarrant@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools are reminded that 2022 students allocated a U notation for Year 11 courses need to have these results finalised in the Student Information Records System (SIRS) by Thursday,
16 February 2023 or the student’s U will default to an E grade.
Schools can amend their 2022 Year 11 results and re-upload the amended RSCOS file.
After Thursday, 16 February 2023, the SIRS facility will be locked and no further changes can be made.
Year 11 students who have been withdrawn from a course at your school need to be formerly withdrawn in SIRS.
Where Year 11 students are awarded a U notation to give more time to complete the course, but they then leave the school or do not participate in the course any longer then they must be withdrawn.
If they are not withdrawn by Thursday, 16 February 2023, your school may be charged a late fee.
Student Achievements – Other than Year 12 reminder from 2022
Contact
Kerry Tarrant (08) 9273 6770
Kerry.Tarrant@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools are reminded they have until Thursday, 16 February 2023 to verify and confirm the achievement data submitted to the School Curriculum and Standards Authority for students in other than Year 12.
The achievements required include:
- Course units (ATAR, General, Foundation, Preliminary and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Industry Specific courses) for Semester 1, 2 or Full year
- VET qualifications
- VET units of competency
- Endorsed programs.
The declaration forms for course units, VET and endorsed programs are to be completed and signed by the principal. The declaration forms are available for download on the Authority website under Forms > Applications and Order Forms titled 2023 Information Package – Secondary available via https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/forms/forms.
Some schools had not finalised the transfer of their data by the end of the 2022 school year. If your school has not uploaded the appropriate data files to the Student Information Records System (SIRS), please do so as a matter of urgency.
Note: Students who were allocated a U grade for Year 11 courses need to also have these results amended and re-uploaded into SIRS by Thursday, 16 February 2023 or the student’s U will default to an E grade.
A mark and a grade are required for all Year 11 students:
- a student’s school-based achievement for a Year 11 course may be recorded for each pair of units (i.e. one mark and one grade) or
- for each unit completed (i.e. a mark and grade for Unit 1 and a mark and grade for Unit 2).
Additionally, the VET Unique Student Identifier is a requirement for VET achievement intended for contribution towards the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) requirements.
The results for students who have left your school need to be finalised if they had enrolments. If the students should have been withdrawn from a course unit, this withdrawal will need to be uploaded through the ENCOS file to SIRS. If students have been withdrawn from VET units of competency and endorsed programs, this will need to be uploaded using the correct code through the RSVET and RSEND files respectively.
2023 Registration of students on SIRS
Contact
Data Services (08) 9273 6344
Dataservices@scsa.wa.edu.au
Schools and other education providers are reminded that in 2023, NAPLAN tests will be conducted from Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March 2023 (instead of being administered in May, as was the case in 2022).
Therefore, schools must ensure that the registration uploads for students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 must be completed by Thursday 9 February 2023. After Thursday, 9 February 2023, only new school enrolments for NAPLAN and OLNA can be registered in SIRS until Friday, 24 February 2023. It will no longer be possible for school data to be transferred to the NAPLAN platform beyond this date.
Please also note the following important dates as the dates for the upload of student registration and demographic information to the Student Information Records System (SIRS) in 2023.
Thursday, 9 February 2023
- Initial 2023 registration and demographic information for Years 11–12 students (required for Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) student lists and password generation (via SRGDG file).
- Initial 2023 registration and demographic information for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 (required for National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) (via SRGDG file)).
- Initial 2023 registration information for all teachers where students attend schools using Brightpath (via THREG file).
Thursday, 30 March 2023
- Registration and demographic information for all remaining Kindergarten – Year 8 students other than those listed above is due to be uploaded.
Please note we do not issue numbers for Pre-Kindergarten students.
Updates to registration and demographic information should be uploaded into SIRS on a regular basis for the remainder of the year.
Details of how to register students are provided in the Data Procedures Manual with links to assist schools using various school databases.
There is also a separate Student Registration Procedures Manual to assist schools with creating and uploading their Student Registration and Demographic File (SRGDG) and Teacher Registration File (THREG) for schools participating in Brightpath.
More information about SIRS including training videos may be found on our website SIRS Information and Training Videos.
Schools are requested to include their school code in any correspondence.