11to12 Circulars – Edition 4, May 2022

Courses

Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies General Years 11 and 12 Syllabus Review Information Session

Contact
Carolyn Fleischer
(08) 9273 6754
carolyn.fleischer@scsa.wa.edu.au

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

Teachers and stakeholders are invited to register to attend a WebEx meeting to:

  • identify the main changes between the current and the draft course syllabuses
  • learn about the draft revised syllabuses
  • 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 can be found under ‘syllabus review’ on the Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies page of the Authority website: https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/humanities-and-social-sciences/aboriginal-and-intercultural-studies.

The date for the event is:

  • Wednesday, 18 May 2022, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, online via the Webex platform.

Registrations are now open and can be found at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/syllabus-review-information-sessions.

The sessions are free to attend and are not compulsory. Schools are responsible for any costs incurred (for example, teacher relief) as a result of attendance at the information sessions.


Agricultural Science (currently Animal Production Systems and Plant Production Systems) ATAR Years 11 and 12 Syllabus Review Information Sessions

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

Teachers and stakeholders of the current Animal Production Systems and Plant Production Systems ATAR courses are invited to register for the Years 11 and 12 Agricultural Science ATAR syllabus review information sessions.

In 2020 the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s Board approved the development of two new ATAR agricultural courses (Agribusiness and Agricultural Science) to replace the ATAR Animal Production Systems and Plant Production Systems courses.

Teachers and stakeholders are invited to register to attend a WebEx meeting to:

  • identify the main changes between the current and the draft course syllabuses
  • learn about the draft revised syllabuses
  • 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 can be found under ‘syllabus review’ on either the Animal Production Systems or the Plant Production Systems page of the Authority website: https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/science/animal-production-systems or https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/science/plant-production-systems.

The information sessions are free to attend. The dates for these events are:

  • Monday 16 May 2022, 4.00 to 6.00 pm, online via the WebEx platform
  • Thursday 19 May 2022, 4.00 to 6.00 pm, online via the WebEx platform.

Registrations are now open and can be found at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/syllabus-review-information-sessions.


Syllabus Review Information Meetings for Computer Science ATAR

Contact
David Donnelly
(08) 9273 6350
david.donnelly@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers and stakeholders are invited to attend a syllabus review information meeting and are advised that the proposed draft Year 11 and Year 12 ATAR consultation syllabuses for Computer Science will be available from the course webpage on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) website during the June consultation period in Term 2, 2022.

The following draft consultation syllabuses will be ready for public consultation in June 2022:

  • Computer Science ATAR Year 11
  • Computer Science ATAR Year 12.

Consultation is an important part of the Authority’s curriculum and assessment development and review process.

The consultation draft Year 11 and Year 12 syllabuses will be available to download from the Computer Science course page prior to the commencement of the consultation period on 1 June, 2022.

Teachers and stakeholders are invited to register to participate in an information Webex (online) Meeting on Wednesday, 1 June 2022 to:

  • identify the main changes between the current and the draft consultation syllabuses
  • learn about the changes and the rationale for the construct and content of the consultation drafts
  • ask questions
  • provide feedback through an online survey.

Teachers and stakeholders are requested to bring their own copy of the draft materials with them when attending the information meetings.

Following the information meeting, teachers and stakeholders are encouraged to complete the syllabus review consultation survey.

The workshops are free to attend and are not compulsory. Schools are responsible for any costs incurred (for example, teacher relief) as a result of attendance at the workshops.

Registrations are now open at:

https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/workshop-for-year-11-and-12-atar-computer-science-consultation-draft-syllabuses


Drama ATAR Year 12 2023 Syllabus Workshop

Contact
Max Leech
(08) 9273 6740
max.leech@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers of Drama ATAR Year 12 are advised that the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) will be conducting a New Syllabus workshop in Term 2.

The workshop will focus on:

  • exploring the new ATAR Year 12 sample support material
  • developing a shared understanding of the assessment requirements
  • understanding the ATAR Year 12 written and practical examination design briefs
  • development of course outlines and assessment outlines in order to meet compliance requirements of the new course.

The choice for the workshops is as follows:

  • Face-to-face Meeting: Telethon Speech and Hearing – 36 Dodd Street, Wembley Thursday 16 June, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
  • Webex Meeting (online):  Friday 17 June, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm.

The professional learning session will be an invaluable opportunity to assist teachers in the delivery of the new syllabus, as well as being prepared for the 2023 Syllabus Delivery Audit (SDA) of Drama ATAR Year 12.

Teachers are asked to bring their current Drama ATAR Year 12 Course and Assessment Outline as well as a copy of the 2023 Drama ATAR Year 12 syllabus to the session. Either electronic or hard copies are fine.

The workshops are free to attend and are not compulsory. Schools are responsible for any costs incurred (for example, teacher relief) as a result of attendance at the workshops.

Registrations are now open at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/New-syllabus-professional-development-workshops-for-Year-12-ATAR-for-implementation-in-2023.


EAL/D ATAR Year 12 2023 Syllabus Workshop

Contact
Angelique Smith
(08) 9273 6776
angelique.smith@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers of English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) ATAR Years 11 and 12 are advised that the School Curriculum and Standards Authority will be conducting workshops in Week 6, Term 2 to support teacher understanding of the new EAL/D ATAR Year 12 syllabus.

The workshops will include:

  • an overview of the new syllabus
  • review of the changes to the examination
  • an overview of the common oral assessment task (COAT)
  • an opportunity for planning and collaboration.

The dates for the workshops are as follows:

  • WebEx Meeting (Online): Thursday 2 June, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
  • Face to face: Friday 3 June, 9.00 am – 2.45 pm, Telethon Speech and Hearing – 36 Dodd Street, Wembley WA 6014.

The workshops are free to attend and are not compulsory. Schools are responsible for any costs incurred (for example, teacher relief) as a result of attendance at the workshops.

Registration online at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/new-syllabus-professional-development-workshops-for-year-12-atar-eald-for-implementation-in-2023


Media Production and Analysis ATAR Year 12 2023 Syllabus Workshop

Contact
Gemma Wright
(08) 9273 6783
gemma.wright@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers of Media Production and Analysis ATAR Year 12 are advised that the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) will be conducting a New Syllabus workshop in Term 2.

The workshop will focus on:

  • exploring the new ATAR Year 12 sample support material
  • developing a shared understanding of the assessment requirements
  • understanding the Year 12 ATAR examination design briefs and requirements
  • suggested steps to modify teachers' existing course outlines and assessment outlines in order to meet compliance requirements of the new course.

There are two opportunities to engage in the workshop:

  • Face-to-face Meeting: Thursday, 16 June, 12:30 – 3:30pm or
  • Webex Meeting (online): Monday, 20 June, 9:00 – 11:30am.

The workshop will be an invaluable opportunity to assist teachers in the planning for, and delivery of, the new syllabus.

Teachers are asked to bring the following digital or hard-copy documents:

  • their current ATAR Year 12 Media Production and Analysis Course Outline
  • their current ATAR Year 12 Media Production and Analysis Assessment Outline
  • their current ATAR Year 12 Media Production and Analysis Assessment Tasks and Marking Keys
  • a copy of the 2023 ATAR Year 12 Media Production and Analysis Syllabus
  • a copy of the 2022 WACE Manual.

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

Registrations are now open at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/New-syllabus-professional-development-workshops-for-Year-12-ATAR-for-implementation-in-2023.


Psychology ATAR Years 11 and 12 Syllabus Review Information Sessions

Contact
Ariell Rose
(08) 9273 6754
ariell.rose@scsa.wa.edu.au

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

Teachers and stakeholders are invited to register to attend a WebEx meeting to:

  • identify the main changes between the current and the draft course syllabuses
  • learn about the draft revised syllabuses
  • 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 can be found under ‘syllabus review’ on the Psychology page of the Authority website: https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/science/psychology.

The dates for these events are:

  • Wednesday 18 May 2022, 3.30 to 5.30pm, online via the Webex platform
  • Wednesday, 25 May 2022, 3.30 to 5.30pm, online via the Webex platform.

Registrations are now open and can be found at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/syllabus-review-information-sessions.

The sessions are free to attend and are not compulsory. Schools are responsible for any costs incurred (for example, teacher relief) as a result of attendance at the information sessions.


Science in Practice (currently Integrated Science) General Years 11 and 12 Syllabus Review Information Sessions

Contact
Julie Weber
(08) 9273 6381
julie.weber@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers and stakeholders of the current Integrated Science course are invited to register for the Years 11 and 12 Science in Practice General syllabus review information sessions.

In 2019, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s Board agreed that the Years 11 and 12 Integrated Science General course syllabuses would be reviewed.

Teachers and stakeholders are invited to register to attend a WebEx meeting to:

  • identify the main changes between the current and the draft course syllabuses
  • learn about the draft revised syllabuses
  • 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 can be found under ‘syllabus review’ on the Integrated Science page of the Authority website: https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/syllabus-and-support-materials/science/integrated-science.

The information sessions are free to attend. The dates for these events are:

  • Monday, 16 May 2022, 4.00pm – 6.00pm, online via the WebEx platform
  • Thursday, 19 May 2022, 4.00pm – 6.00pm, online via the WebEx platform
  • Tuesday, 24 May 2022, 4.00pm – 6.00pm, online via the WebEx platform
  • Wednesday, 25 May 2022, 4.00pm – 6.00pm, online via the WebEx platform.

Registrations are now open and can be found at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/syllabus-review-information-sessions.


Visual Arts ATAR Year 12 ISP Workshops 2022

Contact
Lisa Bowden
(08) 9273 6349
lisa.bowden@scsa.wa.edu.au

Teachers of ATAR Year 12 Visual Arts are advised that the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) will be conducting Webex (online) workshops in Term 2 designed to inform teacher practical (production) marking judgements and support improving student performance (ISP) in the practical (production) assessment task type and the practical (production) examination.

This workshop will focus on practical (production) examination marking, the use of the 2022 Practical (production) examination marking key, viewing and marking production samples and refining teacher understanding of the Year 12 ATAR practical (production) standards.

The dates for the ISP workshops are as follows:

  • Webex Meeting (online):  Week 5: Wednesday 25 May, 3.30 pm – 6.30 pm
  • Webex Meeting (online):  Week 6: Wednesday 1 June, 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
  • Webex Meeting (online):  Week 7: Tuesday 7 June, 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm.

The workshops are free to attend and are not compulsory. Schools are responsible for any costs incurred (for example, teacher relief) as a result of attendance at the workshops.

Participants are advised to have available a hard copy or electronic copy of the 2022 Year 12 ATAR Visual Arts Practical (Production) Examination marking key and the Visual Arts ATAR Practical (Production) marking key support document (new) found on the Visual Arts course page under ATAR/Examination Materials.

Registrations are now open at https://scsa.wa.edu.au/events/professional-development-workshops-for-year-12-atar-visual-arts-for-practical-production-marking-and-improving-student-performance.


Moderation

2022 Consensus Moderation program postponed

Contact
Graeme Quelch
(08) 9273 6758
graeme.quelch@scsa.wa.edu.au

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) has determined that due to the impact of COVID-19 on schools the proposed 2022 Consensus Moderation program will not go ahead. The courses selected will be included in the Consensus Moderation program for 2023.

In place of the proposed program the Authority will offer teachers of the selected courses* the opportunity to participate in a series of two hour online Assessment and Moderation workshop sessions at the end of Term 2 and the commencement of Term 3 2022. Participation is voluntary and the sessions will be conducted after hours from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

Participants will build their understanding of the course standards using authentic work samples to make judgements about student achievement. They will further develop their understanding of the requirements of each assessment type, and collaborate to develop quality assessment tasks and marking keys.

Teachers of the courses listed below can register for a workshop through the Events page on the Authority website or through the following link:

https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/events/year-11-and-12-assessment-and-moderation-workshops

Courses with Assessment and Moderation online workshops 2022.

ATAR Courses

Year

General Courses

Year

Accounting and Finance

11

Earth and Environmental Science

11

Biology

11

Modern History

11

Politics and Law

11

Media Production and Analysis

11

French: Second Language

11

Religion and Life

11

Food Science & Technology

11

Children Family and the Community

12

Italian: Second Language

11

Computer Science

12

Japanese: Second Language

11

Dance

12

Marine and Maritime Studies

11

Chinese: Background Language

12

*Please note that Economics ATAR Year 11 and Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies General Year 11 are not included in these sessions. Both courses will have separate professional learning sessions later in the year to support teachers with the implementation of the revised syllabus materials for each course in 2023.


Examinations

Policy for setting the written ATAR course examination dates

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

In August 2019, the Board of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority amended the principles for setting the dates of the Year 12 ATAR course written examinations:

  • Written examinations will commence on Monday of the week in which November 1 falls on a weekday; and Monday of the following week, when November 1 falls on a weekend.
  • The written examination period will be for a period of approximately 15 weekdays.
  • Large candidature examinations will be scheduled, where possible, in the first 10 days of the examination period.
  • No practical examinations will be scheduled on the weekend immediately prior to the commencement of the written examinations.

It should be noted that the scheduled date range of Year 12 ATAR course written and practical examinations from year to year will not always fall in the same cycle of weeks of school terms.

The 2022 Year 12 ATAR course written examinations are scheduled from Monday, 31 October to Friday, 18 November 2022. The 2022 Year 12 ATAR course written examination timetable will be published on Wednesday, 8 June 2022 on the Examination Timetables webpage of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website at:

https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/examinations/examination-timetables.

No information regarding the date of specific examinations is available prior to this date. The scheduled date range for the Year 12 ATAR course written examinations for the next three years is also available on this webpage.

The 2022 Year 12 ATAR course practical examinations are scheduled from Saturday, 24 September to Sunday, 16 October 2022. See the schedule on the Examination Timetables webpage.

From Tuesday, 6 September 2022 students will be able to download their Personalised written examination timetable and Personalised practical examination timetable from the student portal at https://studentportal.scsa.wa.edu.au.

The written examination timetable will contain the date, time and examination centre for the student’s written examination. The practical examination timetable will contain the date, time, venue and location of the student’s practical examination.


Music ATAR course practical (performance and/or composition portfolio) examination Information summary sheet/s and Information collection form/s

Contact
Dianne Rogers
(08) 9273 6772
dianne.rogers@scsa.wa.edu.au

The Information summary sheet/s and Information collection form/s have been sent to schools to arrive by Thursday, 28 April 2022.

The pack has been sent to the Music teacher through the Principal and includes instructions and date for returning to School Curriculum and Standards Authority.


Physical Education Studies ATAR course practical (performance) examination: sport elective data collection

Contact
Tanya Andrew
(08) 9273 6394
tanya.andrew@scsa.wa.edu.au

A pack containing documentation to gather sport elective data (sport and skill level) for the 2022 Physical Education Studies ATAR course practical (performance) examination has been sent to schools to arrive by Thursday, 28 April 2022.

This pack has been sent to the Physical Education Studies teacher through the Principal and includes instructions and date for returning to School Curriculum and Standards Authority.


Marker applications for 2022 ATAR course examinations

Contact for practical marker applications
Dianne Rogers (08) 9273 6772
dianne.rogers@scsa.wa.edu.au

Tim Chiew (08) 9273 6377
tim.chiew@scsa.wa.edu.au

Contact for written marker applications
Gloria Richmond (08) 9273 6732
gloria.richmond@scsa.wa.edu.au

Cristina Caruso (08) 9273 6317
cristina.caruso@scsa.wa.edu.au

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority is seeking applications from qualified people interested in marking the 2022 ATAR course written and/or practical examinations.

For information regarding marker applications or to apply, please refer to https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/about-us/employment.

Applications open on Thursday, 5 May, 2022. Applications close on Monday, 20 June 2022.


SIRS, Enrolments and General Information

Final dates for Year 12 students to withdraw from courses, 2022

Contact
Jenny Offer
(08) 9273 6313
jenny.offer@scsa.wa.edu.au

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

  • Thursday, 21 July 2022 – 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, 8 August 2022 – 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, 8 August 2022 – 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 (the 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://wacechecker2021.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.


Students’ marks for Externally Set Tasks 2022

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

Schools are reminded that all students enrolled in a Year 12 General and/or a 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. The EST is included in the Assessment table in the Year 12 General and Foundation syllabuses for all courses as a separate assessment type with a weighting of 15 per cent for the pair of units.

Schools are required to administer the ESTs during a period designated by the Authority (Weeks 2, 3 and 4 in Term 2 – Monday, 2 May to Friday, 20 May 2022). Detailed information about the administration of ESTs is outlined in the Externally Set Task Handbook 2022 and can be accessed on the Authority website through the link:

https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/externally-set-tasks.

Schools are required to upload into SIRS the total raw mark for each student in each of the ESTs by the beginning of Week 5 (Monday, 23 May).This mark will be out of the total indicated on the appropriate EST marking key for the course, which is provided by the Authority.

A mark of zero (0) should only be used if the student has attempted the assessment but received no marks. Only use ‘ABS’ for absent students.

Information relating to the recording, saving and uploading of EST marks are contained in Section 6: Externally set tasks in the Data Procedures Manual 2022 which is available on the Authority website through the link: https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/data-procedures-manual.

A complete list of EST codes can be found on the Authority website through the link https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/sirs-and-srms-info/sirs-information/est-codes.

For issues relating to the information contained in the Data Procedures Manual 2022, contact the Data Services team at dataservices@scsa.wa.edu.au. For other queries, please refer to page 12 of the Externally Set Task Handbook 2022 for the relevant contact details within the Authority.


Student Declaration and Permission online 2022

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

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) is now seeking your assistance to provide details regarding the online procedure to complete the Student Declaration and Permission to all of the following students:

  • All Year 12 students
  • Year 11 students who are studying ATAR Unit 3 and Unit 4 and sitting the 2022 ATAR course examinations
  • Year 10 students who have been given approval to student ATAR Unit 3 and Unit 4 and sit the 2022 ATAR course examinations.

Please note: Students will be required to complete the Student Declaration and Permission when they log in to the portal before they can gain access to other important information such as their course enrolments, examination timetables and results at the end of the year. It is also important that students check their personal details are correct and to include their mobile phone number. This information was sent to schools on Wednesday, 23March 2022.

The deadline for students to complete this process online is Thursday, 8 September 2022.  This date is the final date and will not be extended.

Information for teachers can be found on the Authority website at https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/the-wace/student-declaration

The purpose of this Student Declaration and Permission online is to ensure students are aware of the requirements:

  • to achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
  • for sitting the ATAR course examinations.

It also enables students to give permission for the:

  • release of certain personal information should they receive an award
  • use of schoolwork for creating support materials and
  • use of examination responses (written and practical).

Failure to complete the submission process may impact schools with student who:

  • may win an award (including students who are not sitting ATAR course examinations) and who have not indicated their preference to have/not have their name published in the media
  • are unaware of the requirements for achieving the WACE.

Schools are able to monitor which of their students have completed the Student Declaration and Permission online via the following report, CSE058 – Student Release Choices by Provider. The pathway to the report is as follows: Reports > Other reports > Report type: Students, reports.

The Authority appreciates your assistance in obtaining this important information.