Pattern of study
NESA is authorised under section 12 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW) to advise the Minister on a pattern of study for Years 11 and 12.
- NESA’s pattern of study is the combination of Preliminary and HSC courses studied by students for the award of the HSC. NESA has structured its pattern of study to ensure that students study a broad range of Preliminary and HSC courses.
- The pattern includes the:
- number of units to be studied, and
- sequence in which the courses will be taught.
Glossary
When a student satisfactorily completes and accrues one or more courses over a period of time. For example, a student completes HSC courses over more than one year.
A course developed by NESA, that includes general education courses, Life Skills courses and VET Industry Curriculum Framework courses.
A course that caters to the learning needs of students in specific areas of need not served by Board Developed courses. Before they can be taught in NSW schools, they must be endorsed by NESA. These courses count towards the HSC but do not have an HSC exam and do not contribute towards the calculation of the ATAR. There are four types: Content Endorsed courses (CECs), School Developed Board Endorsed courses (SDBECs), University Developed Board Endorsed courses (UDBECs), and VET Board Endorsed courses (VET BECs).
Awarded to students who meet HSC eligibility and course requirements. Includes an HSC testamur and HSC Record of Achievement.
A course endorsed by NESA that is based on an AQF VET qualification in industry areas not covered by Board Developed Framework courses. VET BECs count as Board Endorsed unit credit for the HSC but do not contribute towards an ATAR.