ACE Rules
Clarified ACE Rules came into effect on 14 October 2024. These rules apply to students commencing HSC courses from Term 4 2024, for students sitting for HSC exams in 2025, and for students receiving the RoSA from October 2024.
For students sitting for HSC exams in 2024, the previous ACE Online rules continue to apply.
To learn more about how NESA has clarified the ACE Rules, refer to the information sheets.
Pattern of study
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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 over Years 11 and 12 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.