IBDP or NSW HSCGuidelines for the final two years of study at AIS

Year 11 (2017) and Year 12 (2018)

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All Year 10 students will find themselves asking the question, “Should I do the HSC or the IBDP?” This is an important choice that faces them, and this document is designed to assist with their decision-making.

AIS offers two paths for matriculation, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC). Both are highly regarded programs with integrity and rigour. While the HSC and the IBDP have much in common, there are important differences too. It is on the basis of these differences that students, with their parents and Curriculum Coordinators, should make their decision on which pathway to choose.

Both the IBDP (and its ATAR equivalence) and the HSC (once translated into an ATAR) allow students to apply for entry to both Australian and overseas universities. In addition, a Grade 6 or 7 at HL in the IBDP may gain a student valuable credits or advance standing in many universities in Australia and the USA*.

So which is better? Our experience of student choice at AIS has shown that students of higher academic ability in the school are equally as likely to select the NSW HSC as they are the IBDP, and are equally likely to be accepted into the university of their choice (either in Australia or overseas). Those students not aiming for university may be guided to enrol in a non-ATAR pathway which includes, vocationally orientated subjects. The most important criterion that students and parents should bear in mind is what course will suit them best. This can be focused on the following :

• Course Structure• Styles of Learning• Methods of assessment• Student requirements

The information contained in this document will assist students and parents in their decision making process. It should be read in conjunction with the subject specific information contained in the HSC & IBDP Curriculum Guides. We would also encourage students and parents to take advantage of the knowledge and experience of the teaching team in the Secondary School, and the AIS Careers Office, who will be very happy to help answer any questions and support you as you make this important decision.

*In most cases students applying to the USA will also need to undertake their SAT or an ACT assessment regardless of which curriculum they choose (the AIS Careers Teams can assist in providing advice on the requirements at different universities).

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The IBDP course is measured against international standards and is taught over two years, in Years 11 and 12. The IBDP provides a liberal educational experience and students opting for the IBDP are challenged to maintain the study of a broad range of subjects from six curriculum groupings. In the second year of the IBDP three of these subjects are chosen for higher level study. All students complete three further core components: Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS); Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE).

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

What is the IBDP?

How is it graded?

The IBDP is specifically aimed towards providing entry to tertiary education. In order to receive an IB Diploma candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points (or an average of four (or C) out of a possible seven points for six subjects).

Conditions that will prevent a student from being awarded an IB Diploma, regardless of points received, are:

1. Non-completion of EE, CAS or TOK elements2. Achieving a score of 3 or less in 3 or more subjects 3. Not meeting the specific points required for Higher Level (12) or Standard Level (9) subjects4. Academic Malpractice5. A score of E on either the EE or TOK

If the School is not confident in a students ability to achieve the IBDP requirements, then further conversations will take place with the student’s and parents involved.

If a student in the two year IBDP course shows signs of not meeting the requirements of the IBDP, alternative options will be recommended by the IBDP Coordinator and Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning during the first year of the IBDP course.

The Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning and IB Coordinator can provide further guidance on this.

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The HSC course allows students either to follow a broad program, or to specialise the focus of their final two years of studies before university. They can, for instance, study all three of the Sciences. They can also specialise in Mathematics, undertaking four ‘units’ at Year 12. Students can also specialise in the Humanities or in the Arts. Students working at a very advanced level in Year 11 may be offered the opportunity to ‘accelerate’ in appropriate courses.

The HSC is measured against state-wide (NSW) standards. The NSW HSC course is taught over one year in Year 12 (starts in Year 11 Term 4) with the Preliminary course being the foundation course in Year 11.

The New South Wales Higher School Certificate

What is the HSC?

How is it marked?

Year 11 (Preliminary HSC): To successfully complete Year 11 and progress to Year 12, students must satisfactorily complete at least 12 units including English (this will represent six subjects for most students).

Year 12 HSC: To successfully complete Year 12 and be awarded the HSC, students must satisfactorily complete at least ten units including English (five subjects for most students). Year 12 students have the option of selecting additional extension courses in certain subjects.

The HSC offers the opportunity for achievement to students regardless of their academic ability and for the vast majority of AIS students their HSC results will translate into an ATAR of the necessary standard to meet university entry requirements for an appropriate course of study.

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The IBDP and the NSW HSC at a glance

Course Structure

Styles of Learning

IBDP NSW HSC6 academic subjects studied over two years

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Extended Essay (EE) Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), with a minimum amount of experience in each facet of the program

Mandatory studies in a native language, an acquired language, individuals and societies, experimental science and mathematics

Year 11 Preliminary Course: subjects studied to the value of a minimum of 12 units and possibly 13 units

Year 12 HSC Course: a minimum of 4 subjects, representing a minimum of 10 units with mandatory study in English, though 11 or 12 units are preferable

IBDP NSW HSCCritical and higher order thinking and analytical skills

University level essay writing skills

International in outlook and focus

Encourages inter-cultural understanding

Promotes examination of other perspectives through TOK threads that run throughout each subject

Opportunity for in-depth research beyond the confines of the syllabus with the EE

3 subjects studied in depth at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level

Co-operative learning through the Group 4 science project

Immersion study in an acquired language

Prepares students very well for the demands of university study

Opportunity to narrow the focus of academic study / to study more than one subject in Maths, English, the Arts, the Sciences and/or the Humanities

Opportunity to explore strengths and interests via the extension courses in English, Mathematics, History, Music and Continuers languages

Foundation preliminary course in Year 11

The examinable course content/assessment in Year 12 allows for the development and application of skills and the development of individual maturity

Opportunity to study vocational subjects

No mandatory study of a foreign language, science or mathematics

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Methods of Assessment

IBDP NSW HSCUp to 35% Internally and 80% Externally assessed components, depending on the subjects studied

Internal assessments either integrated into the teaching program or completed by the middle of Term 3 Year 12

Wide range of types of internal assessment which are internally marked and externally moderated

Oral presentations in all language classes and TOK

TOK essay and EE completed by the end of Term 2 Year 12 to allow for maturity and experience to be incorporated into the finished works

All subjects contribute equally to the final Diploma score allowing for a true measure of academic achievement

Criterion-referenced assessment with performance measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination session to the next and applied equally to all schools

Graded on a 45 point scale, minimum requirement of 24 points for award of the IB Diploma, subject to additional requirements

50% School Based and 50% Final Examination in all subjects

The school based assessments are spread across Year 12 and encompass a wide range of types of assessment in every subject

Oral/aural assessments in continuer and beginners languages

Independent studies are required in most subjects

All subjects contribute equally according to their unit value to the HSC credential

Final marks in each subject are standards referenced against defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination session to the next and applied equally to all schools

The HSC credential is achieved by all candidates who have met the basic course requirements and have satisfactorily completed at least 10 units of study including 2 units of English

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Student Requirements

University Entry

IBDP NSW HSCLikes to be challenged and to question

Willing to participate and become an active learner

Willing to develop independent learning, good time management and organisational skills

Willing to develop as a well-rounded individual and an engaged citizen of a multicultural world- high level of fluency in English (to be determined by the Curriculum Coordinator)

Willing to follow the prescribed course of study with diligence and sustained effort

Willing to develop independent learning, good time management and organisational skills

IBDP NSW HSCIBDP score of 24+ converted to an ATAR for entry to NSW universities, a scale between 65.00 and 99.95

Provides direct and recognised entry to universities worldwide, including Australia

Scores often used as a determinant in offers to universities in the UK and Canada

Scaled by UAC so that the best 2 scaled units in English and the best 8 scaled units in a student’s remaining subjects are combined to calculate the ATAR, a scale with a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 99.95

Provides direct and recognised entry to universities worldwide, including Australia

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Minimum requirements exist for the study of both IBDP and HSC courses at AIS. These prerequisites ensure that students are properly prepared for the course of study that they intend to embark upon. Our aim is to ensure that each student is placed on the course most suited to them, and which offers them the best opportunities for academic success. Please refer to the Course Planning Guides for Subject Specific Criteria.

All final decisions for course placement will be made by the respective Curriculum Coordinators. Appeals can be made to the Assistant Head of Academic Standards. Secondary appeals can be made to the Head of Secondary School.

Prerequisites for 2017 Matriculation Courses at AIS

HSC Requirements

1. Results will be cross-checked once final IGCSE results arrive in January. A score of D or above is required in all subjects in the Year 10 Mock Exams. A minimum B grade in the Year 10 Mock Exams is required in both Coordinated Science and Mathematics to study Chemistry or Physics and a C grade in English to study Economics1. 2. A consistent attendance rate of 90% for Years 9 and 10 (not including medical absences or granted leave requests). 3. A clear understanding of the need for academic honesty - no record of plagiarism, collusion or cheating on academic file. 4. External applicants need to provide an academic transcript of their grades from their previous school that adheres to above requirements. 5. In most cases, the student wishing to enter the HSC must already be undertaking the subject or repeat equivalent at IGCSE (or equivalent program). i.e. for Physics, the student must be studying Coordinated Science. Skill-based subjects will be reviewed on entry (e.g. Music, Languages, etc.) 6. Levels of study for HSC English (Standard/Advanced/English Extension) will be recommended by the English Department using grades awarded to each student in their Year 10 internal and external IGCSE assessments. It is recommended that a minimum B grade in IGCSE Language and IGCSE Literature is required for students wishing to study HSC Advanced English. A minimum A grade in IGCSE Language and IGCSE Literature is recommended for students wishing to study HSC English Extension.

Levels of study for HSC Maths (General Math/Mathematics/Mathematics Extension) will be recommended by the Math Department using grades awarded to each student in their Year 10 internal and external IGCSE assessments. It is recommended that a minimum B grade in IGCSE Mathematics is required for students wishing to study HSC Mathematics. A minimum A grade in IGCSE Mathematics is recommended for students wishing to study HSC Mathematics Extension. 7. HSC students wanting to undertake any language course must meet strict BOSTES2 eligibility criteria and BOSTES will require students and parents to sign a declaration. 8. Non-native English speakers (ESL) students need to provide evidence of English capability. Please refer to page 9 of this guide, for more information on post Year 10 EAL pathways. 9. Alternative pathways will be offered if students do not reach the above requirements. This may include vocational education subjects, non ATAR pathways and IB certificate option.

1 Post Mock exams (at the end of the course) the expectation is students will achieve a grade higher2 Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW (BOSTES)

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1. A score of C or above in all courses in the Year 10 Mock Exams. Candidates must achieve at least 7 A* - C IGCSEs (or equivalent) and a B or above for HL courses (based on IGCSE transcript). The 7 A* - C grades must include Mathematics and English. 2. A consistent attendance rate of 90% for Year 9 and 10, not including documented long-term medical absences or granted leave requests. 3. A clear understanding of the need for academic honesty - no record of plagiarism, collusion or cheating on academic file. 4. External applicants need to provide an academic transcript of their grades from their previous school that adheres to above/ or equivalent requirements. 5. Students wanting to study any language course (Ab initio, Language A or B) must meet strict eligibility criteria. 6. Levels of study for IBDP Mathematics (Higher Level, Standard Level, Studies) will be recommended by the Math Department using grades awarded to each student in their Year 10 internal and external IGCSE assessments. It is recommended that a minimum A grade in IGCSE Mathematics is required for students wishing to study Higher Level Mathematics. A minimum B grade in IGCSE Mathematics is recommended for students wishing to study Standard Level Mathematics. However, students will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 7. Students must submit an application in their own handwriting to enrol in the IBDP course. See appendix.

IBDP Requirements

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In the first instance students make an initial selection of the subjects which they wish to study. After all of the students’ choices have been submitted, the subjects are grouped into “lines” to enable a timetable to be developed and initial counselling of student begins. The “lines” are constructed in such a way as to maximize the umber of students able to study their preferred subjects. Students should refer to the Matriculation Guidelines as part of their subject selection process.

Each year some students are not able to be accommodated on the “lines” and a small number have to replace one of their choices with a “back-up” or “reserve” subject. You must be prepared to study your back up/reserve subject.

It is very important that students choose subjects wisely. There is little doubt that students’ best results come from choosing the subjects they “like and do best in”. Choosing a course or courses because other students have performed well in them or based on what friends are doing are poor guides to course selection. Every student will have a face-to-face curriculum interview as part of the subject selection process. Parents are invited to this.

NB: Classes will proceed, subject to level of student interest and staffing.

AIS offers an intensive English Course in Years 9 and 10 for students who are still developing their English proficiency skills in preparation for their final years of schooling. The EAL English Secondary School Preparation Program (ESSPP) focuses on the intensive development of English written expression, oral communication, listening skills, grammar, and spelling in additional to the core compulsory subjects of EAL English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Physical Education, Mother Tongue Language, and the School’s personal, social and growth development program.

During the two years of ESSPP, each student’s academic progress is carefully monitored and regular feedback is provided to the student and their parents / guardians. During Year 10, the student will be making important decisions regarding their courses of study for Years 11 and 12. Pathways on offer to each student will be determined based on their English proficiency levels and academic achievements in Year 10.

Students, parents and guardians must be aware that the student’s course of study in their final two years of schooling will be largely determined by the School to ensure that each child achieves to the best of their ability and is provided with continued support in the development of their English skills.

The majority of students who graduate from the ESSPP will be directed to enrol in the HSC (High School Certificate) in Years 11 and 12. This is a two year course.

Post EAL English Secondary School Preparation Program Pathways at AIS

Subject Selection Process

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An outline of the HSC course for students graduating from the ESSPP is outlined below:

Students will be able to choose TWO electives of their own choice in Year 11 when they are completing the preliminary part of the HSC. The student’s chosen electives carry over into Year 12. Subject electives MUST be chosen from pre-established blocking grids to ensure that EAL students have access to the eight (8) lessons of EAL support on offer. It is important to note that this pathway does provide students with access to universities.

AIS also offer Vocational Education Subjects that can be chosen as an elective subject in Years 11 and 12, should a student be more suited to a non-university pathway.

On rare occasions, a student may be suitable for the IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Program). Entry into this program requires an application to the IBDP Coordinator and very solid English skills and academic results. Students must also meet the IBDP Matriculation requirements to be considered for this two year program.

It is important that students, parents and guardians are aware of the post ESSPP pathway available at AIS when enrolling in the ESSPP course.

Post ESSPP Pathways at AIS

Subjects Year 11 (12 united preliminary)

ESL (English Second Language) Chinese Background SpeakersMathematicsSubject Choice 1Subject Choice 2Fundamentals of English (Preliminary year only) EAL Support

Subjects Year 12 (10 united HSC courses)

ESL (English Second Language) Chinese Background SpeakersMathematicsSubject Choice 1Subject Choice 2EAL Support EAL Support

Pathway for EAL Students Post ESSPP (Years 11 and 12)

Units

2 units2 units2 units2 units2 units2 units

2 units2 units2 units2 units2 units

No. of Lessons

4444444

4444444

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AustraliaAustralian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, RMIT University, University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, University of New South Wales, University of Western Australia, University of Technology Sydney, University of Canberra, Macquarie University, University of South Australia, University of Tasmania, Deakin University, ADPHER, Australian Catholic University, Australian Maritime College, Billy Blue College of Design, University of Newcastle, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Bond University, Canberra Institute of Technology, Charles Sturt University, University Of New England, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, William Anglis Institute of TAFE, Griffith University, IHCM Adelaide, Le Cordon Bleu, Australia, La Trobe University, Murdoch University, Newcastle University, Southern Cross University, Flinders University, Swinburne Technical University, University of Ballarat, University of Wollongong, Victoria University, Whitehouse Institute of Design, I.C.M. Sydney CanadaUniversity of British Columbia, York University

ChileUniversidad UNIACC

DenmarkCopenhagen Business School

FranceParis Institute of Political Studies

JapanDokkyo University, International Christian University Tokyo, Nara Women’s University, Nara City Osaka University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Tokyo University of Science, Waseda University

HollandLeiden University, Eindhoven Technical University

KoreaYonsei University

NetherlandsEindhoven Technical University

New ZealandAuckland University Technology, Auckland University, Canterbury University, Lincoln University, Massey University, New Zealand Institute of Sport, Otago University, Victoria University, Waikato University

SingaporeJames Cook University - Singapore, La Salle Singapore, National University Singapore, Raffles College of Design, Singapore Institute of Management, Singapore Management University, Temasek Polytech

SpainI.E. University

SwitzerlandEcole Hoteliere Lausanne

United KingdomAcademy of Live and Recorded Arts (ARLA ), Bristol University, Liverpool University, London School Of Economics (LSE), Imperial College London, Oxford Brookes University, University of the Arts London, Central St Martins, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, University of York

United StatesAlbright College, Barnard College, Brown University, Miami University, New York University, Parsons School of Design, San Diego State University, University of California - Los Angeles, University of California - San Diego, University of Missouri, University of Rochester

Our graduates have gone on to study at the following universities:

*AIS students who studied the HSC have been accepted at the universities outside of Australia and New Zealand in bold.

Australian International School Pte Ltd is registered by the Council for Private Education. CPE Registration Number 199204405H. Period of Registration 6 July 2015 to 5 July 2019.

1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818Contact: +65 6517 0247 | www.ais.com.sgAIS is part of the Cognita Group of Schoolswww.cognitaschools.com

Globally focused, distinctly Australian