10. Curriculum for senior secondary education – Years 11 and 12

The curriculum for senior secondary education (Years 11 and 12, Stage 6) is based on NESA syllabuses. There is a broad range of courses to choose from. English is the only compulsory subject.

The Act requires that the selection of courses for Years 11 and 12 must meet the ‘pattern of study’ requirements (see below).

There are NESA courses in the following key learning areas:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology
• HSIE
• Creative Arts
• PDHPE
• Languages
• Vocational Education and Training.

There is a NESA syllabus for each course. Year 11 and 12 (Stage 6) syllabuses are available on the NESA website.

The syllabuses for Years 11 and 12 describe the overall course in the sequence of a ‘Preliminary’ course (typically Year 11) and a ‘HSC course’ (typically Year 12).

The educational program for children with disability can be adjusted to meet the needs of the child. In some cases, a Life Skills course may be appropriate. A Life Skills course provides for children who are unable to access the mainstream syllabus outcomes, particularly children with an intellectual disability. Completion of senior secondary education by home schooling registration does not lead to a NESA certificate.

For study after senior secondary education, parents should contact the relevant TAFE, university or organisation for advice about enrolment. Parents may also wish to contact a support group for advice about options.

Pattern of study

A pattern of study is the selection of courses studied over Years 11 and 12. The pattern includes the number of courses to be studied, the sequence in which the courses will be taught and the number of units for each course.

Most courses have a 2 unit value. A unit is a measure of time with one unit based on 60 hours of study in a year and 2 units based on 120 hours of study in a year. Each syllabus identifies the unit value for the course.

A Year 11 educational program must include a minimum of 12 units (including 2 units of English). As most Year 11 courses are 2 unit courses, a Year 11 student typically studies a 2 unit English course and 5 other 2 unit courses.

A Year 12 educational program should include a minimum of 10 units (including 2 units of English). As most Year 12 courses are 2 unit courses, a Year 12 student typically studies a 2 unit English course and 4 other 2 unit courses.

In both Year 11 and 12 the pattern of study must include:

• a 2 unit English course
• at least 6 units of NESA developed courses
• 3 courses of 2 unit value, and
• at least 4 subjects.

Courses can be selected from a wide range of NESA syllabuses, including vocational education courses.

Sample patterns of study are available on the NESA website.

Parents may change the courses being studied for Years 11 and 12 as long as the pattern of study requirements continue to be met.

For advice about the curriculum for senior secondary education and planning a pattern of study for Years 11 and 12, please contact the Home Schooling Unit:

• call: (02) 9367 8149.

Stage 6 Courses

The following provides the website address for the range of syllabuses in each key learning area, including Life Skills courses, where applicable. In some areas, the courses provide for varying levels of difficulty and a range of interests.

On each syllabus page, support materials are available that may assist a parent in determining an educational program.

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology
• HSIE
• Creative Arts
• PDHPE
• Languages
• Vocational education and training (VET)

A course delivered by an external provider such as TAFE or another registered training organisation (RTO) may count towards a Year 11 and/or a Year 12 pattern of study if the course is based on or ‘mapped’ or ‘linked’ to a relevant NESA syllabus. This means that the course is relevant to a NESA syllabus.

Note: VET courses can only be delivered by RTOs that meet national standards and have the relevant qualification and units of competency on their scope of registration. For further information about the national standards, see the Australian Skills Quality Authority.

Children with disability

Some children with disability may require adjustments to teaching, learning and assessment so that they can access the syllabus outcomes and/or content. If adjustments do not provide sufficient access for the child, a Life Skills course may be appropriate.

Advice and programming support for children with disability can be found in each syllabus and on the NESA website.

Resources

Parents may choose resources that are helpful and relevant to the child’s learning needs and interests.

Guidance regarding time

In senior secondary education (Years 11 and 12), the syllabuses include advice about time allocation for each course. Most syllabuses are based on 120 hours for each year. This is approximately 3 hours per week over 40 weeks for each syllabus. These times are a guide only.