Assessment and Examination Criteria Flashcards

What is the minimum literacy and numeracy requirement for achieving WACE?

Answer: Level 3 of the ACSF.

To be awarded the WACE, students must demonstrate a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy. This standard is benchmarked against Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). This requirement ensures that all WACE graduates possess essential foundational skills necessary for further education, training, and employment.

Which statement about graded assessments in WACE is correct?

Answer: Assessments are graded A to E.

In the WACE system, student achievement in courses is typically reported using a graded scale from A to E, where A is the highest level of achievement and E is the lowest passing grade. This grading system applies to both ATAR and General courses, providing a clear indication of student performance across different subjects.

What is the role of the EST (Externally Set Task) in General courses?

Answer: It provides external validation of student performance.

The Externally Set Task (EST) in General courses serves to provide external validation of student performance. Administered by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, the EST is a standardized assessment that helps ensure consistency and comparability of student achievement across different schools. It acts as an external benchmark for the internal school-based assessments in General courses.

What is the minimum number of C grades required across Year 11 and Year 12 to achieve a WACE?

Answer: 14 C grades, including at least six in Year 12.

To meet the breadth and depth requirement for WACE, students must achieve at least 14 C grades or higher across their Year 11 and Year 12 units. A crucial part of this requirement is that a minimum of six of these C grades must be obtained in Year 12 units, ensuring sustained academic performance in their final year.

How are ATAR course scores calculated for university entrance?

Answer: 50% school assessments and 50% external exams.

For ATAR courses, a student's final score used for university entrance is a composite score, calculated as 50% from their school-based assessments and 50% from their performance in the external WACE examination. This balanced approach ensures that both ongoing learning and final examination performance contribute equally to the overall academic achievement used for university admission.

What is a key feature of the WACE examinations?

Answer: They are standardized and state-administered.

A key feature of the WACE examinations, particularly for ATAR courses, is that they are standardized and state-administered. These examinations are centrally developed, administered, and marked by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). This standardization ensures fairness, consistency, and comparability of results across all schools in Western Australia.