Graduation Requirements and ATAR Flashcards

What is the minimum number of course units required to achieve WACE?

Answer: 20 units.

To achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 20 course units. These units are typically accumulated over Year 11 and Year 12, ensuring a broad and comprehensive secondary education that meets the state's graduation standards.

What is the purpose of the ATAR system?

Answer: Ranks students for university entrance.

The primary purpose of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) system is to rank students for university entrance. It provides a standardized national ranking that allows universities to compare the academic achievement of applicants from different schools and states. This facilitates fair selection into various higher education courses across Australia.

How many Year 12 units must be included in the 20 required units for WACE?

Answer: 10 units.

Out of the minimum 20 course units required for the WACE, at least 10 units must be completed in Year 12. This specific requirement ensures that students maintain a significant academic workload and demonstrate continued achievement in their final year of secondary education, contributing to the overall breadth and depth of their WACE qualification.

What percentage of an ATAR course score comes from school-based assessments?

Answer: 50%

For ATAR courses, the final score used for university entrance is a combination of school-based assessments and the external WACE examination. Specifically, 50% of the final ATAR course score is derived from the student's performance in school-based assessments throughout the year, with the other 50% coming from the external exam.

What literacy and numeracy standard is required to graduate with a WACE?

Answer: Level 3 of the ACSF.

To successfully graduate with a WACE, students must demonstrate proficiency in literacy and numeracy at a minimum of Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). This ensures that all WACE graduates possess essential foundational skills necessary for post-school pathways, whether in further education, training, or employment.

What is a requirement for a student’s final ATAR score to be calculated?

Answer: Complete four ATAR courses.

To have an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) calculated in Western Australia, students must successfully complete at least four ATAR courses. These courses contribute to the aggregate score from which the ATAR is derived, ensuring a broad academic foundation for university entry. This requirement helps to standardize the academic rigor expected for tertiary admissions.