As part of the Stronger HSC Standards reforms, from 2020 students in NSW must reach a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive their HSC.
Currently the award of the HSC does not require minimum standards to be met.
The NSW Education Standard Authority (NESA) said that the introduction of a minimum standard signals high expectations for the achievement of all NSW students.
It also serves to maintain the integrity and value of the HSC for students, employers and tertiary and vocational education providers.
It said the minimum standard is set at a level of literacy and numeracy needed for everyday tasks such as:
- following operating instructions in equipment manuals
- interpreting routine tables, graphs and charts
- writing a job application, and
- preparing an invoice.
Not all students will have to sit the test; they can meet the standard by prequalifying in Year 9 NAPLAN.
Students with Band 8 or above in all three NAPLAN areas will not need the online NESA tests.
Those with Band 8 in one or two areas will only need to sit the online NESA test in the area in which they scored below Band 8.
Those students who do not prequalify for the standard in Year 9 will have time with their teachers, parents and schools to work on strategies and measures to improve their performance during Years 10, 11 and 12.
Find out more at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc.