{"id":3469,"date":"2026-04-12T17:02:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T07:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/academic-guide-years-11-12\/faqs\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T16:34:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T06:34:03","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/academic-guide-years-11-12\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Board Developed Course?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Board Developed Courses are the large number of courses set and examined by NESA that can contribute to the calculation of the ATAR.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">These include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">general education courses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">VET Industry Curriculum Framework courses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Life Skills courses\u202f(not examined).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">These are the only courses offered at Newington College.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Board Endorsed Course?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is a Board Endorsed Course?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:300,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Board Endorsed Courses count towards the HSC but do not have a HSC exam and do not contribute towards the calculation of the ATAR.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">These include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Content Endorsed Courses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">VET Board Endorsed Courses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">School developed Board Endorsed Courses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">University developed Board Endorsed Courses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Newington College does not offer Board Endorsed courses. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HSC: Do I have to do Maths?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW247664056 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW247664056 BCX0\">The only subject that you must do is English. There are no other compulsory subjects. However, it is very difficult not to do Maths as it will normally take up one whole line in the timetable. If you are considering not doing Maths you must talk very carefully to your Head of House and the Head of Mathematics to make sure you are making the right decision. To get enough units you may have to do an outside subject at, for example, TAFE.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I choose any subject?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No. For <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a number of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;subjects, the Head of Department may decide you do not have the ability to cope with the workload or be successful in a subject. If this is the case, you will be required to pick an alternative subject. Students must discuss options with their Head of House.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the IB, there are patterns of study that you need to adhere to.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Also note some subjects have major projects in both the HSC and IB. A student should be careful that he does not pick <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a number of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> subjects which have major projects due at the same time. Some subjects with large projects due in are English Extension 2, Drama, Visual Arts, Software Engineering, Design and Technology and Industrial Technology.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an ATAR?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank.&nbsp;<\/span>It is used to gain direct entry to Australian Universities. A student rank of 70.00 in NSW is the same as a student rank of 70.00 in Victoria, which allows students to apply equitably to any university in any state. The highest rank attainable is 99.95.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HSC and IB results are converted into an ATAR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I get into university without an ATAR?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes.&nbsp; There are a range of alternative pathways and programs that are run by specific universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See Mr Roberts for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does VET stand for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW230233342 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW230233342 BCX0\">VET stands for Vocational Education and Training &#8211; courses that combine HSC study with nationally recognised qualifications.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the difference between a VET and a TVET course?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"TextRun BCX0 SCXW124352654\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW124352654\">VET courses are studies at Newington.&nbsp; TVET courses are VET courses studied at TAFE.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the impact of choosing a TAFE course outside of the VET courses offered at school?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\">TAFE provides <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"AdvancedProofingIssue SCXW228495546 BCX0\">a number of<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\"> vocational courses other than the ones offered at school. While they all count towards an HSC, <strong>not all<\/strong> of them can be used in the calculation of an ATAR. Students need to be especially careful if they pick one of these subjects. They must make sure that they will still have at least 8 units of Board Developed courses, which can include relevant TAFE courses should they wish to get an ATAR. <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\">Students<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\"> who do not wish to get an ATAR<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228495546 BCX0\">do not need to worry about this.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW228495546 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In the context of VET, what does dual accreditation mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dual accreditation<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;means the course is accredited by the Board of Studies for HSC purposes and by ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) for industry purposes. Because VET HSC courses are based on national training standards, once completed, a vocational qualification is recognised across Australia. Subjects studied in their VET courses may give students credit when attempting other courses&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">at a later date<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 this is called &#8216;credit transfer\u2019. VET courses may also give students credit transfer when attempting an apprenticeship or a traineeship.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HSC: What is the NSW School of Languages?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The NSW School of Languages is the only LOTE (Languages Other Than English) specialist school in NSW. It currently teaches 11 languages to nearly 2000 students from over 500 government and non-government schools.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:450}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Interested students must speak to Ms Foster at the earliest opportunity. It is important to register interest to ensure a place in the relevant course.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:450}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HSC: What is&nbsp;the&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;School of&nbsp;Community Languages?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Saturday School of Community Languages offers a wide variety of languages, at both 2 unit and Extension level.\u202fIt\u202fgives students the opportunity to study the language they speak at home if a course in that language is not offered at their own school.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335557856&quot;:15329771,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:450}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The school is a public secondary school which operates only on Saturdays.\u202fMore than\u202f6000 students in Years 7-12 from both government and non-government schools and TAFE colleges, are enrolled.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335557856&quot;:15329771,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:450}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Saturday School students follow Board of Studies syllabuses in 24 languages. These languages are assessable as part of their Higher School Certificate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335557856&quot;:15329771,&quot;335559739&quot;:150,&quot;335559740&quot;:450}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- section: section_text --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens if a student is removed from an external or online course?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If a student is removed from a course by the external agency or Newington for attendance, academic or behavioural reasons, the full cost of the course must be met by the parents. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> a student&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">voluntarily withdraw<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">n<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;from an external course&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">before<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;the final IB or HSC examinations all tuition fees for the course must be met by parents.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;C<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ourse completion is entirely dependent on attendance and diligence. If course requirements are not met, students<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;may put their HSC or IB completion in jeopardy.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Board Developed Course? Board Developed Courses are the large number of courses set and examined by NESA that can contribute to the calculation of the ATAR.&nbsp; These include:&nbsp; These are the only courses offered at Newington College. What is a Board Endorsed Course? What is a Board Endorsed Course?&nbsp; Board Endorsed Courses [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"parent":3153,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-3469","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3469"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3770,"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3469\/revisions\/3770"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newington.nsw.edu.au\/academic-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}