THE NEW SACE

What is the new SACE?

Students who successfully complete their senior secondary education are awarded the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). The SACE is an internationally recognised qualification that paves the way for young people to move from school to work or further training and study. A new SACE is being progressively introduced from 2009 to ensure that students gain the skills they need for the future, as citizens and employees.

The SACE is being updated and strengthened to ensure it meets the needs of students, families, higher and further education providers, employers and the community. The new SACE builds upon the achievements of the current SACE and will help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed - whether they are headed for further education and training, university, an apprenticeship or straight into the workforce.

The certificate is based on two stages of achievement: Stage 1 (normally undertaken in Year 11) and Stage 2 (Year 12).

When is it happening?

The new SACE began in 2009 with the introduction of a compulsory subject called the Personal Learning Plan, which is undertaken in Year 10. The SACE then continues through Year 11 and Year 12, with the first group of students graduating with the new qualification in 2011.

How do students get the SACE?

To gain the SACE, students complete approximately two years of full-time study which most students spread over three years.

There are two stages:

• Stage 1, which most students do in Year 11, apart from the Personal Learning Plan, which most students are likely to do in Year 10
• Stage 2, which most students do in Year 12.

Each subject or course successfully completed earns 'credits' towards the SACE, with a minimum of 200 credits required for students to gain the certificate.

Students will receive a grade from A to E for each subject. For compulsory subjects, they will need to achieve a C grade or better.

Compulsory Subjects

The compulsory subjects are:

• Personal Learning Plan (10 credits at Stage 1)
• Literacy - at least 20 credits from a range of English subjects or courses (Stage 1)
• Numeracy - at least 10 credits from a range of mathematics subjects or courses (Stage 1)
• Research Project - an in-depth major project (10 credits at Stage 2)
• Other Stage 2 subjects totalling at least 60 credits.

The remaining 90 credits can be gained through additional Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects or Board-recognised courses of a student's choice.

What is the SACE Board?

The SACE Board is an independent body formed by the State Government and it is responsible for the provision of curriculum statements and certification of all senior studies undertaken by students in all South Australian Secondary Schools.

Its functions include:

• the development of curriculum statements for a wide range of subjects designed to cater for a diversity of abilities and interests at Stage I and II
• the approval of school-based courses designed to meet the specific needs of the school's own students.
• the assessment of subjects for which it provides or approves curriculum statements.
• the issuing of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) to all students in South Australia who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the SACE.

Is your child starting the newSACE as a Year 10 student in 2010?

Download a copy of The newSACE- Information for Year 10 students

Where can I find more information about subjects offered as part of the new SACE?

Most subjects available in the current SACE will continue to be offered in the new SACE. There may be minor changes to subject content because of the inclusion of new requirements, such as A-E grading in every subject in Stage 1 and 2, and 30 per cent Stage 2 external assessment.

Information and updates about the new SACE will be posted on the future SACE website at http://www.sace.sa.edu.au/