HSC minimum standards

All students in New South Wales are required to reach a minimum standard for functional literacy and numeracy to receive the Higher School Certificate (HSC).

HSC minimum standards - NSW Education

HSC minimum standards testing

From Year 10 onwards, students at Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus are provided with opportunities each year to demonstrate the minimum standard through online testing. These tests are administered in timetabled Year 10 Senior Studies classes throughout the year from Term 1 onwards.

Year 11 and 12 students who still need to meet the minimum standard have opportunities scheduled to complete the test.

Please note if your child is unable to complete the testing during scheduled sessions, due to illness or leave, they will receive further opportunities later in the year. Students will be provided multiple opportunities to sit tests each year if required.

Taking the minimum standard tests - NSW Education

Test results

Test results will be made available shortly after each test via Students Online. Please note the results for writing tests may take longer to appear due to marking requirements. All students in Year 10, 11 and 12 have a Students Online account.

Students Online - NESA

Additional learning supports

There are plenty of support options available to help students meet them:

• Classroom Teachers: Provide targeted instruction, feedback, and extra support in literacy and numeracy skills during lessons and can guide students on areas needing improvement.
• Librarian: Mr. Norris supports students in their senior study lessons through explicit teaching of literacy, reasoning and deduction skills that leads to success.
• Student Services: Provides wellbeing support, study strategies, and access to accommodations for students who may need extra assistance in meeting the standards.

Please contact the school and ask for Mr. Brown if you have any questions about this process.

What if a student does not pass one or more of the tests?

Students who do not pass the test on the first try will have further opportunities to demonstrate that they have met the minimum standard throughout the year. Students who do not meet the standard after multiple attempts will be provided additional support.

Difficulty accessing Students Online

If students have difficulty accessing their Students Online account, they can click the troubleshooting options on the website labelled: “Trouble logging In” or “Forgot your PIN.”

If students continue to experience difficulty, they should see our Teacher Librarian (Mr. Norris) or Head Teacher Secondary Studies (Mr. Brown).

Our Staff

Robert Brown, Head Teacher Secondary Studies & CAPA