Courses

Glossary of Terms

Year 11 and 12 ATAR Pathway

Glossary of Terms

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    • Year 11 and 12 Alternative Academic Pathway
      • Combination 1
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    • Year 11 and 12 ATAR Pathway
      • Course Selection
      • Glossary of Terms
      • Useful Websites
    • Year 11 and 12 IB Diploma Pathway
      • Subject Selection
      • A Parent’s Perspective
      • Glossary of Terms
      • Useful Websites
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Glossary of Terms

Tim BurrowsMarch 13, 2018January 25, 2021
ATAR
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank – a percentile score with a maximum of 99.95, which reports a student‘s rank relative  to all other Western Australian students of Year 12 school leaving age. It helps institutions rank applicants for selection into tertiary courses. It is calculated on behalf of the universities and released by TISC.
The ATAR is a rank, not a mark.
ATAR courses
ATAR courses are usually chosen by students intending to seek university entrance.
CAS
Creativity, Action and Service –  a compulsory component of the IB Diploma
DP
Diploma Programme – this is a pre-university course which facilitates access to Australian and international universities. Students are required to study 6 subjects, one from each Group as well as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Action and Service.
EE
Extended Essay
ELC
English Language Competency – To be eligible for admission to an undergraduate course you must demonstrate satisfactory performance (scaled mark of 50% or above) in WACE English ATAR or Literature ATAR at Year 12 level.
GAMSAT
Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test – The medical entrance test used to assist with the selection of students into graduate-entry medical courses.
General Courses
General courses are usually chosen by students not intending to seek university entrance.
GPA
Grade Point Average –  a simple numerical index which summarises academic performance in a course
Groups (IB)
There are six Subject Groups from which students must select a subject.
HL
Higher Level – IB Diploma subject. Minimum of 240 hours contact time
IB Scale
The grades used for predictions and final scores: Grades range from 1-7. Grades for Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay are from Grade A to E.
IBCA
International Baccalaureate Curriculum and Assessment Centre – The curriculum and assessment centre is located in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
IBO
International Baccalaureate Organisation – The body which oversees the design and implementation of the Diploma Programme. Head office is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System – Of relevance to students who do not demonstrate competence in English in the standard way.
OCC
On-line Curriculum Centre
SCSA
School Curriculum & Standards Authority – The statutory body charged with overseeing school education in Western Australia (previously known as the Curriculum Council).
Secondary Graduation
Students graduate as a result of their studies in the Senior School by obtaining the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
SL
Standard Level – IB Diploma subject. Minimum of 150 hours contact time
STAT
Special Tertiary Admissions Test – An alternative tertiary admissions test for those candidates who do not have a recent Year 12 certificate.
TAFE
Technical and Further Education – Tertiary institutions offering vocational certificate and diploma courses.
Tertiary Institution
Any institution offering a tertiary (post-school) education Australia-wide. In Western Australia, this includes the four public Universities and Notre Dame University, TAFE and private providers.
TEA
Tertiary Entrance Aggregate – The total mark of the best four ATAR courses.
The maximum TEA is 430.
TISC
Tertiary Institutions Service Centre – The body that manages entry to universities in Western Australia.
ToK
Theory of Knowledge – a compulsory component of the IB Diploma
UMAT
Undergraduate Medical and Health Sciences Admission Test – The medical entrance test used to assist with the selection of students into medicine, dentistry and health science programs at undergraduate level.
Unit
Each WACE course is divided into four units, with students covering one unit per semester (a period of learning of about of 18 to 20 weeks) in Years 11 &12.

Scotch will offer Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 in ATAR courses and General courses.

WACE
Western Australian Certificate of Education – A Certificate signifying that a student has successfully met the breadth and depth, the achievement standard and the English language requirements in their senior secondary schooling.
WASSA
Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement – A statement of results issued to all Year 12 students who complete any study that contributes towards a WACE. It lists all courses and programs that students have completed in Year 11 and 12.

Contact

Brad Watson
Academic and Pathways Advisor
Brad.Watson@scotch.wa.edu.au
Brad is the College’s Academic and Pathways Advisor, working closely with students in Senior School he is available to advise students on all matters relating to future careers. Brad is also a key staff member in guiding the Year 10 Students in their subject selection as they make choices for Years 11 and 12. He is also responsible for assisting students who are looking to attend university, locally, interstate and overseas.
  • Last Updated: March 13, 2018January 25, 2021
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