SACE is internationally recognised. It's designed to be flexible, allowing students to count combinations of school subjects, VET courses, community learning, and even university or TAFE studies towards completion. This flexibility matters because not every student follows the same pathway through secondary school.
The Basic Structure
SACE has two stages: Stage 1 (Year 11) and Stage 2 (Year 12). Students typically work towards their SACE over three years, from Years 10 through 12.
To gain the certificate, students need a minimum of 200 credits. Think of credits as building blocks. Each semester-long subject is usually worth 10 credits. A full year subject is worth 20 credits. VET courses also earn credits based on hours of study.
Support Along the Way
Our SACE Leader and Student Wellbeing Leaders work with students throughout Years 10, 11, and 12 to make sure they're on track. Our Care Group teachers monitor academic progress. Subject teachers provide feedback regularly so students know where they stand. We don't wait until Year 12 to tell students they're failing. If a student isn't submitting work in Year 11, we contact families early. We put support in place. We work out what's getting in the way and how to address it.
Sometimes the barrier is anxiety. Sometimes it's not understanding the work. Sometimes it's too much happening at home. Whatever the cause, we try to catch problems early enough to fix them.
Getting Help
If you have questions about SACE requirements, subject combinations, or whether your young person is on track for completion, contact our SACE Leader who can explain exactly what your young person needs to complete and how their current program positions them for graduation.
We also recommend visiting the SACE Board website for detailed information about specific subjects, assessment requirements, and how ATAR calculation works.
At Blackwood High, we create different pathways for different students within one connected community. The SACE framework allows us to do exactly that, giving students the flexibility to design programs that honour their individual strengths, interests, and post-school aspirations.