HSC Studies

Course 19361

Course Information Booklet

2011

www.oten.edu.au
Enrolment Checklist

All students must include all the following documents to ensure fast processing of
their enrolment:

1.  A completed Enrolment Application form –under Section 2, the course

no. is 19361 and the Course Name is HSC Studies.

2.  A completed Higher School Certificate questionnaire

3.  A copy of your school certificate or equivalent documents

4.  A copy of your Record of Achievement if seeking recognition for

Preliminary year subjects

5.  Payment of the TAFE NSW fee of $450 for full year or $225 for one
semester fee
or
Payment of the TAFE NSW Concession fee of $52 if you are receiving an
approved Government benefit. Must give proof of receipt of a Government
benefit

6.  Payment of the OTEN Student Material and Handling Charge of $50

within Australia or $120 for students who live overseas

Don’t forget to sign all forms.

Return all of the above to:

OTEN Student Services - Enrolments

Locked Bag 2012
STRATHFIELD NSW 2135
or
Fax (02) 9715 8411 (if paying by credit card and faxing in all documents).

Note: If you are enrolled at another college, you must see your HSC Coordinator
about studying OTEN subjects and complete the HSC questionnaire.

Additional copies of the HSC Course Information booklet and HSC questionnaire
can be requested from OTEN by contacting Course Information on 1300 362 346
or visit the OTEN website at www.oten.edu.au. At the OTEN website, search
under keyword or course number by typing in “19361” and press FIND.

This booklet contains very important information.

Please read it carefully and keep it for handy reference.
The information in this booklet is correct at the time of writing.

GECS HSC Checklist

19361-attach2 Ver 1 updated 8-Nov-10
 Contents

1. Overview .......................................................................................................................3 
2. HSC Fee Refund ...........................................................................................................3 
3. HSC Award ...................................................................................................................3 
4. HSC Award Requirements ..........................................................................................3 
5. Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) Requirements ....................................4 
6. Course Duration ...........................................................................................................4 
7. Centrelink .....................................................................................................................4 
8. Conditions Of Enrolment ............................................................................................4 
9. Vocational Outcomes ..................................................................................................5 
10. Entry Requirements ...................................................................................................5 
11. Study Programs .........................................................................................................5 
12. Co-Enrolment .............................................................................................................5 
13. Table 1 - Study Programs One To Seven .................................................................6 
14. Course Structure .......................................................................................................7 
15. First Enrolment Application ......................................................................................7 
16. HSC Subjects And Vet Courses Available At OTEN In 2011 ..................................8 
17. HSC Exams Available At OTEN In 2011 ...................................................................9 
18. Learning Material .......................................................................................................9 
19. Recognition ..............................................................................................................10 
20. Assessment ..............................................................................................................10 
21. The TAFE NSW Fee And Charges ..........................................................................11 
22. Overseas Studies .....................................................................................................12 
23. Refunds ....................................................................................................................12 
24. Instructions For Completing Enrolment Form ......................................................12 
25. Subjects Offered At OTEN ......................................................................................13 
26. Enquiries ..................................................................................................................23 
27. Course Information ..................................................................................................23 
28. For Further Assistance............................................................................................23 

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 WELCOME

OTEN offers the HSC course by distance education.

Those of you considering enrolling in HSC Studies course at OTEN

can choose from 23 Board developed subjects and 9 VET courses.

Read this booklet to decide on your options. Look carefully at the

different study programs to make sure you select the options that meet
the stated requirements for completion.

Should you have any questions prior to enrolling please contact a

teacher, a counsellor or a course information officer. They can assist
you with your subject choice and/or the best study program to fit in
with your lifestyle.

Many students who choose to study their HSC at OTEN juggle their
studies with their work and life commitments.

Choose your subjects wisely and don’t try to take on more than you
can handle. OTEN encourages all HSC distance students to draw up a
structured study program, setting dates for assignments and
assessment tasks, so they can complete their subjects in the required
time. You have one year to complete each preliminary subject and one
year for each HSC year subject. You have 5 years in which to
accumulate enough subjects, including sitting for the HSC
examination, to gain your Higher School Certificate.

Marina Kendal Connie Fraser

Manager, Educational Programs HSC Coordinator
OTEN OTEN

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 Statement in HSC Studies
Course number: 19361
1. Overview
HSC Studies course enables a student to Students who complete a certain pattern of study
accumulate their Preliminary or HSC subjects. will also be eligible for a Australian Tertiary
The HSC award is given by the Board of Studies Admission Rank (ATAR). The ATAR is
(not TAFE) and students must satisfy the Board calculated by the Universities Admission Centre,
of Studies eligibility requirements. The HSC not the Board of Studies. The ATAR is used for
award is the credential to mark the satisfactory entry from Year 12 into university courses in
completion of Year 12 schooling in NSW. NSW and ACT.

2. HSC Fee Refund The maximum time allowed to complete this

course through OTEN is six years. If you are on
From 1 January 2008, a student who completes
Centrelink benefits, the time limit is shorter, see
the TAFE NSW HSC Courses (19361, 6501, 6505
Section 7.
or 6500) will be eligible for a refund of the NSW
TAFE Fee or NSW Concession Fee when the full
HSC award is completed. To be eligible, a 4. HSC award requirements
student must provide proof of course completion To be eligible for the award of the Higher School
– the TAFE NSW Academic Transcript AND a Certificate, you need to satisfactorily complete:
copy of the NSW Board of Studies Higher School  at least 6 Preliminary subjects of 12 units
Certificate. worth
This refund does not apply to school students or  at least 5 HSC subjects of 10 units
students in other educational institutions.  a compulsory English subject
 at least six units of Board Developed subjects
3. HSC Award  at least three subjects of two unit value or
greater
This course has been developed by the NSW
 at least four subjects
Board of Studies. It covers Preliminary and HSC
 HSC: All My Own Work program or
subjects which have been developed by the
equivalent.
Board. Board-developed subjects and vocational
You may accumulate HSC subjects to gain the
education and training (VET) courses can be
HSC award over a five year period.
studied in a variety of study programs described
under Section 10- Study Programs.
Special Science Requirements
Students who successfully complete the HSC Limits on choice of Science subjects:
Studies course may receive:
You can study a maximum of three (3) Science
(a) Statement of Attainment in HSC Studies.
subjects in each of the Preliminary and HSC
(b) HSC award
years.
(c) Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
(d) Australian Qualification Framework AQF In the Preliminary year, you cannot study Senior
Certificate or Statement of Attainment in a Science with any of the other Science subjects:
VET Course Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Earth and
Students who successfully complete the course Environmental Science.
will receive a Higher School Certificate award.
The Board of Studies issues the Higher School In the HSC year, Senior Science can be studied in
Certificate Record of Achievement to students combination with Biology, Chemistry, Earth and
who have satisfactorily completed any Environmental Science or Physics.
Preliminary or HSC subjects. Students
To study Senior Science at HSC year you must
accumulating their subjects will receive Records
have satisfactorily completed a preliminary
of Achievement for each calendar year of study.
Science subject.
Students who satisfactorily complete a VET
course will also receive an additional VET
credential, which may be an AQF Certificate or a
Statement of Attainment.

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5. Australian Tertiary Admission
Rank (ATAR) requirements
To be eligible to obtain a full ATAR a student
must complete:
 at least ten HSC units from Board Developed
subjects including at least two units of
English
 the Board Developed subjects must include
at least three subjects of two units or greater
 at least four subjects
 no more than two units of VET courses can
be counted towards a full ATAR.
The ATAR may be accumulated over five years.
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank was
previously called the Universities Admission
Index (UAI)
Fast-Track University Entry
If you are 20 years or over, you may be fast
tracked into most university courses by studying
a reduced HSC program to obtain a limited
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.
Limited ATAR
To be eligible for a Limited ATAR based on your
HSC studies you must meet all of the following
conditions:
 Be at least 20 years of age on 1st March 2011
in the year of sitting the HSC exam
 Be taking between five and nine units of
Board Developed subjects including English
 Sit five to nine HSC units including English,
at one sitting of the HSC Exams. You cannot
accumulate a Limited ATAR.
VET courses do not count in the limited ATAR.
While most universities will accept the Limited
ATAR for admission into many courses,
competitive courses such as Medicine and
Veterinary Science and others will not accept the
Limited ATAR. Students are advised to check
with universities if they admit students into a
course on the basis of a full ATAR or a Limited
ATAR and for any subject pre-requisites. Further
information is available at the NSW Universities
Admission Centre at www.uac.edu.au
6. Course duration
Most subjects have a value of two units in the
Preliminary study pattern and two units in the
HSC study pattern.
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2 unit Preliminary subjects are approximately 120
hours equivalent class room time and you should
complete them within 12 months from date of
enrolment.
2 unit HSC subjects are approximately 120 hours
equivalent class room time and you should
complete them within 12 months from date of
enrolment.
3 unit subjects are about 180 hours of equivalent
class room time and should be completed within
12 months from date of enrolment.
You will need to allocate additional study time
for reading, research, revising, etc, in order to
complete your subjects.
The Board of Studies permits five years to
accumulate the necessary subjects to gain the
HSC award. The maximum time to complete this
course at OTEN is six years.
This course will continue to be offered each
academic year as long as the course remains
accredited for delivery by TAFE NSW. However,
if a new course is released you may be required
to transfer to the new course.
You are encouraged to complete your course
with the course timeframe, or earlier. In
exceptional circumstances you may apply for an
extension of study by contacting your teaching
section.
7. Centrelink
Some students may be eligible for financial
assistance from Centrelink. Applications for
assistance are assessed by Centrelink, so you
should contact your nearest Centrelink office to
discuss your eligibility.
If you receive a Centrelink student payment to
study, you are expected to complete your course
within the time allocated by Centrelink. This
time may be less than the time OTEN allows. You
are also required to show consistent and regular
progress through your course, and complete
subjects regularly throughout your enrolment. If
you do not, you may incur a debt which you will
have to repay.
8. Conditions of enrolment
It is a condition of your enrolment with OTEN
that you actively participate in your studies.
Active participation is submitting assessments,
attending practical sessions if applicable, sitting
exams or tests, submitting an application for
recognition of prior learning, accessing activities
and unit support pages on the Online Learning
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updated 03-Feb-11
Support (OLS) website, completing units or
making satisfactory progress in learner support.
If you do not participate in your studies, future
enrolment applications may be declined.
9. Vocational outcomes
When you have completed this course, you will
have an opportunity to enter the workforce or
undertake higher-level courses at TAFE NSW or
university.
Articulation
When you finish this course you can apply to do
any TAFE NSW course with a Year 12 entry
requirement and apply for entry to universities.
Depending on the subjects chosen you can apply
for advanced standing and credit transfer to
other TAFE NSW Certificate and diploma
courses. Further information is available on
www.det.nsw.edu.au/hsctafe.
10. Entry requirements
 If less than 20 years, students must have a
Year 10 School Certificate or Certificate II in
General and Vocational Education or
equivalent
 If 20 years or more, students must be able to
demonstrate a Year 10 standard of literacy
and numeracy to undertake the learning
outcomes of the course and be able to study
independently in an adult learning
environment
 Not be currently enrolled at a government
school for Board-developed subjects
Must be interviewed by an OTEN enrolling
officer by phone to ensure that the course is
appropriate.
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11. Study Programs
There are many study programs available under
the HSC. The study program you choose
depends on your age, your reasons for studying
this course, previous experience and available
study time. The various study programs are:
 Program One – One year full time in 3
subjects or two years part time in 3 subjects
 Program Two – Two years full time in 6
subjects/year
 Program Three – Three years part time in 4
subjects/year
 Program Four – Four years part time in 3
subjects/year
 Program Five – One to five years including
recognition of prior learning
 Program Six – One to two years in single
subjects each year.
 Program Seven – personalised program to
suit individual circumstances.
Each study program is described in more details
on the next page.
If you wish to discuss which program best suits
your individual circumstances and goals, please
contact the Counselling and Careers Unit on
9715 8446 or 1300 655 993.
Counsellors can also advise you about university
and TAFE NSW entry requirements.
You can add or change subjects throughout the
year. To add or change a subject you must have
established a working status by completing one
assignment in each of your other subjects.
12. Co-enrolment
If OTEN does not offer a subject you wish to
study, it may be possible to study that subject at
a face to face NSW TAFE college. To see which
subjects are available at the different TAFE
colleges, download the booklet Higher School
Certificate and Tertiary Preparation Programs in
TAFE NSW at
www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/about/preparatio
n.htm. Contact the HSC Co-ordinator at the
TAFE College or the HSC Co-ordinator at OTEN
to organise a co-enrolment. There is no need to
pay an additional TAFE Course Fee.
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updated 03-Feb-11
13. Table 1 - Study Programs One to Seven
Study Program
Study Program One
One year intensive, full
time of about 36 hours per
week or
Two years part-time of
about 18 hours per week.
About 57 assignments to be
completed for whole
program
Study Program Two
Two year duration of about
36 hours each week
Full time
About 52 assignments each
year
Study Program Three
Three year duration of
about 24 hours per week
Part time
About 32-40 assignments
each year
Study Program Four
Four year duration of about
18 hours per week
Part time
About 24 –33 assignments
each year
Study Program Five
Composite study using
Recognition of Prior
Learning
Duration of 1- 5 years
Full time or part time
depending on no of subjects
to be completed
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19361 CIL
Special Features Award
 Study 3 subjects in which English is compulsory. Exam Result
 Students who are at least 20 years on 1st March 2011 Notice from the
may receive the Limited Australian Tertiary Board of
Admission Rank (ATAR) for university entrance Studies.
 Students who are younger than 20 years of age receive
a Result Notice in all subjects but not a Limited Limited ATAR
ATAR. if 20 years or
 May add 3 more subjects in future years to gain full more
HSC award.
 Not recommended for people who are working full Do not receive
time or have heavy family commitments or have HSC.
special needs.
 Two-year pattern recommended for students with
work and family commitments
 6 preliminary subjects to be completed in the first
year.
 At least 5 HSC subjects to be completed in the second HSC and full
year. ATAR
 Not recommended for people who are working full
time or have heavy family commitments or have
special needs.
 Complete 4 preliminary subjects in the first year.
 Complete 2 HSC subjects and 2 preliminary subjects
in the second year. Recommend that Mathematics or HSC and full
Science subjects be continued. ATAR at end of
 Study 3 HSC year subjects in the final third year. the third year.
 Recommended for people with work and family
commitments or have special needs.
 Complete 3 preliminary subjects in first year.
 Complete 3 HSC subjects in the second year.
 Study 3 new preliminary subjects in the third year. HSC and full
 Complete at least 2 HSC subjects in the final fourth ATAR at end of
year. the fourth year.
 Recommended for people with work and family
commitments or those with special needs.
 Proof of completion of a preliminary subject can lead
to recognition in the subject and be enrolled straight
into HSC year of the same subject. Can shorten the HSC and
duration to gain the HSC award. possible ATAR.
 TAFE or accredited courses of 120 hours to 600 hours
may count as credit units towards the HSC award.
 The units which are granted as credit units do not
contribute to the ATAR.
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Study Program Six  Each preliminary subject to be completed in one year Result Notice
and HSC subject to be completed in the second year for each subject
Single Subjects  May study a preliminary subject and HSC subject in sat in the
the same year. exams.
Part time of up to 2 years  Recommended for students who wish to study for
personal interest, job requirements or preparation for May obtain
About 20 assignments to tertiary studies. HSC and
finish for each subject  Two-year pattern recommended for students with ATAR.
special needs.

Study Program Seven  Flexible program to be developed on discussion with Result notice
a TAFE counsellor, Teacher/Consultant or HSC Co- for each subject
ordinator. sat in exams.
May obtain
HSC and
ATAR.

The 240 hour course of Accounting (Board

14. Course structure
There are two broad categories of courses: Board
Developed subjects and Vocational (VET)
courses.
Board Developed Subjects
Board Developed subjects are subjects for which
the Board of Studies develops a syllabus, setting
out the objectives, outcomes, structure and
content. These are the subjects for which the
Board develops the Higher School Certificate
examinations. In addition, the Board develops
subject and assessment requirements, marking
criteria and performance scales for these subjects.
The Board Developed subjects contribute to the
calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission
Rank (ATAR). A full list of subjects available at
OTEN in year 2011 is given in the table 2.
Vocational Courses
Vocational courses are either Industry
Curriculum Framework (ICF) courses or non-
Framework courses.
Industry Curriculum Framework courses are
based on national training packages and the
qualification is recognised in all states of
Australia. ICF courses have compulsory work
placement. If a student elects to sit the optional
HSC exam for this course and completes 240
hours, the exam mark may contribute to the full
ATAR, but not to the limited ATAR.
Information Technology is an ICF course Non-
Framework courses will give qualifications
recognised within NSW. There is compulsory
work placement.
Developed) or 240 hour course of Information
Technology does contribute to the full ATAR
while all the others do not. No VET Course
counts towards the limited ATAR
 Accounting (Board Developed)
 Coastal Maritime Operations
 Children’s Services
 Children’s Services - Introduction
 Community Services – Introduction
 Information Technology (Board Developed)
 Information Technology - Specialisation
Studies
 Media - News Journalism
 Property Services
VET Courses can count as preliminary or HSC
units towards the HSC award.
15. First enrolment application
Full time students may enrol initially into a
maximum of 6 subjects. A part time student may
enrol in 1 to 4 subjects.
You can add subjects throughout the year as you
progress through your assignments. To add a
subject, you must first establish a working status
by completing one assignment in each of your
existing subjects.
A small number of subjects can be delivered
intensively. This means the preliminary year and
the HSC year of a subject can be completed in a
one year.
A student must finish the preliminary
assignments by no later than 30 April to ensure
there is enough time to complete the HSC subject
by mid Aug and sit the HSC exams in Oct.

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16. HSC Subjects and VET courses available at OTEN in 2011
Table 2
Preliminary HSC Unit/Subject Name Unit Worth Counts to
Unit/Subject No. Unit/Subject No. ATAR
VET Course 9686 Accounting -enrolment close on 1 Mar – 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y
not delivered intensively.

6492AH 6493AH Ancient History 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492BY 6493BY Biology 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492BS 6493BS Business Studies 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

VET Course 17447 Coastal Maritime Operations 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC no

6492CH 6493CH Chemistry 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

VET Course 18206 Children’s Services – not delivered 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC no
intensively

VET Course 18148 Children’s Services - Introduction; not 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC no
delivered intensively

VET Course 18148 Community Services - Introduction; not 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC no
delivered intensively

6492EV 6493EV Earth and Environmental Science 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492EC 6493EC Economics 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492EA 6493EA English Advanced 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492EN 6493EN English Standard 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492EE 6493EE English as a Second Language 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492EB Fundamentals of English 2 Preliminary no

6492FT 6493FT Food Technology 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492FB French (Beginners) Preliminary only 2 Preliminary no

6492GE 6493GE Geography 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492GB German (Beginners) Preliminary only 2 Preliminary no

19361A HSC All My Own Work - Ethical Practice compulsory no

in Study
VET Course 19014 Information Technology - not 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y
delivered intensively
VET Course 19002 Information Technology - Specialisation 1,2,3 units of HSC units no
Studies

6492LB Italian (Beginners) Preliminary only 2 Preliminary no

6492MW 6493MW Mathematics 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492MT 6493MT Mathematics with Extension 1 3 Preliminary and 3 HSC y

6492MG 6493MG Mathematics General 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

VET Course 19233 Media – News Journalism 2 Preliminary or 2 HSC no

6492MH 6493MH Modern History 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

6492PD 6493PD Personal Development 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

/Health/Physical Education

6492PH 6493PH Physics 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

VET Course 17671 Property Services – Real Estate 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC no

6492SS 6493SS Senior Science- see Special Science 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y
requirements

6492SB 6493SB Spanish (Beginners) – not delivered 2 Preliminary and 2 HSC y

intensively

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Subjects not delivered intensively means that the preliminary and the HSC year of a subject cannot be studied in one year- it can only
be studied over two years.  Only two HSC units of a VET Course can be counted towards a full ATAR; VET Course units do not
count towards the limited ATAR.

Students have to complete at least 12 units of Preliminary year subjects (six subjects) in order to gain the
Preliminary Record of Achievement and then continue in at least 10 units of HSC year subjects (five
subjects) to be eligible to gain the Higher School Certificate.

There are about 100 subjects in the HSC Course. OTEN offers a wide range of 23 Board Developed and 9
VET Courses. OTEN is unable to offer all 100 subjects.

Each Preliminary subject is 120 hours except for Mathematics with Extension 1 which is 180 hours. There
are generally eight Preliminary assignments for each 2 unit subject, while Mathematics with Extension 1
has twelve assignments.

Each HSC subject is 120 hours except for Mathematics with Extension 1, which is of 180 hours. There are
generally eight HSC assignments and three assessment tasks to be completed for each 2 unit subject, while
Mathematics with Extension 1 has twelve assignments and five assessment tasks.

Some VET Courses have special entry requirements such as access to a computer and work placement.
Refer to the section Subjects offered at OTEN at the end of this booklet for more detailed entry requirements.

17. HSC Exams available at OTEN in 2011

Students who intending to sit the 2011 HSC exams must be enrolled into the BOS Exam Course Number, so
they can be identified as an exam candidate for this year and receive assessment tasks.
Table 3 – BOS Exam Course Number
BOS Exam Unit/Subject Name BOS Exam Unit/Subject Name
Course No Course No
TAFE Yearly exam Accounting B15190 Geography

B15020 Ancient History No HSC exam German Beginners Preliminary

B15030 Biology B18095 Information Technology

B15040 Business Studies No HSC exam Italian Beginners Preliminary

B15050 Chemistry B15240 Mathematics

B15100 Earth and Environmental Science B15250 Mathematics with Extension 1

B15110 Economics B15230 Mathematics General

B15140 English Advanced B15270 Modern History

B15130 English Standard B15320 PDHPE

B15160 English as a Second Language B15330 Physics

B15180 Food Technology B15340 Senior Science

No HSC exam French Beginners Preliminary B16070 Spanish Beginners

18. Learning material

You may be required to purchase additional
OTEN will provide printed learning material,
texts, have access to a computer and computer
which will be dispatched progressively
software including Internet access for completion
throughout the year, based on your submission
of some subjects. Refer to the individual subjects,
of assignments.
which are described at the back of this book.
Students enrolled in 19361 may receive learning
In some subjects, you will be required to make
material with old subject numbers beginning
audio recordings. In other subjects you will be
with 4141 or 4142 code and will cover the current
required to attend carry out fieldwork and
Board of Studies syllabuses. Some subjects will
perform experiments.
provide videotapes, or CD-ROMs.
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19. Recognition
You may be exempted from Preliminary and
HSC subjects if you can demonstrate that you
have achieved the same syllabus outcomes in
other ways e.g. overseas study or study
interstate.
If you have already completed a TAFE course,
you may be eligible to have it count as units
towards the HSC award and so receive your
HSC award sooner.
TAFE Courses of 120–600 hours can count from a
minimum of 2 units of credit and up to a
maximum of 10 units of credit. Credit units can
be allocated up to 6 preliminary units and 4 HSC
units. Courses of less than 120 hours are too short
to count as credit units.
The TAFE Course must have been completed
within the previous five years.
Credit units can count as units to gain the HSC
award but cannot be included as units in the
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.
The course has to fit into the principles necessary
for credit transfer. For further information, see
the BOS website at
www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au and search
using the key words of “Recognition of Prior
Learning”. Alternatively, contact the HSC Co-
ordinator at OTEN.
20. Assessment
You are required to complete assignments and
assessment tasks for each Board Developed HSC
subject you study. OTEN assessment tasks count
for 50% of your overall mark in each subject, and
is reported on your Higher School Certificate
Record of Achievement. The other 50% comes
from the mark achieved in HSC examination.
OTEN assessment tasks are designed to measure
performance in a wider range of objectives than
may be tested in an examination. Assessment
tasks may include tests, written or oral
assignments, practical activities, fieldwork and
projects.
For VET Courses, you will be assessed on your
competency in performing work-related tasks.
The achievement of competence is recorded in a
competency record book (student log).
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Course 19014 Information Technology has an
optional HSC examination. Students must
nominate at the start of their HSC year whether
they will attempt the optional examination. The
marks achieved by the student in the
examination can contribute towards their full
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank calculation.
Getting an HSC result
How do I apply for the HSC exam?
The written HSC examinations commence in the
third week of October and continue for about
four weeks. All examinations are set and marked
under the direction of the Board of Studies. If you
wish to sit for these exams in any subjects, you
must enrol in the BOS Course numbers (page 9).
After you enrol, OTEN will send an exam entry
form in March.
The Board of Studies will send you a photo
identification form, “Confirmation of Entry” and
an “Amendment to entry” form for you to correct
or change your exam entry in June.
You will need to follow all instructions carefully,
taking particular notice of closing dates.
What is an assessment mark and how do
I get one?
For each subject you study for the HSC you will
receive two marks:
 an assessment mark and
 an examination mark.
Your examination mark is based on your
performance in the HSC exam.
The assessment tasks are set and marked by
teachers at OTEN. Assessment marks are
forwarded to the Board of Studies in September,
and these are moderated using the pattern of
results in the HSC exam.
You will receive an assessment mark for a
subject:
 if you complete all the study requirements of
the subject by completing the assignments;
and
 if you complete a separate set of assessment
tasks in the year you are intending to sit for
the examination.
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If you do not complete these requirements, no
assessment mark will be sent to the Board of
Studies. Without an assessment mark, an
examination mark will not be awarded and so no
result will be recorded on your Record of
Achievement.
Assessment tasks
Assessment tasks in a particular subject are done
only in the year you sit for any HSC exam in that
subject.
When you enrol, you will need to tell us which
subjects you wish to sit in the 2011 HSC exams.
You will be automatically enrolled in the
Assessment program for 2011 (see page 9).
Assignments
To satisfactorily study a subject at OTEN you
need to submit all the compulsory assignments
listed in the learner’s guide for each subject.
These assignments are very important and you
will need to send them to OTEN on a regular
basis.
Assessment tasks are different to assignments.
You must complete assignments and
assessment tasks.
Reporting of results: what results do I
receive?
You will receive from the Board of Studies, a
Record of Achievement for any subject for which
you have obtained:
 an assessment mark and
 an examination mark.
You can use this record as evidence of your study
when seeking entry into universities.
If you accumulate results for:
 10 HSC units of work, you will be eligible for
a ATAR (an average of your exam mark and
assessment mark is used for each subject)
 22 units of work consisting of 12 preliminary
units and 10 HSC units, you will be eligible
for the HSC award.
Each year, you will receive a Record of
Achievement listing your results. When you have
completed the HSC requirements, the Board of
Studies will forward the HSC testamur to you.
If you satisfactorily complete all the work for the
Preliminary subjects, you will be eligible for a
GECS OTEN
19361 CIL Ver 2.0
Preliminary Record of Achievement from the
Board of Studies.
21. The TAFE NSW Fee and
Charges
The TAFE NSW fee and the OTEN Student
Materials and Handling Charge apply when
enrolling or re-enrolling with OTEN. These fees
apply for 12 months from the date of your initial
enrolment.  
 
Annual TAFE NSW fee  $450
OTEN Student Materials $50 
and Handling Charge 
You may choose to pay the TAFE NSW fee in
two instalments. The first instalment of $225 and
the OTEN Student Materials and Handling
Charge are paid on enrolment. TAFE NSW will
send you an invoice for payment of the second
instalment.
If you do not finish the course within 12 months
and want to complete the course, you will need
to re-enrol and pay the TAFE NSW fee and the
OTEN Student Materials and Handling charge
again.
This course is generally open for enrolment at
any time of the year, subject to availability of
places in the course.
However, the HSC examination starts in the third
week or October and runs until the second week
of November each period.
You may have to renew your enrolment to cover
the examination times.
Alternatively, you may lodge your enrolment
after October to be covered for the set HSC exam
times.
Summary of Fees for NSW citizens:
$450 for full year’s TAFE NSW Fee plus $50 for
Materials and Handling charge or
$225 for half year’s TAFE NSW Fee plus $50 for
Materials and Handling charge paid on
enrolment. Second semester fee of $225 to be paid
within six months of enrolment.
$52 for NSW Concession Fee plus $50 for
Materials and Handling charge for eligible NSW
Centrelink recipients.
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Summary of Fees for Interstate citizens:
$450 for full year’s TAFE NSW Fee plus $50 for
Materials and Handling charge paid on
enrolment or
$225 f or half year’s TAFE NSW Fee plus $50 for
Materials and Handling charge. Second semester
fee of $225 to be paid within six months of
enrolment.
Summary of Fees for Overseas Australian
citizens:
$425 for full year’s TAFE NSW Fee plus $120 for
Materials and Handling charge paid on
enrolment or
$225 for half year’s TAFE NSW Fee plus $120 for
Materials and Handling charge. Second semester
fee of $225 to be paid within six months of
enrolment.
Students who wish to sit for the HSC Exams
outside NSW, will have to pay the Board of
Studies to establish an exam centre. The cost is to
cover the administration costs involved in
establishing an exam centre interstate or
overseas.
The cost is about $360. Overseas students have to
pay additional costs to cover supervision of the
exams. These additional supervision costs may
be very high and may be in the order of several
thousand dollars depending on the country.
22. Overseas Studies
This course is suitable for study for most HSC
subjects if you reside overseas. However it is not
suitable for subjects in which you must attend a
workshop or those VET Courses which have
mandatory work placement. However, if you are
not an Australian citizen or Australian
permanent resident, you will need to pay
commercial fee of $1350 for each 120 hour
module. Details of fees are available on the
International Student page on the OTEN website
at www.oten.edu.au
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19361 CIL Ver 2.0
In addition, students who wish to sit for the HSC
Exams outside NSW, will have to pay the Board
of Studies to establish an exam centre. The cost is
to cover the administration costs involved in
establishing an exam centre overseas. The cost is
about $360. Overseas students have to pay
additional costs to cover supervision of the
exams. These additional supervision costs may
be very high and may be in the order of several
thousand dollars depending on the country.
23. Refunds
Please enrol carefully, as refunds are only
granted in exceptional circumstances. Refer to
the OTEN Course and Career Guide for more
information or the OTEN website
www.oten.edu.au
24. Instructions for completing
enrolment form
If you wish to sit HSC Examinations in any
subject(s), you must enrol before 28 February
2011.
To ensure fast processing of your enrolment
application:
 Use the checklist on the inside front cover
 Complete your enrolment form
 Complete your HSC questionnaire to write
down which subjects you are studying in
2011
 Include the correct payment including
Materials and Handling charge.
On the enrolment form:
 In section 1, complete your personal details
 Under Section 2- write Course Number:
19361 and Course name: HSC Studies.
 Fill in the remaining sections.
On the HSC questionnaire
Refer to Table 2 of HSC Subjects and VET Courses
available at OTEN in 2011 on page 8.
 For Question 12, write unit/subject number
6492XX for each preliminary subject(s).
 Write down unit/subject number 6493XX for
each HSC year subject(s) only if you have
completed the Preliminary year of the
subjects.
 You will be enrolled in the Preliminary year
subjects unless you provide documentary
evidence that you have completed
Preliminary year or equivalent.
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 Write the course number and name of any
VET Course you are interested in studying.
 For Question 13, if you intend sitting any
subjects in the 2011 HSC exams, write down
the BOS course number listed on Table 3 on
page 9.
25. Subjects offered at OTEN
Accounting – VET Course
Course No Course name Units
9686 Accounting 2 Herculaneum
Pathways for Preliminary
HSC Units and 2
HSC units
This course is for students who are studying for
their NSW Board of Studies Higher School
Certificate and want to get some introductory
Accounting training. The course is designed to
provide entry level training for financial clerical
occupational areas such as accounts clerk,
accounts receivable, accounts payable or payroll
clerk. Students will acquire skills and knowledge
to:
 Record transactions and other financial
information
 Compile financial accounting reports
 Use computer accounting systems using the
popular Mind Your Own Business (MYOB)
software
The marks for this Board of Studies developed
course in Accounting are eligible for inclusion in
the calculation of the Australian Tertiary
Admission Rank (ATAR). Students who
successfully complete this course will receive a
Statement of Attainment and may apply for
advanced standing in various accounting courses
offered by TAFE.
Textbooks costing approximately $140 are
needed for preliminary year and another two
textbooks about $140 are needed for HSC year.
Students will also need a computer with CD
drive, access to broadband internet connection
preferable or dial up, an email address which
will be used for notices, Microsoft Office and
printer. All assessments are required to be
submitted online.
Enrolments in this subject close on 1st March.
This course is only offered over two year.
GECS OTEN
19361 CIL Ver 2.0
Ancient History
In the Preliminary subject you will investigate:
 people, groups, events, institutions, societies
and historical sites from the ancient world;
 archaeological and written evidence and the
methods used by historians and
archaeologists
In the HSC subject, students use archaeological
and written evidence to investigate the following
topics:
 Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius - Pompeii and
 An ancient society (Sparta – a Greek polis, or
city-state)
 A personality: Xerxes ( a Persian king of the
fifth century BC)
 A historical period: The Greek world 500-440
BC
A textbook is compulsory for HSC core topic
(approximate cost is $50).
Biology
Biology provides an excellent foundation for
those who want to know more about the living
things on our planet or those contemplating
tertiary studies in biology. The theme of
evolution is a common thread throughout the
subject. Biology explains how current living
things function and interact; and explains how
they evolved. The transmission of genetic
material to the next generation and natural
selection are important concepts in
understanding the range of life on Earth.
Topics covered in the Preliminary subject are:-
 A Local Ecosystem
 Patterns in Nature
 Life on Earth
 Evolution of Australian Biota
Topics covered in the HSC subject include:
 Maintaining a Balance
 Blueprint of Life
 The Search for Better Health
 The Human Story
You will need a background in science to Year 10
schooling (or equivalent) to study this subject.
The approximate cost to buy materials for
practical activities is $20.
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Please refer to the exclusion of Senior Science
described on page 3 under the heading of Special
Science Requirements.
Business Studies
The Preliminary year is based on a study of four
compulsory topics plus the Business Research
Task. The topics are Nature of Business, Key
Business Functions, Establishing a Business and
Developing a Business Plan. The Business
Research Task provides students with an
opportunity to apply the course content to a
practical study of a particular business.
The HSC year involves the study of five topics.
These topics are Business Management and
Change, Financial Planning and Management,
Marketing, Employment Relations and Global
Business.
You will also need to have access to reference
books, relevant journals and business magazines,
newspapers and business shows on television.
Access to email and the Internet would be
beneficial for Preliminary and HSC year of
Business Studies.
Coastal Maritime Operations: VET
VET Course 17447 is a Board endorsed course.
Completion of the 120 hours preliminary course
count towards qualifications needed to work as a
General Purpose Hand. On completion of the 240
hour course (preliminary and HSC) you will
obtain a Statement of Attainment with units that
count towards the attaining of a Coxswain
Certificate of Competency. The Coxswain
certificate is issued by NSW Maritime subsequent
to examination by that authority. The Coxswain
Certificate of Competency allows a person to
command a commercial vessel of less than 12
metres within the limits of ‘Sheltered and Inshore
Waters’ as defined by the USL Code (i.e. within
15 nautical miles off the coast).
This course counts as units towards the award of
HSC but it is not included in the calculations of
the ATAR. Embedded within this course is the
Certificate I in Transport and Distribution
(Coastal Maritime Operations), otherwise known
as the General Purpose Hand Course, and can be
obtained from NSW Maritime on completion of
certain subjects in the 120 hours preliminary
course.
Students must attend a weekend practical
program called Underway. During this weekend,
you will receive a thorough introduction to your
GECS OTEN
19361 CIL Ver 2.0
course and complete some of your assignments,
as well as meeting other students. Please contact
the Maritime Studies section on telephone no:
(02) 9715 8502 for dates and times of the
Underway sessions and other information.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter, with a focus on
substances and their interactions. Chemistry
attempts to provide chemical explanations and to
predict events at the atomic and molecular level.
The Preliminary subject develops knowledge of
atomic structure, chemical changes, rates of
reaction and relationships between substances by
focusing on increasing students’ understanding
of the Earth’s resources, the development of
increasingly sophisticated methods to extract and
use metals, the importance of water on Earth and
high energy carbon compounds.
Topics studied in the Preliminary subject are:-
 The Chemical Earth
 Metals
 Water
 Energy
The HSC subject builds on the concepts
developed in the Preliminary subject expanding
on areas such as the search for new sources of
traditional materials, the design and production
of new materials, the type and effect of chemicals
that have been released as a result of human
technological activity, and the way in which
environmental problems could be reversed or
minimized.
Topics studied in the HSC subject are:-
 Production of Materials
 The Acidic Environment
 Chemical Monitoring and Management
and one of the options
 Shipwrecks, Corrosion and Conservation or
 Industrial Chemistry.
Practical involvement in Preliminary and HSC
year will be required. Approximate cost of $40 to
buy chemicals to carry out the practical activities.
Please refer to the exclusion of Senior Science
described on page 3 under the heading of Special
Science Requirements.
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Children Services – VET Course
Course 18206 is an endorsed course, made up of
2 preliminary and 2 HSC units.
This course provides students with an
introduction to childcare and skills in relation to
employment as assistants in children’s services.
Students will acquire the skills and knowledge
to:
 Support the language and creative
development of children
 Care for children
 Work effectively with culturally diverse
clients and colleagues
 Respond to illness, accidents and
emergencies
 Work effectively with families in caring for
their child
 Workplace hygiene
 Plan for the nutritional needs of children.
This will provide students with credit in units of
course 18206 Certificate III in Children’s Services
and course 18208 Diploma in Children’s
Services.
There is compulsory work placement. This
course does not contribute to the calculation of
the ATAR.
At the end of the course you will receive a
Statement of Attainment towards the Certificate
III in Children’s Services.
Course 18148
Children Services – Introduction: VET
or
Community Services – Introduction: VET
Course 18148 is a course with two elective
streams. You can choose to complete either
Children’s Services or Community Services
electives. Course 18148 is an endorsed course,
made up of 2 preliminary and 2 HSC units and
leads to a Certificate II in Community Services.
Completing this course will help you decide if
you want to continue studies to gain
employment in either the Children’s or
Community Services industries.
A student who chooses to study the Children
Services option must complete a compulsory 20
hours work placement in the HSC year.
There is no work placement in the Community
Services option.
GECS OTEN
19361 CIL Ver 2.0
Students will acquire the skills and knowledge
to:
 Work effectively with culturally diverse
clients and co-workers
 Communicate with people accessing the
services of the organisation
 Prepare for work in the community services
industry
 Follow the organisation’s policies,
procedures and programs
 Workplace hygiene
 Plan for the nutritional needs of children
(Children’s Services strand)
 Undertake administrative work
 Care for children (Children’s Services strand)
 Support children’s development in a service
(Children’s Services strand)
 Participate in workplace safety procedures
 Respond to illness, accidents and
emergencies (Children’s Services strand)
 Work with others
This course does not contribute to the calculation
of the ATAR.
At the end of the course you will receive a
Certificate II in Community Services.
This course will provide students with some
credit in units of course 18206 Certificate III in
Children’s Services and course 18208 Diploma in
Children’s Services or 18701 Cert IV in
Community Services Work.
A student can only study one course from either
18148 Children’s Services - Introduction or 18148
Community Services - Introduction or 18206
Children Services due to the overlap of common
units.
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth and Environmental Science is the study of
the planet Earth and the processes that shape its
terrestrial and aquatic environments. In this
course you will learn about how our planet
formed, and the sequence of events (such as the
first appearance of life and its evolution, the
developments in our atmosphere and landforms)
that have led to the amazing living and non
living systems we see today.
The Preliminary subject develops knowledge of
the physical and chemical features of the planet,
the natural resources it provides, and the impact
human activities cause, particularly on
Australian environments.
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You will learn about the interplay between the
internal and external forces that constantly shape
the Earth.
Topics covered in the Preliminary subject are:
 Planet Earth and Its Environment – a five
thousand million year journey
 The Local Environment
 Water Issues
 Dynamic Earth
The HSC subject builds upon the Preliminary
subject. It examines the geological, physical and
chemical evidence related to the evolution of the
Australian environment over time. It also looks
in more detail at current pressures on the
Australian environment due to human activities,
and the impacts they cause. The option examines
the effects on the Australian environment of
introduced species, the history behind the
introduction of various species, and methods
used to control them.
Topics covered in the HSC subject are:
 Tectonic Impacts
 Environments Through Time
 Caring for the Country
 Introduced Species and the Australian
Environment (the option).
Please refer to the exclusion of Senior Science
described on page 3 under the heading of Special
Science Requirements.
Economics
The study of economics will give you a better
understanding of the many economic issues that
are frequently reported in the media and on
television. The study of economics will develop
your analytical, problem solving and
communication skills.
The preliminary subject covers the following
topics:
 Introduction to Economics
 Consumers and Business
 Markets
 Labour Markets
 Financial Markets (including the Stock
Exchange)
 Government in the Economy
In each topic economic problems and issues are
related to the Australian economy.
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19361 CIL Ver 2.0
The HSC subject puts emphasis on the Australian
economy’s role in the Global economy. This
subject also investigates many economic issues
and economic policies such as why
unemployment or inflation rates change and how
these changes affect individuals and business.
Topics are
 The Global Economy
 Australia’s place in the Global Economy
 Economic Issues
 Economic Policies and Management
You will need access to newspapers. Access to
e-mail and the Internet would be beneficial.
English
English is compulsory. To obtain an HSC award
or a Limited ATAR, two units of English are
required. You can study these two units by
choosing one of the three English subjects offered
through OTEN:
English Standard or English Advanced or English
ESL (English as a Second Language).
In the Preliminary year you can also do two
additional units of English by taking the
Fundamentals of English course. This is
recommended for students enrolled in English
Standard and English ESL who lack confidence
in essay writing, spelling and comprehension. If
your English results in the School Certificate
were only average, this course is for you. It will
boost your confidence by giving you revision and
practice in basic skills as well as preparing you
for the Area of Study and electives of English
Standard and English ESL.
You must choose either Advanced, Standard or
ESL. Each subject contains an Area of Study in
which students explore and examine
relationships between language and text. The
Area of Study is worth 40% in English Advanced
and English Standard, and 60% in the English
ESL Preliminary course, where it is called
Language Study within an Area of Study. The
other portion of the subjects consists of electives,
course modules that are studied at different
levels of depth and difficulty.
Students who take English Standard and English
ESL should be competent in reading and writing.
English Advanced is a more challenging course.
If you want to take English Advanced you
should be a keen reader and a skilled writer.
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You should also be able to understand and
interpret a wide range of texts at a high level and
express your ideas in a clear manner.
The English ESL course is open to any student
who has been educated using English as the
language of instruction for five years or less prior
to the beginning of the Preliminary year of study.
A student who does not have Australian
citizenship or is studying under a visa, may be
required to pay a different TAFE Fee. Contact the
manager of Customer Service on 9715 8414 for
the fee to be paid.
Both English Standard and English ESL
Preliminary cover the following topics:
 Heroism
 The Poetic View
 Working Texts
All the texts are provided in the learning
materials.
English Advanced Preliminary covers:
 Heroism
 Representations of a Celebrity
 Moral Choice in Literature, which includes
the study of Shakespeare’s Othello, any
edition, approx $20.
All the other texts are provided in the learning
materials.
You need to purchase the following texts for
English Standard HSC:
 Winch, Tara June, Swallow the Air, University
of Queensland Press, 2006
 Misto, John, The Shoe-Horn Sonata, Currency
Press, 1996
 Owen, Wilfred, War Poems and Others,
Random House, 1994
 Daldry, Stephen, Billy Elliot, Universal
Studios, 2000 (film).
The total approximate cost is $110.
You need to purchase the following texts for
English Advanced HSC:
 Winch, Tara June, Swallow the Air, University
of Queensland Press, 2006
 Hughes, Ted, Birthday Letters, Faber/Allen &
Unwin, 2005
 Albee, Edward, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,
Vintage/Random House, 2001
 Woolf, Virginia, A Room of One’s Own,
Penguin Classics, 2005
 Shakespeare, William, Hamlet, New
Cambridge Shakespeare, 2003, or Cambridge
School Shakespeare, 2006 (or any other
edition).
GECS OTEN
19361 CIL Ver 2.0
The total approximate cost is $125.
You need to purchase the following texts for ESL
HSC:
 Winch, Tara June, Swallow the Air, University
of Queensland Press, 2006
 Misto, John, The Shoe-Horn Sonata, Currency
Press, 1996
 Daldry, Stephen, Billy Elliot, Universal
Studios, 2000 (film).
The total approximate cost is $90.
OTEN cannot supply text books to students.
Food Technology
Students develop a knowledge and
understanding about the production, processing
and consumption of food, the nature of food,
availability and selection of food, food quality,
and human nutrition. The Australian food
industry, food manufacture, food product
development and contemporary nutrition issues
are examined in the HSC subject. Skills will be
developed in researching, analysing and
communicating food issues, food preparation,
and the design, implementation and evaluation
of solutions to food situations. Practical
involvement is required.
Topics studied in the Preliminary subject are:-
 Food Availability and Selection
 Food Quality
 Nutrition
The topics studied in the HSC subject are:-
 The Australian Food Industry
 Food Manufacture
 Food Product Development
 Contemporary Nutrition Issues
You will have to purchase textbook Food
Technology in Action 3rd edition 2009 by Burnett-
Fell, Jacaranda Plus. It costs $40 for the electronic
version of $70 for the hardcopy version.
HSC: All My Own Work
Ethical Practice in Study
From 2008 onwards, all HSC students must
satisfactorily complete the HSC: All My Own
Work program or equivalent to be eligible for the
HSC award. HSC: All My Own Work teaches a
student about the benefits of producing all
assignments and assessments as their own work
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and how cheating and plagiarism undermine a
student’s learning.
Students will be enrolled into 19361A Ethical
Practice in Study to cover the HSC: All My Own
Work Program.
The module will be delivered as an on-line
module but will be available in print format if
requested. A student must complete this module
so their subjects can be registered with the Board
of Studies and receive their HSC award.
Geography
The Preliminary subject examines the processes
and contemporary developments in biophysical
and human environments and develops your
knowledge and understanding about these issues
on a global and local scale. It consists of three
main topics:
Biophysical Interactions studies natural and human
processes and how they contribute to sustainable
management along the Murray River;
Global Challenges studies the human environment
which includes Population Studies, Development
Geography and Natural Resource Use;
the Senior Geography Project which includes a
practical research project of your choice.
The HSC subject builds upon the Preliminary
subject. It has a contemporary focus and consists
of three main topics:
 Ecosystems at Risk examines how they
function and their management and
protection, in two case studies.
 Urban Places investigates world cities and
the dynamics of urban locations, especially
Sydney.
 People and Economic Activity, which is a study
of tourism in the local and global context.
You will need to undertake up to 10 hours of self-
directed fieldwork, which is integrated into both
the Preliminary Course and the HSC Course.
Access to email and Internet is beneficial.
Cost of textbooks, materials etc. in the HSC
subject is about $60.00, if you don’t have access
to a library or Internet. Access to an atlas is
recommended.
Information Technology – VET Course
Course 19014 Information Technology is to
provide students with opportunities to develop
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19361 CIL Ver 2.0
and enhance competencies relevant to
employment in industries where information
technology is used.
This course comprises of 16 compulsory units of
competency (including nine prerequisite units of
competency for 19002 Certificate III Information
Technology (Software Applications). Students
who successfully complete this course will
receive 19001 Certificate II Information
Technology and then apply for advanced
standing in various Information Technology
Certificate III courses, for example in 19002
Certificate III in Information (Software
Applications).
This course will be of benefit to people who are
interested in pursuing a career in:
 Designing web pages
 Software and games
 Creating computer programs, systems and
databases
 Networking computers
 Finding solutions to technical and software
problems
The course material is presented on a CD with
assessments and support pages online.
You will need a computer or regular access to an
IBM compatible computer both at home or at a
library. Read the VET Resource checklist at the
back of the HSC questionnaire for specific details
of the hardware and software requirements of
the IT course.
The course has a mandatory requirement of 70
hours work placement. It is the responsibility of
the student to find an appropriate place.
Students undertaking this course may elect to sit
for an optional HSC so it contributes to the full
ATAR.
Students are required to purchase textbooks to
supplement the OTEN learning materials. The
approximate cost of textbooks will be $130.
Further information about the IT Course is
available by calling an IT teacher on 02 9715 8523
or 1300 652 550 (outside Sydney) press 1 for
Information Technology or emailing
oten.itcourses@tafensw.edu.au
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Information Technology - Specialisation
Studies Certificate III (19002) VET
This course is a NSW Board of Studies developed
course. Specialisation Studies must be studied in
conjunction with the 240 hours of 19014
Information Technology. When you finish units
of the Specialisation Studies, you will be
awarded competencies that will count towards
19002 Certificate III Information Technology
(Software Applications. You will have 1, 2 or 3
units count toward your HSC units.
1 Unit Specialisation Studies (60 hrs)
2 Units Specialisation Studies (120hrs)
3 Units Specialisation Studies (180 hrs)
A compulsory work placement component exists
for each of the following course options.
14 hrs work placement is required for 60 hour
Specialisation Studies option.
35 hours of work placement is necessary for 120
hour Specialisation Studies option.
49 hours of work placement is necessary for the
180 hour Specialisation Studies option.
Areas covered in this course include advanced
operations in software applications, creating web
pages, and basic systems administration.
Final results do not count towards the ATAR.
Students who successfully complete this course
will receive: a transcript of Academic Record and
a Certificate III (depending on the number units
studied)
Students may then apply for advanced standing
in various Information Technology Certificate III
courses, for example in 19002 Certificate III in
Information Technology (Software Applications).
Languages
Languages for Beginners
OTEN offers the following language subjects:
French Beginners Preliminary only
German Beginners Preliminary only
Italian Beginners Preliminary only
Spanish Beginners Preliminary and HSC.
These subjects are for people who have very little
or no prior knowledge of the language
concerned. (Refer to the Language Eligibility
Declaration in the HSC questionnaire). They are
not available to people studying for the Higher
School Certificate who have studied the language
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19361 CIL Ver 2.0
before, or have been brought up in a family
household where the language has been used.
Language subjects are not suitable for intensive
study in one year.
In the Preliminary subject, students will begin to
develop their knowledge and understanding of
the language across a range of topics, which will
be explored through the integrated use of the
four skills: listening, speaking, reading and
writing.
In the HSC subject, students will continue to
develop their knowledge and understanding of
the language through the four skills: listening,
speaking, reading and writing. Topics previously
studied during the Preliminary subject will be
studied in greater depth.
You must complete a set number of written
assignments and in the case of the Speaking
Skills assignments, you must record oral
assignments. Oral assignments must be recorded
in your own voice
You are expected to be able to devote about six
hours per week to study for a language subject.
This includes time for working through reading,
writing, listening and speaking activities and
exercises in the learning material as well as
completion of assignments.
Enrolment is available only for preliminary
French Beginners, German Beginners and Italian
Beginners. Students who complete preliminary
French Beginners, German Beginners or Italian
Beginners will not be able to continue onto HSC
year at OTEN.
Spanish Beginners can be studied at preliminary
and HSC year.
For all languages, you need access to a CD player
and a recording device. You will have to provide
two blank media to receive oral feedback from
your teacher.
For all languages, you must buy a language
dictionary of about $25 to $50.
Spanish Beginners also require a textbook of
about $44 for Preliminary year and $130 for HSC
year. The other language subjects do not require
a textbook.
Mathematics
The choice of your Mathematics subject will
depend on:
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 Your previous maths studies
 How long it is since you studied
mathematics
 Your needs for the future
If you intend to study Mathematics, you may
choose one of the following three options:
 General Mathematics
 Mathematics
 Mathematics with Extension 1
To be successful in studying Mathematics you
need to have a thorough grounding in basic
skills. The prerequisites for individual
Mathematics subjects are given. If you do not
satisfy the prerequisites, you will be unlikely to
succeed.
If you are unsure about the level of mathematics
you will need in future courses, you should
discuss this with a course counsellor at the
university or TAFE you hope to attend.
A scientific calculator (approximate cost of $25)
will be required.
General Mathematics
This subject focuses on mathematical skills and
techniques, which have direct application to
everyday activities. There are five areas of study
with an emphasis on applications. The areas of
study are: Financial Mathematics, Data Analysis,
Measurement, Probability and Algebraic
Modelling.
General Mathematics provides an appropriate
mathematical background for students who do
not wish to pursue the formal study of
mathematics at a tertiary level.
Advisory prerequisites:
Have studied Mathematics for the School
Certificate or equivalent.
Mathematics
This subject provides the mathematical
background and techniques necessary for studies
in economics, engineering and the sciences at
HSC and tertiary level.
Advisory prerequisites:
Have studied the Advanced or Intermediate
Mathematics course for the School Certificate.
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19361 CIL Ver 2.0
Mathematics with Extension 1
This subject provides the mathematical
background and techniques for advanced studies
in economics, engineering and the sciences at
HSC and tertiary level. It includes the entire
Mathematics course as well as Extension 1 topics.
This subject is equivalent to 3 units of study.
(Note that OTEN does not offer HSC
Mathematics Extension 2.)
Advisory prerequisites:
Have studied the Advanced Mathematics for the
School Certificate.
If you intend to enrol in Mathematics, please
submit the Mathematics questionnaire with your
enrolment form. This will allow OTEN teachers
to decide whether your choice of maths subject is
appropriate to your current skills.
Media – News Journalism: VET
VET Course 19223 is for students with good
English skills who are interested in acquiring
journalistic skills and news gathering skills for
the media industry. It is recommended that
prospective students be also studying English
Advanced. Students studying English Standard
may find this course challenging.
Areas covered in this VET course include
researching and presenting information relevant
to the news media, writing in a variety of formats
while operating within the legal and social
constraints of news media, interviewing, taking
and manipulating digital photographs.
This course is 120 hours of study and counts as
either 2 Preliminary or 2 HSC units. Final results
do not count towards the UAI.
You will require access to a computer, Microsoft
Office software and to a digital camera.
Students who complete will receive a Statement
of Attainment.
Students who complete this course may apply for
advanced standing in various
communication/media courses. This course is
nationally recognised.
Modern History
The topics covered in preliminary Modern
History are:
 Nineteenth Century Russia
 The World at the beginning of the 20th
Century
 French-Vietnam Relations 1945-1954
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 Historical Investigations For this HSC subject students are required to 
purchase a compulsory text ‐ PDHPE application 
The HSC topics are: and enquiry HSC course 2nd edition. S.Browne et al 
 Conflict in Indochina 1954-1979 published by Oxford University Press, SBN 978‐
 World War I and its Aftermath 1914-1919 0‐19‐556610‐9. This text may be bought your 
and nearest bookshop or from OTEN for $60. 
 Russia and the Soviet Union 1917-1945 and a
Physics
study of Leon Trotsky
Physics is the study of the material world. It
Cost of textbooks, material is approximately $100 focuses on investigating natural phenomena and
for Preliminary and HSC year. identifying patterns, applying models, principles
and laws to explain their behaviour.
Personal Development/Health/Physical
The Preliminary subject develops knowledge of
Education waves, motion, forces, fields, electricity and
This preliminary subject examines a range of  magnetism by focusing on increasing students’
areas that underpin health and physical activity.  understanding of current communication
This includes how people think about health and  technologies, the use of electricity in the home,
physical activity, the management of personal  interaction involving vehicles, such as car
health and the basis of how the body moves.  crashes, and the mechanisms that govern the
  physical universe.
The preliminary subject comprises 2 core areas  Topics covered in the Preliminary subject are:
and 2 options.  The core topics are: 
 Moving About
 Better Health for Individuals 
 Electrical Energy in the Home
 The Body in Motion 
 The World Communicates
Preliminary option topics are: 
 The Cosmic Engine
 First Aid 
 Fitness Choices  The HSC subject builds on the Preliminary
  concepts by expanding on areas such as
For this Preliminary subject students are required  relativity, the electromagnetic effects and solid
state physics, by focusing on space flight, motors
to purchase a compulsory text ‐ PDHPE 
and generators, and the scientific advances
application and enquiry Preliminary course 2nd 
involved in the development of semi-conductors
edition. S.Browne et al, published by Oxford  and electronics.
University Press, ISBN 978‐0‐1‐0556567‐6. This 
text may be bought your nearest bookshop or  Topics covered in the HSC subject are:
from OTEN for $60.   Space
   Motors and Generators
In the HSC subject the major focus is on   From Ideas to Implementation
Australia’s health status and factors affecting   Astrophysics (as option)
physical performance. The HSC subject 
comprises 2 core areas and 2 options  Please refer to the exclusion of Senior Science
described on page 3 under the heading of Special
 
Science Requirements.
The HSC core topics are: 
 Health Priorities in Australia 
 Factors Affecting Performance  Property Services – Real Estate: VET
The HSC option topics are:  VET Course 17671 is a Board endorsed course.
 Sports Medicine 
 Improving Performance  The course is designed to provide students with
an opportunity to gain an understanding of the
 
property industry and as an entry point in
This subject provides a good understanding of 
accessing employment in a real estate office or 
health and fitness. You do not need to be fit to do 
stock and station agency.
the subject and there are no physical exercises 
required.  Successful completion of four of the units 
  CPPDSM3019A, CPPDSM4007A, CPPDSM4008A 

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19361 CIL Ver 2.0 updated 03-Feb-11
and CPPDSM4080A will allow the student to  Senior Science
apply to the Office of Fair Trading for a  The Senior Science subject caters for students
Certificate of Registration to work for a licensed  requiring a broad cover across all disciplines of
Real Estate Agent as a salesperson or property  science, encouraging them to become
manager/officer.  scientifically literate citizens. The subject
emphasises skill development and is particularly
Successful completion of three of the units  suited to students who do not intend
CPPDSM3019A, CPPDSM4008A and  undertaking further study in Science.
CPPDSM4081A will allow the student to apply to 
Students who do not wish to continue the other
the Office of Fair Trading for a Certificate of 
science subjects onto HSC year, may transfer into
Registration to work for a licensed Stock and 
the HSC year of Senior Science.
Station Agent as a sales person or property 
manager/officer.  The Preliminary subject incorporates the
  collection, storage and conservation of water
resources, the structure and function of plants
The skills attained in this course will assist with with an emphasis on Australian native plants,
the management and marketing of residential and the study of some aspects of human
property as well as working in a corporate anatomy. It discusses issues associated with the
support role in a property office. This course will protection of the body in the workplace and the
include cover areas in property management and interactions between organisms in local
sales support procedures. ecosystems.
This course counts as units towards the award of Topics covered are:
HSC but it is not included in the calculation of
 Water for Living
the ATAR. Completion of the 120 hours course
 Plants
will count as 2 preliminary units. Completion of
 Humans at Work
the 240 hours course will count as 2 preliminary
units and 2 HSC units.  Local Environment.
The HSC subject looks at such diverse areas as
 You will need an IBM compatible with up‐to‐
the chemical properties of substances, the use of
date virus protection and:  
substances in our homes or in our bodies,
 regular access to broadband internet  developments in medical technology such as
connection (preferable) or 56k dialup internet  pacemakers and artificial hearts and new
 email access  technology which has revolutionised the way in
 at least 512MB RAM  which we communicate.
 Windows XP or later 
Topics covered are:
 Adobe Acrobat Reader – available free from 
the Adobe website   Lifestyle Chemistry
 Software such as Microsoft Office or Open   Medical Technology
 Information Systems
Office that can read and write.doc and xls 
 Disasters (as the option)
files 
 CD/DVD drive. 
Please refer to the exclusion of Senior Science
The units in this course are delivered online  described on page 3 under the heading of Special
although a CD is available for those students  Science Requirements.
who don’t have a reliable internet connection.   
However, internet access is required to 
download assessments which are online quizzes 
and assignments. You are able to print the 
learning material but OTEN does not supply 
written learning material.
This course articulates into the Certificate IV in
Property (Real Estate)

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19361 CIL Ver 2.0 updated 03-Feb-11
26. Enquiries
For further information about the HSC Course,
call the HSC Section
Ph: (02) 9715 8638 or 1300 369 598. Follow the
prompt to connect to the HSC Co-ordinator
Fax: (02) 9715 8640
Email: oten.accesshelp@tafensw.edu.au

27. Course information

Ph: (02) 9715 8333 or 1300 362 346 
Fax: (02) 9715 8445 
Email: oten.courseinfo@tafensw.edu.au 

For the latest information on course availability

visit the OTEN website www.oten.edu.au.

OTEN
51 Wentworth Rd 
Strathfield NSW 2135 

28. For further assistance

Contact the General Education section on ph:
1300 369 598 for HSC inquiries.

The Counselling and Careers Unit at OTEN may

be able to help you to:
clarify your career or educational goals, and
choose an appropriate course (or courses) to help
you achieve these goals.

Contact Counselling and Careers on phone

(02) 9715 8446 or 1300 655 993.

OTEN also provides assistance through the:

Disabilities Unit Ph: 1300 362 890
Aboriginal Education and Training Unit
Ph: 1300 888 010
Multicultural Education and Support Unit
Ph: 1800 637 535.
Traineeship Coordinator Ph: 1300 362 418
Email: oten.traineeship@tafensw.edu.au

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