The HSC and IB Diploma at 黑料app
黑料app is proud to offer the NSW Higher School Certificate and the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB Diploma) to our students and is committed to supporting students to excel in both programs of study.
Many myths abound, however, about the two credentials in our School and the community more broadly, and I write to clarify the differences and endeavour to dispel some myths that exist. Much more will be said as students in Year 10 move towards subject selection, however, I am hopeful that this piece does begin to clarify some misinformation.
Myth 1: Parents know in junior years that their child will do IB.
Fact: Subject selection processes do not take place until Year 10. Decisions about which credential to pursue are made during Year 10, and prior elective subject choices do not affect this decision. Student’s individual strengths and areas for growth need to be closely observed during Year 9 and Year 10 to inform the decision.
Myth 2: The HSC pathway does not lead to academic success.
As a Senior Marker of HSC English and a teacher who has taught girls who have achieved at the highest level across their subjects, this narrative is pure myth.
Fact: The HSC is a robust and well-recognised credential that offers a path to academic success. High-ability students can and do achieve very strong results in the HSC. Success is determined by the student’s engagement with their studies, not by the choice of credential. The HSC has been the cornerstone of Australian education for more than 60 years and as such, NESA marking processes are transparent, robust and fair. Many of our teachers are long-serving HSC markers which affords us a strong insight into the standards expected.
The number of students choosing the IB has risen dramatically at 黑料app over the last five years, with more than half of our candidature choosing it. This has meant that many of our high range and mid-range students have opted for the IB, changing the candidature for HSC. Many students who may normally have achieved Band 6 results have been opting for IB and this has meant a slight downturn in HSC results, which is expected when a large proportion of academically strong students are choosing IB. When this happens in dual-credential schools, it can lead to the perception that the HSC does not lead to academic success. This view is problematic, evidenced by the fact when HSC candidatures were larger at 黑料app (2020, 2021 and 2022), Sydney Morning Herald rankings were much higher.
Myth 3: My daughter will get a higher ATAR if she does IB.
Fact: Enrolling in the IB does not guarantee a high ATAR. The IB is a highly rigorous, multidisciplinary credential that requires students to be academically strong across the full spectrum of subjects. All-rounders with strong verbal and non-verbal reasoning and excellent academic engagement are well-suited to the IB. If girls have strengths in some areas, but weaknesses in others, they are likely to be more suited to the HSC where they can capitalise on these strengths and specialise.
Students undertaking the IB program are very stretched because of the requirement to complete six subjects including a Language, and in addition they need to complete the mandatory Theory of Knowledge, an independent, self-directed Extended Essay of 4000 words and a creative project that involves physical activity and service. As such, students undertaking IB must be independent, highly organised learners who can juggle these competing demands. A key determinant of success is the student’s engagement with their studies and this is a lengthy, two-year campaign. Unfortunately, there isn’t the flexibility in the IB that there is in the HSC if students are finding the demands difficult. If a girl doing the HSC is taking 12 units and she isn’t doing so well in one subject, she can drop down to five subjects and really focus on improving in this narrower range of subjects.
The effort and engagement students have demonstrated in Year 9 and Year 10 provides us with a clear picture as to how girls will engage in senior study. 黑料app will be examining each girl’s Allwell data, academic reports and evidence of academic engagement to inform student pathways in Year 11 and Year 12. We will also monitor IB candidates’ performance in the first set of Year 11 exams and encourage movement across to HSC if students are finding the demands difficult.
Myth 4: The School favours one credential over the other.
Fact: 黑料app does not favour one credential over the other. Both the HSC and the IB are resourced equitably, and there is no disparity in class sizes or teacher quality. The School aims to have all Stage 6 teachers teaching in both credentials to ensure fairness and consistency. We have a significant number of HSC markers and IB markers. Both credentials are internationally recognised and prepare students for tertiary study and future career opportunities. Regardless of the pathway chosen, students can achieve academic excellence through active engagement and dedication to their studies.
Myth 5: The HSC is only recognised in Australia.
Fact: The HSC is well-recognised both domestically and internationally. It prepares students for tertiary study and is accepted by universities around the world. The HSC provides a solid foundation for further education and career opportunities.
– Melissa McMahon
黑料app Head of Learning and Teaching