Information for new students
Here's a quick summary of most of the things you will need to know to get started in Year 12 at James Meehan High School:
COMING SOON - UPDATED BOOK
Student Handbook
This is a more detailed version of policies, procedures and rules at James Meehan High School. It's how we look after your wellbeing, and keep the school running smoothly.
COMING SOON - UPDATED BOOK
Wellbeing
Wellbeing for schools is a strengths-based approach across all NSW public schools, so that every student can connect, succeed and thrive at school and beyond.
Student wellbeing has always been a top priority at James Meehan High School.
Find more about the Department of Education Wellbeing initiatives here: Wellbeing for Schools DoE
Courses
Year 12 students attempting the Higher School Certificate (HSC) will continue to study the courses they commenced in Year 11.
Students should ensure they are prepared to pay any fees for materials and equipment in their elective courses. The school office can provide a list of subject contributions for different courses.
Students in Year 12 will complete their Vocational Education courses (VET) started in Year 11.
Record of School Achievement (RoSA)
Eligible students who leave school before receiving their Higher School Certificate (HSC) will receive the NSW Record of School Achievement (RoSA). This credential replaces the School Certificate, which is no longer issued.
The RoSA is a cumulative credential in that it allows students to build upon their academic results until they leave school.
The RoSA records completed Stage 5 (Years 9-10) and Preliminary Stage 6 (Years 11-12) courses and grades, and participation in any uncompleted Preliminary Stage 6 courses.
It is particularly useful to students leaving school prior to the HSC.
The BOSTES website has all the details at RoSA.
Higher School Certificate (HSC)
Students achieve the Higher School Certificate by completing an approved set of courses to the end of Year 12. For most students, this will include sitting for the HSC written examinations.
Satisfactory completion of courses
To receive a result in any course, students must satisfactorily complete that course by:
- following the course developed by BOSTES
- applying themselves with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks provided in the course by the school
- achieving some or all of the course outcomes.
Assessing student achievement
In Year 12, teachers use a variety of ways to assess the knowledge, skills and understanding of their students. They may look at work in class, tests and assignments.
Assessment tasks are compulsory tasks that teachers use to judge achievement in a course. All students in a course will be required to do equivalent assessment tasks. As such, it is important that students complete tasks on or before the due date, and to the best of their ability.
Vocational Education and Training
During Year 12, students at James Meehan High complete the VET courses started in Year 11.
VET courses provide a nationally recognised TAFE equivalent credential. To complete these courses, students must complete 70 hours of work placement in a business or industry workplace.
School Based Apprenticeship and Training - SBAT
Students at our school have the opportunity to complete an SBAT whilst also studying all other mainstream courses in Year 11 and 12. The areas in which SBATs can be completed are very diverse and link in with industry in our local area. Students are able to complete their first year of apprenticeship, studying at TAFE one day a week and gain paid employment in the occupation they are studying.
Preparing for further study and careers
A number of organisations (see Our Supporters) partner with the school to inspire our Year 11 students to think about opportunities for careers, workplace experience and tertiary studies, long before they leave school.
Aspire, through the University of NSW, encourages students to aim high and to consider options for university study.
The Beacon Foundation links our students with businesses and the community to help bring relevance to the curriculum, and prepare students for their future by teaching real-life skills.