Media Release
June 10 2008
UniSA endorses future SACE
The
University of South Australia commends the new university entrance
criteria for students undertaking the
future SACE
(South Australian Certificate in Education), affirming that the system
will provide greater access to higher education for students across the
State.
The four public universities in SA and the NT have collaboratively developed the new entry criteria, to be based on an 80-point Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
Students will count the best possible scores from three of their 20-credit SACE Stage 2 subjects, plus the best outcome from a fourth flexible option (20-credits). Other qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, interstate year 12 subjects or VET qualifications, may also qualify under the new entry criteria.
UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic, Professor Peter Lee said the new university entry criteria allows for a much broader range of subjects to be included in the TER.
“Students will have greater choice and flexibility for their Year 12 studies,” Prof Lee said. “The new system will also open the doors to University to a wider cross section of students around the State.
“This resonates positively with UniSA’s commitment to equity and access to education for all students.”
Under the current system, subjects are classified into two groups – HESS General subjects and HESS Restricted subjects. The new SACE abolishes these eligibility rules further extending the option for university study to a greater pool of students.
Prof Lee said the new entry criteria will maintain a strong level of academic rigour while broadening the subject options for students wishing to apply for University entry.
“The new requirement for all SACE subjects to have at least a 30 per cent external assessment component will ensure the academic rigour required for university entry.”
Prof Lee said UniSA is particularly pleased with the inclusion of the Extended Learning Initiative in the new eligibility criteria, a subject that will enable students to conduct a detailed study in an area of personal interest, and to count this towards their TER.
“The Extended Learning Initiative is a wonderful addition to the TER,” Professor Lee said.
“It is designed to enable students to learn how to conduct self-directed study, a skill that will help prepare students for study at university level”.
The new entry criteria will apply for the first time to the 2011 cohort of Year 12 students who will be seeking entry to university in 2012.
Contacts for interview
- Prof Peter Lee office (08) 8302 0154 email peter.lee@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
-
Vincent Ciccarello office (08) 8302 0578 mobile 0434 603 457
email vincent.ciccarello@unisa.edu.au