At Sacred Heart College, all Year 11 and 12 courses (including Religion and Life) are accredited by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).

1. ATAR Courses
   ATAR courses are assessed numerically and each student is awarded a percentage mark and grade for each course. ATAR courses are intended for students aiming to enrol in a university course directly from school. These courses will be examined by SCSA and contribute to the achievement of an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Students aspiring to University are strongly advised to study at least five ATAR Courses in Years 11 and 12. School based examinations will be held at the completion of Semester One and Semester Two for Year 11 and 12 ATAR Courses.
   
   
2. General Courses
   General courses are assessed numerically and each student is awarded a percentage mark and grade for each Course. General courses do not include examinations and are primarily intended for students aiming to enter further training or the workforce directly from school. These courses are also intended for students who wish to access university through an alternative pathway, apart from the exclusive use of ATAR as a basis for entry. Students who choose a CareerLink pathway are expected to study General Courses and complete a Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate.

EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS
In Year 12, students studying ATAR Courses are required to sit external examinations set by SCSA in order to gain direct access to university from secondary school. These examinations normally occur in November.

ASSESSMENT
Assessment for each course is continuous and cumulative. Grades achieved at the end of the year are reported to SCSA. At the completion of Year 12, each student will receive a Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement (WASSA). This will provide a summary of all the courses completed in Years 11 and 12 and the student’s level of achievement in these courses.

GRADING

A - Excellent Achievement

B - High Achievement

C - Satisfactory Achievement

D - Limited Achievement

E  - Very Low Achievement

OTHER COURSES

1. Vocational Education and Training (VET) industry specific courses are for students who are aiming to enter further training or the workforce directly from school. VET programs contribute to the achievement of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). VET courses have been developed in close consultation with WA Industry Training Councils and include a full, nationally recognised qualification and mandatory industry-related workplace learning. These courses are mainly offered through the CareerLink program. The College also offers a Certificate II/III in Music Industry and a Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology.
   
   
2. Foundation courses are intended for students who need additional assistance in demonstrating the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy. The College ultimately determines whether these courses are offered from year to year.
   
   
3. Preliminary courses are intended for students who require modification to the curriculum to meet their special needs. Preliminary courses do not contribute to the achievement of a WACE. These courses are only offered on a needs basis. The College ultimately determines whether these courses are offered from year to year.
   
   
4. Endorsed programs cannot be directly used for university entrance. However, they can be used towards the achievement of WACE and they are recorded on a student’s Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement (WASSA).