Repeating courses
- What is repeating?
- Repeating the same course
- Repeating a component of a subject that has an Extension course
- Studying a different course in the same subject area
What is repeating?
You are considered to be repeating an HSC course if you:
- repeat the same course or
- study a different course in the same subject area, apart from an Extension course.
Within a five-year period there are no restrictions on the number of times you can repeat a course. If you repeat a course, only the marks for the latest satisfactory attempt will be available for inclusion in the calculation of your ATAR.
Repeating the same course
Example: You studied Biology in 2008 and you decide to repeat Biology in 2009. Only your 2009 Biology marks will be available for inclusion in the calculation of your ATAR in 2009 even if they are lower than your 2008 Biology marks.
Repeating a component of a subject that has an Extension course
Example: In 2008 you studied 2-unit Modern History and the History Extension course. In 2009 you could repeat:
- just the 2-unit course
- just the extension course or
- both the 2-unit and the extension courses.
In the first case, you would keep your 2008 mark in the extension course. Your 2-unit mark from 2008 would be replaced by the 2-unit mark achieved in 2009.
In the second case, you would keep your 2-unit mark. Your 2008 mark in the extension course would be replaced by your 2009 extension mark.
In the third case both marks would be replaced by the marks gained in 2009.
Studying a different course in the same subject area
A different course in the same subject area is considered to be a repeat course and completely replaces the previous course in the calculation of the ATAR. The repeat course may have a different unit value from the previous course.
For some subject areas the Board of Studies rules on repeating are complex. It is essential that you consult with your school to determine the impact of repeating a course or replacing one course with another.
Example: You study a beginners language course and the following year complete the continuers language course in the same language - the mark in the continuers language course replaces the mark in the beginners course.
If you enrol in a repeat course and subsequently withdraw, either officially by advising your principal or the Board of Studies, or unofficially by non-attendance at the appropriate examination, you will be considered as not having completed the course and it will be regarded as a non-satisfactory attempt. In this case, the marks from your previous satisfactory attempt in the course will be available for inclusion in the calculation of your ATAR.
