Contents
ATAR Availability to Schools (Ref: 340/23)
For the first time, UAC will send ATARs directly to schools for students who applied for an ATAR and opted in to share their ATAR with the school. This data is in addition to preference and offers data UAC currently supplies.
The data will be shared under strict terms and conditions including ATAR data cannot be made available to the media or made public in any way that allows for comparisons to be made between schools under the NSW Education Act. Schools can continue to publish information about the ATAR performance of their students to their schools communities.
This information will be available at 10 am Thursday 14 December using your school’s username and password to log in at UAC’s School Hub. ATARs will be available to students from 9 am that day.
Logging in to School Hub
Your school username is comprised of your state and your school code, which is allocated to you by your state school registration authority (e.g., NSW_12345). NESA allocates codes to schools in NSW.
You’ll need your school’s username and password to log in to School Hub. This may not necessarily be the Principal who has the login details. Assistant Principals, Heads of Departments or Career’s Advisers could also have this information. Please check who within your school has these details.
If you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact UAC or email [email protected]. You’ll need to give us your school code before you can be assisted.
NESA Release of the Reformed Science 7–10 and Technology 7–8 Syllabuses (Ref: 330/23)
New syllabuses for Science from years 7-10 and for Technology from years 7-8 have been released. Schools now have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the new syllabuses, prior to implementation in NSW schools in 2026.
The new Science syllabus contains a greater emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to studying scientific concepts and there is an increased focus on the connection between mathematics and science. The syllabus provides more learning opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities and aims to help those students develop the process of working scientifically.
The new Technology syllabus aims to increase students’ understanding and application of resources and technologies to improve sustainability. There is also a greater focus on developing students’ understanding of technology and ethics.
These syllabuses can be found on the NSW Curriculum website.
Schools have access to support materials from the teaching advice webpage to assist with implementation. Schools are also encouraged to see NESA’s online learning hub for related professional development resources.
Schools can find up to date information around Curriculum Reform on the NSW Curriculum Reform webpage.
HSC Data Analysis Seminar (Ref: 272/23)
Teachers, school leaders, and system officers are invited to attend a series of seminars presented by Dr John DeCourcy, discussing the intricacies and importance of understanding and analysing the 2023 HSC Data.
The Seminar Programme spans the following 4 seminars, some with multiple times, and each with a particular audience in mind. Those thinking of registering are reminded to ensure they have a functioning NetID login and that they can access both the HSC Data Analysis Users portal and an online Tutorial within that portal designed to support intending participants.
More information about the tutorial, prerequisites, and the entire programme can be found here: Seminars-2024-outline
Please see below for the date and time of each seminar with registration links.
Diocesan Officers’ Overview
Who: Diocesan & Congregational system officers.
When: Wednesday 31 January 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Where: The Assembly, Mezzanine level, 123 Pitt St, Sydney.
Programme description: this seminar will take participants through using the system-level reports in conjunction with school reports to support schools. There will be opportunities for cross-system sharing and a discussion of key features of the 2023 HSC. A NESA representative will also be present to talk briefly about the 2023 results.
Register here: Overview | Catholic Schools NSW (csnsw.cloud)
HSC Analysis #1: Introduction to the Analysis
Who: Teachers, KLA coordinators, school leaders and interested persons who have not previously attended an HSC seminar.
When:
1. Tuesday 13 February 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
2. Friday 23 February 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Where: Macquarie University City Campus, Level 24, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney.
Programme description: This seminar proposes to discuss why and how data should be used within schools to shape the direction of pedagogy. It will also cover an introduction to the idea of Comparative Learning Gain and how this can be used to understand HSC data.
Register here:
1. Introduction | Catholic Schools NSW (csnsw.cloud) – first session
2. Introduction | Catholic Schools NSW (csnsw.cloud) – second session
HSC Analysis #2: A detailed reading of your Analysis
Who: Experienced users, including teachers, coordinators, APs or Principals who have previously attended at least one HSC Analysis Seminar.
When:
1. Thursday 15 February 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
2. Tuesday 27 February 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Where: Macquarie University City Campus, Level 24, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney.
Programme description: Participants will have the opportunity to spend the majority of the seminar in a detailed, guided reading of their own school’s Analysis. This will include a consideration of ways to resolve any problems highlighted by the Analysis.
Register here:
1. Reading| Catholic Schools NSW (csnsw.cloud) – first session
2.Reading| Catholic Schools NSW (csnsw.cloud) – second session
HSC Analysis #3: Leading your school in the Analysis
Who: Principals, Aps, Leaders of Curriculum or Pedagogy and anyone with a whole school focus.
When: Monday 19 February 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Where: Macquarie University City Campus, Level 24, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney.
Programme description: This seminar will explore the intersection of leadership, data, teacher professional learning and student achievement. Participants will come away having considered a range of leadership responses to their school’s Analysis. Multiple members of a school’s senior leadership team are encouraged to attend.
Register here: Leading| Catholic Schools NSW (csnsw.cloud)
Results Analysis Training 2023/24 (Ref: 334/23)
Teachers are encouraged to take advantage of online training on 15 December 2023 and 13 February 2024 which aims at developing an understanding of Results Analysis and how to use the Results Analysis Package (RAP) data sets to create teaching and learning goals.
This training will be provided by NESA staff and there are sessions suitable for both beginners and those at an intermediate stage.
Session: An Introduction to the Results Analysis Package (Beginners)
Date: Friday 15 December 2023
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 am
Register via this link.
Session: An Introduction to the Results Analysis Package (Beginners)
Date: Tuesday 13 February 2024
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Register via this link.
Session: An Introduction to the Results Analysis Package (Intermediate)
Date: Tuesday 13 February 2024
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Register via this link.
Online Safety Considerations for Generative AI in Education (Ref: 338/23)
Register for eSafety Commissioner’s new 30-minute Gen AI and online safety education professional learning webinars for teachers and school leaders in Term 1, 2024.
Click here to register for the professional learning.
Access eSafety’s AI position paper here: Generative AI – position statement | eSafety Commissioner
Updated Best Practice Guidelines for Anaphylaxis Prevention and Management (Ref: 337/23)
The Best practice guidelines are comprehensive and practical and include key principles for reducing the risk of anaphylaxis along with recommendations for the following:
- Allergy aware approach
- Anaphylaxis management policy and plans
- Allergy documentation
- Emergency response
- Staff training
- Community and peer education
- Post-incident management and incident reporting
The National Allergy Council’s Allergy Aware resource hub was developed to help support schools and children’s education and care services and this has been re-designed to have a fresh, fun look and also a new camp section. This resource hub includes the best practice guidelines and supporting resources developed by the National Allergy Council along with a range of other evidence-based, best-practice resources developed by ASCIA and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.
Allergy Aware Resource hub – www.allergyaware.org.au
Student Wellbeing Boost - A Commonwealth Government Initiative (339/23)
All schools across the state will receive one-off funding for extra mental health and wellbeing resources and initiatives through the Boost. The funding will support schools to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and successive lockdowns on the mental health and wellbeing of their students. Through the Boost, schools can purchase new programs, services or resources, or use the funds to supplement existing initiatives supporting the specific needs of their students.
Schools do not need to apply for the Boost to receive money. Funds will be distributed to systemic Catholic schools via their diocesan Catholic Schools Office. Non-systemic Catholic schools will receive their funds directly from the NSW Government. These funds will be dispersed from the week commencing Monday, 11 December.
The original Commonwealth Government announcement suggested each school would receive $20,000 under the Boost. However, in accordance with the Federation Funding Agreement Schedule and implementation process, the NSW Government was required to develop a methodology that allocated funds based on school size and need. The minimum amount of money a school will receive as a one-off payment is $7,500, with larger and more disadvantaged schools receiving higher amounts. In some cases, funding allocations will exceed the original $20,000 cap.
As per the terms of the agreement between the NSW Government and all NSW school sectors, the Boost funds will need to be spent, or committed to be spent, by 31 March 2024. This means that schools need to have a plan (a commitment) in place for how they intend to use the funding during 2024 by the end of March. Funds do not need to be spent all at once and can be used to support multiple initiatives.
Schools do not need to submit a specific report detailing how this funding was spent. However, schools must comply with the conditions set out on the NSW Department of Education website.
NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2023-2030 (Ref: 331/23)
The NSW Minister for Health has recently announced the new 2023 – 2030 strategy for the prevention of skin cancer. This strategy was developed by the Cancer Institute NSW and Prof Tracey O’Brien, NSW Chief Cancer Officer, explained that it “is about working across government and community to ensure people are empowered and supported to protect their skin when at school, work[,] and enjoying the outdoors.”
The strategy will focus on community engagement and schools have been listed as a priority setting for promoting skin safety and for starting prevention early.
More information can be found on the Cancer Institute NSW website.
Nominations Close Soon: The 2023 Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize (336/23)
This award was first presented in 1993 in memory of Brother John Taylor who made a significant contribution to education in NSW.
The Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize recognises excellent achievement in the HSC by a student or students despite disability or another disadvantage.
The prize consists of a cash grant, a trophy and a certificate recognising the award. It’s administered by a committee representing NESA, Catholic Schools NSW, the NSW Department of Education and the Association of Independent Schools NSW.
Nominations close on Friday 15 December 2023.
For more information or to nominate someone, click here.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship Program 2024 (Ref: 329/23)
Applications are now open for TAFE and University scholarships from Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Students who are from rural and regional areas or who are experiencing financial difficulty can apply for a variety of scholarships to support them in pursuing a tertiary education.
These scholarships include:
- Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Uni Scholarship for rural and regional students – 12 scholarships of $6,500 per student, per year, for two years.
- Bendigo Bank TAFE Scholarship for rural and regional students – Five scholarships of $5,000 per student, per year, for two years.
- Robert Johanson Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Board Scholarship – One scholarship of $8,000 per year, for two years.
- Bendigo Bank Indigenous Scholarship Program – Four scholarships of $6,500 per student, per year, for two years for those studying at either university or TAFE.
- Rural Bank Agribusiness Scholarship – Six scholarships of $6,000 per student, per year, for two years. Two $3,000 TAFE scholarships for one year are also available. Students must demonstrate a desire to contribute to the Australian agricultural sector.
Students also have the option of apply for scholarships from several Community Banks across Australia.
Most applications for scholarships will close by the end of January 2024.
Students can apply for the above listed scholarships here: Home Page – Bendigo Bank (smartygrants.com.au)
Students can apply for Community Bank scholarships here: Scholarship – Foundation (communityenterprisefoundation.com.au)