SACE programme

The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is overseen by the SACE Board, a statutory authority of the Government of South Australia. It is an internationally recognised secondary-school qualification, equivalent to the International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement in North America and GCE A Levels in the United Kingdom.

Students typically complete SACE between the ages of 16 and 18, over two years of full-time study corresponding to Years 11 and 12.

Programme structure

SACE runs in two stages: Stage 1 (usually completed at the end of Year 11) and Stage 2 (end of Year 12). Students need 200 credits to complete the certificate.

Compulsory requirements

Of the 200 credits, 50 are compulsory and must be passed at C or better in Stage 1 and C- or better in Stage 2:

• Exploring Identities and Futures (Stage 1) — 10 credits, completed in Year 10 or 11.
• Numeracy requirement — one mathematics subject at Stage 1 or 2, 10 credits.
• Literacy requirement — one English subject at Stage 1 or 2, 20 credits.
• Research Project / Activating Identities and Futures (Stage 2) — 10 credits.

The remaining 150 credits come from elective subjects, of which at least 60 must be at Stage 2.

Studying SACE at Sarah

• A plan that fits — a subject combination chosen for the course and university the student is aiming at.
• Current materials — lessons aligned to the SACE Board’s assessment requirements.
• Support that continues — an academic advisor across both stages, particularly through the Research Project.