Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)


The Western Australian Certificate of Education is awarded to secondary school students who satisfy its requirements.
The WACE is recognised by universities, other tertiary institutions, industry and other training institutions.

WACE requirements for 2012 and beyond

In order for students to be eligible for a WACE for 2012 and beyond, they must satisfy the following requirements

Breadth of
study
  • Complete a minimum of 20 course units or the equivalent. Up to 10 unit equivalents may comprise endorsed programs, including VET credit transfer. (Stand alone units).
  • The 20 course units must include at least:
    • Four course units from English, Literature and/or English as an Additional Language/Dialect, studied during Year 11 and Year 12. (At least two of these units must be completed in year 12).
    • One pair of course units from each of
      List A (arts/language/social sciences) and
      List B (mathematics/science/technology) completed in Year 12.


Achievement
standard
requirement
  • Achieve a C grade or better across the best 16 course units of which at least 8 must be completed in Year 12.
  • Endorsed programs and/or VET credit transfer (stand alone) can reduce the required number of course units by up to 6 units.


English
language
competence
  • Students must achieve a C grade or better in any Stage 1 or higher course unit from English. Literature and/or English as an Additional Language/Dialect. (Except 1A and 1B for English as an Additional Language/Dialect.
  • For students who have not achieved a C grade in one of their English, Literature and/or English as an Additional Language/Dialect course units, schools will need to compare a section of the students work with the work samples to verify the student has demonstrated the required standard.


Examinations All students studying a course at Stage 2 or Stage 3 in the final year of senior secondary schooling (Year 12) are required to sit an examination at the appropriate stage of that course, unless exempt.

Practical and performance examinations are conducted in addition to written examinations for some courses.

Full time students who are enrolled to complete, in the current year, at least 220 nominal hours of VET (leading to completion of at least 1 qualification or approved skill set) and are enrolled in 3 or fewer Stage 2 and/or Stage 3 pairs of units are eligible to apply for exemption from sitting the examinations.

Students enrolled to complete a School Apprenticeship Link program, Aboriginal School Based Traineeship, School Based Apprenticeship or Pre-Apprenticeship are eligible to apply for exemption from sitting examinations.


Only those students who qualify for the Western Australian Certificate of Education by completing all requirements prior to the conclusion of the college year (and have Good Standing Status) will be eligible to attend the John Tonkin College Graduation Ceremony.