Achieving the SACE

How the SACE Works

To achieve the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), students must successfully complete 200 credits through a combination of Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects and other recognised learning.

A 10-credit subject is usually completed over one semester, while a 20-credit subject is generally completed over two semesters.

Students have flexibility to select subjects and learning pathways that align with their interests, strengths and future goals.

For further information about the SACE, visit sace.sa.edu.au.

  • To successfully complete the SACE, students must complete the following compulsory components:

    • Literacy requirement (20 credits)
      demonstrated from a range of English subjects at Stage 1 or Stage 2.

    • Numeracy requirement (10 credits)
      demonstrated from a range of Mathematics subjects at Stage 1 or Stage 2.

    • Exploring Identities and Futures (10 credits)
      A Stage 1 subject focused on personal development, goal setting, and future pathways. The majority of students in South Australia will complete their journey with EIF in Year 10.

    • Activating Identities and Futures (10 credits)
      A Stage 2 major project, where students undertake in-depth research and apply their learning to a chosen area of interest.

  • 90 Credits - Student-Selected Learning

    Students choose and successfully complete a range of learning options that reflect their interests, strengths and future pathways, including:

    • Stage 1 and Stage 2 SACE subjects

    • Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses

    • Approved community learning opportunities

    These learning experiences contribute 90 credits towards the SACE.

    60 Credits- Stage 2 and/or Uni courses

    Students must also successfully complete at least 60 credits at Stage 2 level, which may be achieved through:

    • Stage 2 SACE subjects

    • Extension Studies- Flinders University OR The Activate Program ā€“ Adelaide University

    We work closely with each student to select the subjects and learning programs that best match their strengths, interests, and future aspirations, helping them maximise their opportunities for further education and career pathways.

  • Stage 1: Student achievement is 100% school assessed and reported using grades from A to E. Teachers assess student work against SACE performance standards and subject requirements.

    Stage 2: Assessment is 70% school assessed and 30% externally assessed by the SACE Board. Achievement is reported using grades from A+ to Eāˆ’, with the final grade determined according to SACE performance standards and assessment requirements.

  • HOW TO GET AN ATAR

    You are eligible for an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank ( ATAR) if you achieve 90 credits in Stage 2. The South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre ( SATAC) has responsibility for calculating the ATAR. For more information about the ATAR ( including scaling), visit satac.edu.au.

    Detailed subject outlines, assessment information, and additional guidance can be found in the Curriculum Guide and on the SACE website.