South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is an internationally recognised qualification designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and capabilities required for further study, employment and life beyond school. At 91心頭利嫋, students are supported to find pathways that reflect their interests, strengths and future aspirations.
The SACE provides opportunities for students to combine school-based subjects with Vocational Education and Training (VET), community learning, university studies and other recognised learning experiences. Students demonstrate their learning through a range of assessment types including investigations, performances, practical applications, projects and examinations.
SACE assessment is completed across two stages:
Stage 1, generally undertaken in Year 11
Stage 2, generally undertaken in Year 12
Most students begin their SACE journey in Year 10 through the completion of Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF), allowing students to begin considering future pathways, personal strengths and learning goals.
At 91心頭利嫋, Year 11 students typically undertake six subjects each semester, while Year 12 students study a minimum of four full year subjects. Students may also have opportunities to engage in additional recognised learning pathways where appropriate or accelerate selected SACE subjects. Please see the Inclusion policy, available on the 91心頭利嫋 website, for further information regarding acceleration.
To achieve the SACE, students must successfully complete 200 credits of learning. Credits are gained through the successful completion of subjects and recognised learning experiences. All Stage 2 subjects include an externally assessed component worth 30% of the final grade, which may include examinations, performances, investigations or other external assessments.

SACE at 91心頭利嫋
91心頭利嫋 offers a broad range of SACE subjects and pathway options designed to support diverse student interests, strengths and post school goals. All SACE subjects are developed and quality assured by the SACE Board of South Australia and are assessed using statewide performance standards.
The compulsory requirements of the SACE include:
- Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) – 10 Stage 1 credits
- Literacy requirement – minimum 20 Stage 1 credits
- Numeracy requirement – minimum 10 Stage 1 credits
- Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) – 10 Stage 2 credits
- A minimum of 60 additional credits at Stage 2
- An overall total of at least 200 SACE Credits
Compulsory SACE Components
- Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) is generally completed during Year 10. This subject supports students to explore their identity, interests, capabilities and future aspirations while developing skills in reflection, inquiry and self-directed learning.
- Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) is a compulsory Stage 2 subject completed during either Year 11 or Year 12. AIF supports students to take increasing ownership of their learning through the exploration, development and application of an area of personal interest connected to future pathways and capabilities.
- Students must achieve a grade of C or higher in 20 Stage 1 English credits to meet their Literacy requirement.
- Students must achieve a grade of C or higher in 20 Stage 1 Maths credits which meets their Numeracy requirement.
- Students must achieve a grade of C or higher for Stage 1 EIF.
- Students must achieve a grade of C- or higher for Stage 2 subjects, including AIF.
Students Online and Further Information Students Online
Students Online is a one-stop shop for information about an individual students SACE. Students can:
- Plan their SACE and look at different subject, or subject and course combinations.
- Check their progress towards completing their SACE.
- Access their results
Further information about the SACE can be found at

Alternative Options
Comprehensive SACE Pathways
91心頭利嫋 is committed to providing a wide range of pathway options to support students in successfully completing their SACE. Each students program is designed to be achievable, personalised and aligned with their future aspirations, interests and career goals.
Students work closely with the SACE Leader, Future Pathways Leader and other relevant staff members when selecting Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects. Students and families are encouraged to engage in detailed discussions with College staff to ensure subject selections and pathway choices are appropriate, and balanced, and supportive of future study, training or employment opportunities.
For further information or to discuss available SACE pathway options, please contact the SACE Leader, Future Pathways Leader, VET Coordinator or Head of Learning, Teaching and Innovation (R-12).
Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the SACE
Students in Years 11 and 12 may choose to undertake a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course as part of their SACE. VET allows students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while developing practical workplace skills and industry experience within their chosen field.
Students interested in undertaking a VET course must meet with the VET Coordinator to discuss suitability and pathway alignment. As part of the subject selection process, students are required to nominate VET as a subject choice and complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form alongside their Subject Selection Form. Course availability and approval are subject to review processes, student suitability and provider availability.
Many VET courses are delivered off campus. Students are responsible for arranging transport to and from the training location and for maintaining progress in any missed schoolwork. Depending on the course, students may also be required to complete additional application processes, interviews or literacy and numeracy assessments. VET students may apply for a line of Study at subject selection to support them in managing workload.
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Students may also combine their SACE studies with a part time apprenticeship or traineeship. Learning completed through a school based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) contributes towards SACE completion while allowing students to gain valuable industry experience and employment skills.
Students undertaking this pathway generally have a negotiated timetable and reduced subject load to support workplace commitments. Students interested in this option must meet with the VET Coordinator to discuss suitability, requirements and pathway planning.
Flexible Learning Options
91心頭利嫋 offers a number of flexible learning options for students who, for a variety of reasons, may need an alternative way to complete the SACE. Some of these options include community learning, community studies and integrated learning.
There are many options and programs available to students to complete the SACE. All students will work closely with the SACE Coordinator, Careers Counsellor and other relevant staff members when choosing their Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects in order to select a program that is achievable and most appropriate for their future pathways. For more information please contact the SACE Coordinator, the VET Coordinator or the Head of Learning, Teaching and Innovation (R-12) at the College.

Beyond 91心頭利嫋
Post-School Options
When planning a SACE pathway, it is important for students to consider their interests, strengths and possible pathways beyond school. There are many options available after Year 12, including university, vocational education and training, apprenticeships, traineeships, employment and further specialised study.
Many career pathways involve some form of ongoing education or training, ranging from certificate level qualifications, including trade pathways through to undergraduate and postgraduate university degrees. As students plan their SACE, it is important to carefully consider any future study requirements, including subject prerequisites, assumed knowledge and entry requirements. Students who are still exploring future possibilities are encouraged to select subjects that keep a broad range of options open.
Higher Education
The South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) manages applications and offers for university courses in South Australia. SATAC provides a range of helpful publications and resources to support students and families in understanding tertiary entry processes, university pathways and admission requirements.
Students considering university study are strongly encouraged to review the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet relevant to their year of graduation. This publication includes important information regarding SACE completion requirements, tertiary admission procedures, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), scaling, prerequisites and assumed knowledge for university courses.
Further information can be accessed through
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
The ATAR is the most commonly used mechanism for Year 12 Students to enter undergraduate higher education courses in Australia. The ATAR is not a score, but a rank that compares a students overall academic achievement against other Year 12 students across Australia.
To receive an ATAR, students must first qualify for the SACE and obtain a university aggregate. The university aggregate is calculated by combining the scaled scores from a students best 90 credits of Stage 2 study.
To be eligible for a university aggregate, students must:
- Qualify for the SACE.
- Follow SATAC rules relating to precluded combinations and counting restrictions.
- Complete at least 90 credits of study at Stage 2, with at least 60 credits derived from 20 credit TAS subjects.
Adjustment Factors
South Australian universities may apply adjustment factors to support equitable access to tertiary study. Adjustment factors are applied through two schemes:
Universities Equity Scheme up to 5 points, including school based and individual adjustment categories.
Universities Language, Literacy and Numeracy Scheme up to 4 points.
A university aggregate can be adjusted by a maximum of 9 points. SATAC applies these adjustment factors to a students university aggregate to create a selection rank, which is then used by universities when making course offers.
Please note that students attending 91心頭利嫋 are not eligible for the Universities Equity Scheme school-based adjustment points. Students and families are encouraged to review the SATAC website to determine eligibility for individual adjustment factors and to access the most up to date information regarding adjustment schemes and selection ranks.
Interstate and International Universities
Students considering interstate or international university pathways are encouraged to undertake thorough research and contact institutions directly to confirm admission requirements, prerequisites and application processes. Interstate universities may have different entry requirements, prerequisite subjects and selection processes.
Please note that Stage 2 English subjects, such as SACE English or English Literary Studies, are minimum tertiary entry requirements for undergraduate courses at Victorian universities. Information regarding Victorian tertiary pathways can be found through the
Vocational Education and Training
Students may also pursue vocational education and training pathways through TAFE SA or other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). SACE completion meets the Course Admission Requirements (CARs) for many TAFE SA courses, although some qualifications may have additional entry requirements or prerequisite studies.
Applications to TAFE SA are completed online, with application dates varying between courses and qualifications. Students considering study through another RTO are encouraged to contact the provider directly to confirm admission requirements and course information. Further information can be accessed through
