Pathways for Life and New Horizons: Learning in Stage 6

At Jerrabomberra High School, Stage 6 is where students take greater ownership of their learning. Years 11 and 12 focus on specialisation, independence, and preparation for diverse pathways — including university, TAFE, apprenticeships, and employment.

Stage 6 requirements

Students can choose from a wide range of electives across sciences, humanities, creative arts, TAS, PDHPE, and VET courses — tailoring their program to their strengths, interests, and goals.

The Stage 6 Learning Experience

What students experience

  • Personalised subject choices shaping individual career pathways
  • Support to balance academic rigour with wellbeing
  • Opportunities to combine academic and vocational learning
  • Development of independence, resilience, and future readiness
  • Careers advice and mentoring to guide post-school decisions

Learning and assessment

In Stage 6, assessment is aligned with NESA requirements and course outcomes. Students complete a range of formal and informal assessment tasks designed to monitor progress, provide feedback, and prepare them for the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Assessment guides and schedules are provided at the beginning of the year, outlining task types, weightings and due dates.

Students are expected to meet all course requirements and manage their time effectively to balance assessment commitments across subjects. Further information about assessment processes, grading and reporting can be found on our Assessment and Reporting page.

Read more about Assessment and Reporting

Preparing for the future

We support students to plan and transition into life beyond school through:

  • Subject selection advice and senior studies mentoring
  • Careers counselling and pathway planning
  • Work experience and industry visits
  • School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs), which combine paid work, formal training, and school study.

Credentials explained

  • Higher School Certificate (HSC): The main credential awarded at the end of Year 12, showing a student’s results across their chosen courses. It can open pathways to university, TAFE, training, or employment.
  • Record of School Achievement (RoSA): Issued if a student leaves school before completing the HSC. It records the courses completed and the grades achieved up until the student leaves.

Learn more at NESA – Higher School Certificate.