MINIMUM STANDARDS / SHINE PROGRAM

Minimum Standards: Essential Information for Senior Students and Families

All senior students at Wyndham College are required to meet the Minimum Standards in Reading, Writing, and Numeracy in order to receive their Higher School Certificate (HSC). These standards are set by NESA and apply to every student completing senior studies in New South Wales.

What Students Must Achieve

To be eligible for the HSC, students must successfully pass:

Minimum Standard Reading Test
Minimum Standard Writing Test
Minimum Standard Numeracy Test

NESA has made it clear that students who do not meet all three standards will not receive a HSC certificate, regardless of their performance in other subjects. This requirement is non-negotiable and applies to all senior students.

Attempt Limits for 2026

Students have a limited number of opportunities to meet these standards:

Year 11 students: Up to four attempts in 2026
Year 12 students: Up to six attempts this year
Mandatory 30-day gap between each attempt

Because attempts are limited and spaced apart, it is essential that students take each opportunity seriously and prepare thoroughly.

Testing Begins Monday 16 March

Minimum Standards testing will commence on:

Monday 16 March
During scheduled school sessions

A list of students required to sit the tests will be displayed around the school. Students whose names appear must attend. This is not optional. Attending these sessions allows teachers to identify who needs additional support and ensures that every student has the best possible chance of meeting the required standards.

Why This Is Urgent

Meeting the Minimum Standards is a critical requirement for achieving the HSC. Students who delay attempts, miss scheduled sessions, or fail to take the tests seriously risk running out of opportunities before the end of the year.

The consequences are significant:

Failure to meet all three standards = no HSC certificate
Limited attempts mean students cannot afford to miss or postpone tests
Early completion provides more time for support, tutoring, and targeted intervention

We strongly urge all students to approach these tests with commitment and focus. Families are encouraged to discuss the importance of these requirements at home and support students in preparing for each attempt.

Shine Program: Supporting Student Success at Wyndham College

The Shine Program is an important learning initiative designed to give students targeted support in both small-group and classroom settings. Through this program, students work closely with trained tutors who help strengthen key skills and build confidence in their learning.

What the Shine Program Offers

Focused support in Numeracy and Reading
Small-group tutoring and in-class assistance
Opportunities for students to consolidate skills and improve academic performance
Guidance from tutors who work alongside classroom teachers to meet individual learning needs

How Students Were Selected

Students who may benefit from additional support were identified through their PAP Test results. The PAP Test assesses Numeracy and Reading and was administered during Orientation Day for incoming Wyndham College students.

Some students were unable to attend Orientation Day and therefore did not complete the PAP Test. To ensure every student has the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, a catch-up testing session has been arranged.

PAP Test Catch-Up Session

Date: Monday, 16 March
Time: Sessions 1 and 2
Location: As advised on the day
Who should attend: Students whose names appear on the posted list

A list of students required to sit the PAP Test will be displayed around the school. It is important that students check this list and attend the session if their name appears.

Why This Matters

Completing the PAP Test ensures teachers have accurate, up-to-date information about each student’s learning needs. This helps us tailor support through the Shine Program and provide the most effective learning environment possible.

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity so we can work together to support their progress and success.