SAC Notifications
What is a SAC Notification?
A SAC Notification is a formal document provided to students before each School-Assessed Coursework (SAC). It outlines the key details of the assessment so that students are fully informed.
SAC Notifications are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency across all assessments. They help students understand exactly what is expected and give them the opportunity to prepare effectively.
Teachers will distribute a SAC notification, either in hard copy or electronically, at least two weeks prior to the scheduled assessment.
What information does the SAC notification include?
A SAC Notification typically sets out the:
- Subject, Unit and Area of Study
- Outcome(s) being assessed and the relevant Key Knowledge and Skills from the Study Design
- Date, time and duration of the SAC as well as location (if relevant)
- Conditions for the assessment, including what materials students are allowed to bring (for example, a dictionary or calculator). If students bring in anything that isn’t listed, it will be treated as a breach of VCAA rules. [For more details, see the Plagiarism and Authentication Policy.]
- Authentication requirements. There are reminders about submitting original work and acknowledging sources.
How should Students use it?
Students are encouraged to:
- Read the SAC notification carefully, checking the date, time, and conditions to avoid any misunderstanding.
- Plan ahead and use the notification to organise study time and prepare resources.
- Speak to their subject teacher well before the assessment date if anything is unclear and to avoid any misunderstanding.
- Refer back to the SAC notification for reference during examination periods.
Follow the conditions set out by the SAC notification to ensure compliance with VCAA rules on authentication and permitted materials.
Below is an example of a SAC notification. Refer to the Study Skills booklet for strategies on how you can use the notification to maximise your SAC preparation.