Pathways at a Glance
Progressing from Year 10 into the senior years of schooling is an exciting time, irrespective of whether that involves moving towards the Higher School Certificate, the IB
Diploma or a vocational qualification.
Outlined below is a snapshot of some key elements for each pathway as well as video presentations for your information.
HSC Pathway
| HSC Pathway |
| Broad-based pattern of study leading towards university matriculation |
| Allows students to specialise in disciplines or ways of learning (only compulsory subject is English) |
| Assessed through internal assessments and the external HSC Examinations |
| Can include a vocational (VET) subject |
| Leads to the award of the NSW Higher School Certificate |
| Subject results provide students with an ATAR for university applications |
Watch a presentation about the HSC pathway at The Riverina Anglican College.
IB Pathway
| IB Pathway |
| Broad-based pattern of study leading towards university matriculation |
| Asks students to work over a broad range of academic disciplines |
| Assessed through internal assessments (moderated by the IB) and external IB examinations |
| Does not include vocational (VET) subjects |
| Leads to the award of the IB Diploma |
| Overall result (out of 45) is converted to an ATAR for university applications |
Watch a presentation about the IB pathway at The Riverina Anglican College.
Vocational and Non-ATAR Pathways
| Vocational and Non-ATAR Pathways |
| Broad-based pattern of study for students who may not be looking to university study |
| Allows students to study in areas that provide advanced standing or pathways into a range of vocational pathways |
| VET subjects assessed through competency-based assessments, work placements and (in some cases) an external examination |
| Can include traditional academic subjects |
| Leads to the award of the NSW Higher School Certificate and nationally recognised Certificate II/III qualifications |
| Students may not receive an ATAR (depending on their specific pattern of study) |
| Non-ATAR subjects are designed for students who do not wish to proceed to university |
| Students receive a HSC credential |
| Assessments within the College still take place, but no HSC examinations occur |
Watch a presentation about Vocational and Non-ATAR Pathways at The Riverina Anglican College.