Satisfactory completion of an HSC course: warnings of non-completion

ACE 8022

Last Updated: 1 April 2019

If at any time it appears that a student is at risk of being given an ‘N’ (non-completion of course requirements) determination in any course, including VET courses, the principal must warn the student as soon as possible and advise the parent or guardian (if the student is under 18 years of age) in writing.

This warning should be given in time for the problem to be corrected and should provide advice about the possible consequences on Higher School Certificate eligibility of an ‘N’ determination in a course.

The principal must:

1. advise the student in writing of the tasks or actions to be undertaken in time for the problem to be corrected;
2. advise the parent or guardian in writing (if the student is under 18 years of age);
3. request from the student or parent/guardian a written acknowledgement of the warning;
4. issue at least one follow-up warning letter if the issue has not been corrected; and
5. retain copies of the warning notice(s) and other relevant documentation.

It is strongly recommended that where necessary written warnings are issued regularly. Sample warning letters are available via Schools Online in accordance with the Timetable of Actions for Secondary Schools.

Students who have not complied with the requirements for satisfactory completion of a course at the time of finalising assessments cannot be regarded as having satisfactorily completed the course. The principal will then issue a non-completion determination and advise NESA via Schools Online.