Student resources and information
Explore a range of essential resources to help students and parents navigate life at Hastings Secondary College. The Student Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to college life, expectations, and support services.
Through the Sentral Student Portals, students can access timetables, attendance, and academic progress. Our Mobile Phone and AI Policies set guidelines for responsible technology use at school, while the OnGuard: Online Machine Safety Training, ensures safe use of workshop equipment. Resources from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) provide curriculum guidelines and key educational requirements. The Assessment Booklets detail assessment schedules, policy expectations, and important dates for Years 7 - 10.
These resources aim to support students' learning and keep families informed.
Student handbooks
The Student Handbook is a comprehensive guide to Hastings Secondary College and contains everything you need to know about the college. It’s a helpful reference for both students and parents to refer to throughout the year.
Student Portals
Book and stationery lists
View the book and stationery lists required for every student:
| Core subject books | |
| English | 1 x 192 page A4 exercise book |
| Maths | 1 x 240 page A4 exercise book |
| Science | 1 x 192 page A4 exercise book |
| Geography | 1 x 192 page A4 exercise book |
| History | 1 x 192 page A4 exercise book |
| PDHPE | 1 x 128 page A4 exercise book |
| Languages (Year 8 only) |
1 x 128 page A4 exercise book 1 x A4 display folder |
|
Music To be used in either Year 7 or Year 8, dependant on the pattern of study for CAPA at your child's campus |
1 x music book |
|
Visual art To be used in either Year 7 or Year 8, dependant on the pattern of study for CAPA at your child's campus |
1 x A4 spiral bound art diary |
| Stationery |
| 2 x 2B pencils |
| 2 x HB pencils |
| 2 x blue pens |
| 2 x red pens |
| 1 x black felt tip pen |
| 1 x eraser |
| 1 x glue stick |
| 1 x pencil sharpener |
| 1 x ruler |
| 1 x scissors |
| coloured pencils |
| Other items |
| Casio scientific calculator 82 au plus 2 (from front office) |
| aprons, hat and safety goggles (specifics confirmed in Term 1) |
| leather shoes (safety) |
| Core subject books | |
| English | 1 x 192 page A4 exercise book |
| Maths | 1 x 240 page A4 exercise book |
| Science | 1 x 192 page A4 exercise book |
| Geography | 1 x 192 page A4 exercise book |
| History | 1 x 192 page A4 exercise book |
| PDHPE | 1 x 128 page A4 exercise book |
| Elective subject books | |
| Child studies | 1 x 128 page A4 exercise book |
| Language | 1 x 128 page A4 exercise book |
| Music | 1 x music book |
| Visual arts | 1 x A4 spiral bound art diary |
| PASS | 1 x 128 page A4 exercise book |
| Photography and Digital Media | 1 x A4 display folder |
| Stationery |
| 2 x 2B pencils |
| 2 x HB pencils |
| 2 x blue pens |
| 2 x red pens |
| 1 x black felt tip pen |
| 1 x eraser |
| 1 x glue stick |
| 1 x pencil sharpener |
| 1 x ruler |
| 1 x scissors |
| coloured pencils |
| Other items |
| Casio scientific calculator 82 au plus 2 (from front office) |
| aprons, hat and safety goggles (specifics confirmed in Term 1) |
| leather shoes (safety) |
Digital Learning & Online Safety
The Department of Education does not make any recommendations nor endorse any suppliers. Parents and carers are asked to do their own research.
Families can buy devices directly from the vendors listed below at discounted prices.
There are some available options for parents and carers:
- HP Online Store provides recommended laptops models by using school code "HastingsSC".
- See the Hastings Secondary College- HP BYOD 2025-26 Flyer
- Lenovo Student Store provides a discount for students from using their school email address (ending in @education.nsw.gov.au).
There are also retail outlets in Port Macquarie that sell laptop computers, including JB-HiFi, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, Good Guys and Bing Lee.
Specifications
- Recommended screen size: 11" to 14". Larger screen sizes will consume more power, and shorten the battery life. A 14" or 15" laptop is quite large and can be heavy and will consume more power than a smaller device.
- Storage recommendation: 128Gb (or larger) Solid State Drive (SSD). These are fast drives, have no moving parts, generate no heat and are less prone to failure.
- RAM (memory): minimum 4Gb, 8Gb is highly recommended.
- WiFi: must support 5Ghz wireless N
Software
- A suite of applications is available and free to use for all Department of Education students. These can be accessed from the student portal.
- All other software is the responsibility of the student.
Operating System Choice
- Windows 11 (considered mainstream)
- Apple OS (may be advantageous to students with a Creative Arts focus)
- Chromebook (traditionally a cheaper alternative, low maintenance but also less flexibility)
Accidental loss and breakage insurance is recommended
A school Technical Support Officer (TSO) is available to help connect to the school WiFi. As this is a personal device, the school will not provide hardware or other technical support. The responsibility for all repairs or warranty claims lies with the student, parent or caregiver.
Please note the NSW Education policy - Student use of digital devices and online services.
Online safety
Tips and advice from eSafety Commissioner on helping your child have safe and enjoyable experiences online.
Online Safety
As parents and carers you know your child better than anyone and have the best opportunity to support and guide them to have safer online experiences.
The guides below cover key online safety issues for young people and includes a range of practical tips and advice on what to do if things go wrong. You can also find a list of important services that can offer extra support.
Gen AI and NSWEduChat
From the start of Term 4, 2025 students will gain access to NSWEduChat, a safe generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tool developed by the NSW Department of Education. NSWEduChat works differently to other commonly used GenAI tools. It does not just give direct answers to students. Instead, it provides guidance and asks open-ended questions encouraging students to think critically and express their ideas, reasoning, and assumptions.
WBHS has clear procedures for student use of AI in assessment tasks. For example, assessment task notifications include an AI rating and clearly state to what extent GenAI can be used in the completion of the task. More information can be found under ‘AI and Referencing’ within assessment booklets.
Important actions for families
Please read the parental privacy notice here, (bottom of the webpage), which includes information on NSWEduChat, data collection, and privacy.
Benefits of NSWEduChat
- Creates new opportunities to enhance teaching and learning, while maintaining a safe and human-centred approach in the classroom where we value teacher expertise.
- Promotes equitable learning opportunities by providing students with a free, safe and effective generative AI (GenAI) tool that is owned and designed by the department.
- Enables students to develop critical AI skills in a safe environment where content is filtered, and their data is secured.
- Helps teachers advance students’ independent learning and critical thinking. We’ve heard from our trial school principals that NSWEduChat is a valuable resource for advancing these skills and increasing student confidence and engagement. Students have said it helps them understand their work better, develop their writing skills and break down complex tasks.
How students can access NSWEduChat
Students will be able to access the tool using a single sign-on via the NSWEduChat websiteopen_in_new or the student portal. Students will need to log in using their NSW Department of Education login. Only the student who is logged in should use NSWEduChat.
For more information about NSWEduChat, please refer to Student use of NSWEduChatopen_in_new on the department’s website.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Assessment and reporting
Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning. Teachers observe students' work in class and look closely at tasks throughout the year. They also formally assess a student's achievement based on the outcomes described in the syllabus of the subject.
As a parent or carer, you’ll receive a written report twice a year. It gives you a clear picture of your child’s achievements – what they know and can do.
In Years 7 to 10, we use the common grade scale in reporting. In Year 11, we use the Preliminary grade scale.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are assessed on achievement of competencies.
We provide detailed information to students about what we expect from them throughout the year, and how and when their work will be assessed. Students have a number of formal assessments throughout their schooling, and a calendar* is included in the back of each assessment handbook.
Port Macquarie Campus assessment handbooks*:
*subject to change
Westport Campus assessment handbooks*:
*subject to change
External Assessments
We provide detailed information to students about what we expect from them throughout the year and how their work will be assessed. Students have a number of formal assessments throughout their schooling.
- National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) – reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and numeracy tests for students in Years 7 and 9. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) holds the tests in May each year. Results and student reports are released in August.
- Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) – online diagnostic science assessments for students in Year 8. Some schools also choose to sit the tests in Year 10.
- The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) is awarded to eligible students who leave school before completing their Higher School Certificate. The RoSA records a student’s grades between the end of Year 10 and when they leave school.
- The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is an internationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in NSW.
- Some students may apply for placement in a selective high school. For more information, visit selective high schools and opportunity classes.
Year 7 and 8 (stage 4)
Year 7 and 8 students at either campus must apply to the Academy Program or undertake a Personal Interest Project (PIP).
Academy programs
Academy programs:
Year 7 and 8 students can apply to one of three special interest academies:
- Creative industries
- Sports
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths)
The academy program provides students who have a special interest to further develop in this area.
Each academy is allocated 2 hours of class time per week.
Entry into an academy is by application only.
Apply to an academy
Download an academy application form. Please return the completed form to the student's campus by email.
Personal interest project (PIP)
Personal Interest Project (PIP)
Students not involved in the academy program must select a personal interest project (PIP). PIP subjects vary from year to year. They allow students to experience a variety of real world learning.
PIP subject selections:
Download a PIP subject selection form. Please return the completed form to the student's campus by email.
Port Macquarie campus -
Westport campus -
Year 9 and 10 (stage 5)
The current Stage 5 Curriculum Guide is available below, and is updated each year in Term 2. Included in the guide is information on the curriculum structure for Year 9, and information on mandatory and elective subjects.
Year 8 students are provided with the guide in Term 2, and given the opportunity to learn more about the subjects on offer to them at our Subject Selection afternoon/evening.
Students moving into Year 10 may request to change their 1 year (100 hour) course selection.
Port Macquarie Campus - Stage 5 Curriculum Guide 2027-2028
Port Macquarie Campus - Stage 5 Curriculum Guide 2025-2026
Westport Campus - Stage 5 Curriculum Guide 2027-2028
Westport Campus - Stage 5 Curriculum Guide 2025-2026
How and when?
Subject selections are made online.
Year 8 students will be provided with a unique code and step by step instruction on using the online subject selection platform.
Further advice on elective selection
Parents and carers with questions about elective selection are invited and encouraged to attend the Subject Information afternoon/evening. If you are unable to attend, parents may contact the College and speak with their child’s Year Advisor, the Head Teacher of the subject of interest, or their Deputy Principal.
We provide quality advice and guidance to students through a comprehensive, supportive subject selection process.
When your child is in Year 10, they will begin to understand their individual interests and aspirations better and will start to plan for their future. Students are encouraged to particpate in work experience, to begin to understand the expectations of them in the world of work.
Pathways to senior success
Your subject choices should reflect your strengths and interests, and support your career aspirations. Plus, if you enjoy the subjects you study you're more likely to do well in them. By the end of Term 2, all year 10 students will be choosing their subjects for year 11.
The Senior Study Guide's (Stage 6 information below), also contains essential information to help you and your child make informed decisions about the range of courses and pathways available.
School-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) and Vocational education and training (VET) programs
This is a pathway specifically designed for students who are looking to enter the workforce with both the HSC and vocational qualifications or for students who will benefit from intensive support to build employability skills and workplace literacies.
Students will have the opportunity to design a personalised pathway, which includes College vocational courses, integrated work placement, access to TAFE courses free of charge and the possibility of a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. Students will attain an HSC credential and an Australian Qualification Framework credential, including Certificate II and Certificate III, which can be used to accelerate further vocational studies.
School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT)
Students at Hastings Secondary College can undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT). An SBAT can help students get a head start in their careers by combining paid work, training and school.
SBAT students earn an industry recognised national qualification and unit credits toward their HSC.
Undertaking an SBAT in Year 10 or Year 11 and is an appropriate step towards vocational education and training (VET) or university post school pathways.
Year 11 and 12 (stage 6)
Timeline for Year 11 subject selection
Senior Subject Selection – Timeline Overview
Our Year 10 students will follow a structured process to support their transition into Year 11 subject selection. Throughout this process, Careers Advisers provide important information about the Higher School Certificate (HSC), course options, VET pathways, and NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements.
Key stages include:
- Weeks 2–6, Term 2:
Students receive an overview during Careers lessons, including the Year 11 Senior Study Guide in Week 6. - Weeks 7–8, Term 2:
Students are encouraged to speak with their teachers about specific subjects, including recommendations and appropriate course options (particularly for Mathematics and English).
Subject Selection Evening at Panthers: Get all the information you need about courses in one place -helping students and parents discover the right options, including SBAT, TAFE and university pathways, with expert guidance from the SBAT Officer, Careers Advisers, school faculties and universities. The Subject Selection Evening provides students and families with the opportunity to explore courses and pathways in more detail. - Week 7, Term 2:
Students submit their initial subject selections online. - Week 2, Term 3:
A refined list of courses is published based on viable subjects. - Week 4, Term 3:
Final subject selections are confirmed in meetings with staff. (An optional Parent Lounge will be available in Week 5.)
For full details, please refer to the attached document.
Study guide
We provide quality advice and guidance to students through a comprehensive, supportive subject selection process.
When your child is in Year 10, they will begin to understand their individual interests and aspirations better and will start to plan for their future. Students doing work experience begin to understand the expectations of them in the world of work.
The Senior Studies Guide contains essential information to help you and your child make informed decisions about the range of courses and pathways available.
Download the Senior Study Guide
HSC
The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is awarded to students who have completed Year 11 and Year 12. There is a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy required to receive the HSC.
Further information on HSC:
ATAR
Students wanting access to University, College or TAFE will undertake a pattern of study which provides them with an ATAR.
We offer specialist academic support through the College ASC (Academic Study Centre). The ASC provides targeted assistance to students, helping them enhance their understanding and excel in their studies. With this combination of a robust curriculum and dedicated academic support, we aim to empower our students to achieve their full potential and succeed in their educational journey. Each student will be guided in the creation of a suitable pattern of subjects which reflects their personal goals and meets their tertiary requirements.
School-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) and Vocational education and training (VET) programs
This is a pathway specifically designed for students who are looking to enter the workforce with both the HSC and vocational qualifications or for students who will benefit from intensive support to build employability skills and workplace literacies.
Students will have the opportunity to design a personalised pathway, which includes College vocational courses, integrated work placement, access to TAFE courses free of charge and the possibility of a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. Students will attain an HSC credential and an Australian Qualification Framework credential, including Certificate II and Certificate III, which can be used to accelerate further vocational studies.
School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT)
Students at Hastings Secondary College can undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT). An SBAT can help students get a head start in their careers by combining paid work, training and school.
SBAT students earn an industry recognised national qualification and unit credits toward their HSC.
Undertaking an SBAT in Year 10 or Year 11 and is an appropriate step towards vocational education and training (VET) or university post school pathways.
Here are some other student resources that may support you at Hastings Secondary College:
- On Guard - Online machine safety training
- Bus passes
- NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
- Canteen
- Uniforms
- Bell times
- College policies and reports