Student resources

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 to 10.

These resources aim to support students' learning and keep families informed.

Student Handbook

Student portals

Book and stationery lists

View the stationery and book lists required for every student.

Years 7 & 8

Download the Year 7 & 8 book and stationery list (PDF 172KB)

English

1 x 192 page A4 exercise book

1 x 64 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 1 x 128 page A4 exercise book
Music 1 x music book
Visual art 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)
Years 9 & 10

Download the Year 9 & 10 book and stationery list (PDF 150KB)

Core subject books
English

1 x 192 page A4 exercise book

1 x 64 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
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)
Years 11 & 12
Year 11 & 12 students must bring a folder with either loose paper inserts or A4 exercise books. Other items may be needed for practical subjects. Teachers will advise students at the start of the year.

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.

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.

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.

Year 7 and 8

Year 7 and 8 students at either campus must apply to the academy program or undertake a personal interest project (PIP).

Academy program

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)

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

Students moving into Year 9 can select the electives they would like to study in Year 10 (Stage 5). Students moving into Year 10 can change their 1 year (100 hour) course selection.

The current Stage 5 Curriculum Guide is available below, Each year the Stage 5 Curriculum guide is updated during Term 2.

Included in the Stage 5 Curriculum Guide is information on the curriculum structure for Year 9, and information on mandatory and elective subjects.

More information on elective selection

Students in Year 8 students are provided with the guide in Term 2 each year and given the opportunity to learn more about the subjects on offer to them at our Subject Selection afternoon.

Port Macquarie Campus - Stage 5 Curriculum Guide 2024
Westport Campus - Stage 5 Curriculum Guide 2024

Port Macquarie Campus - Stage 5 Curriculum Guide 2025

Westport Campus - Stage 5 Curriculum Guide 2025

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. 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 the Deputy Principal for their child’s year group.

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.

Timeline for subject selection

Term 2 Week 6

  • Senior Studies Guide issued.
  • Careers Advisers provide information about the Higher School Certificate (HSC), Courses, VET courses and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements.

Term 2 Weeks 7-8

  • Students to speak at school with teachers regarding specific subject information, recommended subjects and options (specifically Mathematics and English options).

Term 2 Week 8

  • Subject Information Evening - Thursday 20th June 6.00pm to 8.00pm Panthers Auditorium.
  • Students submit INITIAL subject selections online ON THE NIGHT or by 2.15pm Friday 21st June.
  • All students and parents are invited to attend meetings at their home campus (Week 3) where they will have the opportunity to discuss the subject lines and submit final selections.

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:

Year 11 and 12

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:

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.

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.

FLEX

FLEX is a specialised program designed to support students who are still exploring their career pathways.

It offers a unique combination of vocational and academic courses. By providing this diverse range of subjects, FLEX enables students to gain practical skills and experiences while continuing their academic studies. These vocational courses expose students to various industries and professions, helping them discover the interests and talents.

The program ensures they receive a solid foundation in academic subjects to maintain flexibility in the educational journey. FLEX aims to empower students to make informed decisions about their future careers by equipping them with both practical and academic knowledge.

Industry Based Training (IBT) OR Fast Track to Employment (FT2E)

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.

Policies

Find our list of policies here or go to our College policies and reports page for more information,

Attendance policy

Attendance matters at Hastings Secondary College

If your child is absent from school, it is very important to provide the college with an explanation as soon as possible.

Parents and carers can report their child's absence through:

Sentral Parent Portal

Within 14 days of an absence, you can notify the school of your child's explained absence via the Parent Portal.

SMS reply

Simply reply to the SMS message you have received.

Email

Send an email to the school to notify your child is absent.

Westport Campus email address -  hsc-westport-school@det.nsw.edu.au

Port Macquarie Campus email address -  hsc-portmac-school@det.nsw.edu.au

Handwritten note

Write a note for your child to submit to the administration office on your child's return to school.

Phone

  • Port Macquarie campus on (02) 6583 1844
  • Westport campus on (02) 6583 6400
AI policy
The general advice for the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in schools is constantly changing and being rewritten as new developments in GAI are reached. As of late 2023, The Department of Education (DoE) is yet to release its final guidelines for the use of AI in Assessment Tasks.

Read the General General Guidelines for the use of AI in Assessments (PDF 179 KB)
Mobile Phone and Digital Device Policy

We support the restrictions of mobile phones under the NSW Department of Education: Students’ Use of Mobile Phones in Schools policy (PDF 286 KB).

Students must turn off their mobile phones and put their devices in a locked pouch for the full school day, including recess, lunch and sport.

This is an approved NSW Department of Education option. In some specific learning environments, the use of mobile devices by students may be allowed allowed under the  BYOD policy.

Buying devices for BYOD

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:

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)

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.

Other student resources

Here are some other student resources that may support you at Hastings Secondary College.