Ep 96 - How Do SACs Work in VCE?

SACs are a big part of VCE, but how do they actually work? What happens to your marks, how are they used to calculate your study score, and should you be worrying about your results throughout the year?

In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I explain what School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) are, how your results contribute to your VCE study scores, and some of the common misconceptions that can cause unnecessary stress for students and parents.

I'll also explain why the mark you receive at school isn't necessarily the final score that contributes to your study score, and how you can use your SAC results to improve your performance throughout the year.

What we're talking about:

1:32 What is a SAC?

SAC stands for School-Assessed Coursework. These assessments are completed at school and contribute to your results for VCE Units 3 and 4. Find out how SACs differ from external exams, who sets them, and where to find information about the assessments you'll complete for each subject.

4:35 How do you find out your SAC results?

Schools report SAC results in different ways, from percentage marks to grades or other feedback. But the mark you receive at school isn't necessarily the final score used in calculating your study score. I explain how statistical moderation works and why the most useful thing you can do after a SAC is understand where you lost marks and how to improve for next time.

7:47 How are SAC results used?

Find out how your school-based assessment results contribute to your final study score, alongside your external exam results. I explain why your final results might look different from what you expected based on your SAC marks during the year, and why you shouldn't get too caught up in the numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What does SAC stand for in VCE?

SAC stands for School-Assessed Coursework. These are assessments completed at school to assess students' achievement of the learning outcomes specified in the VCE study design for Units 3 and 4.

How much do SACs count towards your VCE study score?

The contribution of school-based assessments varies between subjects. In many VCE studies, school-based assessment contributes 50% of the study score calculation, with the remaining contribution coming from external assessments. Check the current study design for your subject to understand its assessment structure.

Are SAC marks scaled?

SAC scores are statistically moderated by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). This process makes school-based assessment results comparable across schools, where assessment tasks and marking standards can differ. Statistical moderation uses the cohort's external assessment performance as a common reference and preserves the rank order established by the school's assessment scores.

Why can my final SAC result be different from the marks I received at school?

The marks your school gives you during the year are initial assessment scores. VCAA statistically moderates school-based assessment scores before they're used in calculating study scores. This means your final result may differ from the marks or grades you received throughout the year.

Should I worry about my SAC ranking?

It's understandable to wonder how you're performing compared with other students, but focusing too much on your ranking can distract you from what you can control. Pay attention to feedback, identify where you lost marks and work out what a stronger answer would look like. These are the things that will help you improve.

For more information about rankings, listen to Episode 79: What Is Your VCE Subject Ranking?.

Where to find out more

For official information about VCE assessment and statistical moderation, visit the VCAA website.

Remember, your SAC results aren't just a mark to worry about. They're an opportunity to understand what you know, identify what needs work and prepare more effectively for your next assessment and your final exams.