SACE Stage 2 Chinese (continuers)
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ExploreAbout this exam
Chinese (continuers) is a Stage 2 subject in the South Australian Certificate of Education, listed by the SACE Board among its Stage 2 language offerings. It is designed for students who have already developed substantial Chinese language skills - typically through prior study of Chinese as a second language - and who want to extend their reading, writing, listening and speaking in Chinese while building intercultural understanding. Because it sits at continuers level, the subject assumes existing proficiency rather than starting from scratch, and it is distinct from the beginners and background speakers variants that also appear in the SACE subject list. Assessment in Stage 2 subjects is split between school assessment, marked by teachers and quality assured through moderation, and external assessment, which for language subjects includes written and oral examinations. The SACE Board publishes subject outlines, performance standards and grades, learning and assessment plans, and information on the quality assurance cycle, school assessment and moderation, and external assessment. Candidates preparing for the external examination should consult the official subject outline and performance standards, work through past examination papers, which the Board describes as the most accurate resource for exam preparation, and practise both written and spoken responses under timed conditions. Note that sample exams and exam front covers are being removed from the SACE website, so past papers are the recommended preparation resource. Always confirm current requirements with the SACE Board and your school.
What you'll study
About SACE Stage 2 Chinese (continuers) preparation
What is Chinese (continuers) and who is it for?
It is a Stage 2 SACE language subject for students who already have substantial prior Chinese study. It is listed separately from Chinese (beginners) and Chinese (background speakers), so check the eligibility rules for continuers level before enrolling.
How is the subject assessed?
Stage 2 subjects combine school assessment, which teachers mark and which is quality assured through moderation, with external assessment. For language subjects the external component includes written and oral examinations. Your school's learning and assessment plan sets out the specific tasks.
Is there a written and an oral exam?
Yes. The SACE Board lists written exams and oral exams as separate exam categories, and languages are among the subjects with oral examinations. Confirm the exact structure and timing for Chinese (continuers) in the current subject outline.
How long is the exam and what weighting applies?
The source material available does not state a duration, question count, or weighting for Chinese (continuers). These details sit in the official subject outline and exam timetable, so verify them directly with the SACE Board rather than relying on second-hand figures.
Can I retake the exam if I am unhappy with my result?
The available source does not describe a retake policy for this subject. The SACE Board publishes exam rules and results information, so check those pages and speak to your school's SACE coordinator about options before making assumptions.
What is the best way to prepare?
The SACE Board states that past examination papers remain available and continue to provide the most accurate resource for exam preparation. Use them under timed conditions, and cross-check your responses against the performance standards so you know what strong work looks like.
Are sample exams still available?
The SACE Board has announced that sample exams and exam front covers will be removed from its website, while past examination papers remain available. Treat past papers, not samples, as your main practice resource.
What mistakes cost students the most marks?
Common risks in language exams are misreading the demands of a task, writing answers that do not match the required text type or audience, and running out of time in extended writing. Practising with past papers and the performance standards helps you avoid these.
Where can I find my results?
The SACE Board has announced that the Record of Achievement and the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Statement will be available digitally only in Students Online from 2025. Use Students Online for results and contact your school if you cannot access it.