SACE Stage 2 Community Studies exam-day guide
SACE Stage 2 Community Studies · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current photo ID (e.g., passport, driver's licence, or school ID). Confirm with your school or the SACE Board which forms of ID are accepted for your specific assessment, as requirements can vary by provider.
Assessment schedule and venue details
Know the exact date, start time, room, and reporting time. Confirm with the provider whether your Community Studies assessment includes a written exam, a presentation, or a folio submission, since the format can differ by program.
Admission slip or candidate number
If your school issues an admission slip or candidate number, bring it. Confirm with the provider whether one is required, as this varies by site.
Approved stationery
Bring pens (black or blue), pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, and a ruler. Check with the provider which stationery is permitted and whether pencil cases must be transparent.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
If your Community Studies assessment involves calculations, confirm with the provider whether a calculator is allowed and which models are approved. Do not assume a calculator is permitted.
Water bottle (clear, label removed)
Bring a clear, unlabelled water bottle if permitted. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are allowed at your desk.
Required folio or project materials
If your assessment includes submitting a folio, community project report, or presentation materials, confirm with the provider the exact submission format, deadline, and whether materials must be submitted before the written component.
Personal medication and authorised aids
Bring any prescribed medication or approved disability adjustments (e.g., extra time, separate room) already arranged with the provider. Confirm approval well before the day.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple analogue or digital watch is useful if the room clock is not visible. Confirm with the provider whether watches are permitted; smart watches are generally not allowed.
Transport and backup plan
Plan your route and arrival time, allowing extra buffer. Arrange a backup transport option and save the school's contact number in case of delay.
Rest, food, and hydration plan
Eat a normal breakfast and stay hydrated. Avoid new caffeine levels on exam day. Confirm with the provider whether food is allowed in the assessment room.
Review the assessment format and criteria
Re-read the task sheet, rubric, and any permitted materials list. Confirm with the provider what the assessment covers and how it is scored, as Community Studies assessment designs vary between schools.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: venue, start time, reporting time, ID requirements, permitted materials, and any folio submission steps with your teacher or provider. Review your Community Studies project documentation, key concepts, and the assessment criteria. Complete a timed practice task under exam-like conditions. Prepare your bag with stationery, ID, and approved aids. Protect sleep: aim for consistent 8-hour nights rather than last-minute cramming.
Do a light review of summaries, key terms, and your project's main findings; avoid learning new material. Check transport arrangements and weather. Lay out clothes, ID, stationery, water bottle, and any approved aids. Confirm any folio upload or hard-copy submission is complete. Eat a normal dinner, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time.
Eat breakfast and hydrate normally. Arrive at the venue with time to spare, allowing for delays. Leave phones and smart devices switched off and stored as directed by the provider. Check in, present ID if required, and locate your seat. Use the final minutes for a calm glance at your summary notes only if permitted outside the room.
Read all instructions and the whole paper or task before starting. Allocate time according to marks or criteria and keep an eye on the clock. Answer the required number of questions or complete all required components. If you get stuck, move on and return later. Use any permitted breaks as instructed by the supervisor. Leave time at the end to check your work and ensure your name or candidate number is on all materials.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the supervisor and the provider's assessment rules; if a rule is unclear, ask before the assessment begins rather than guessing.
Bring and present the identification required by your provider. If you are unsure what ID is accepted, confirm with the provider in advance.
Electronic devices, including phones and smart watches, must be switched off and stored as directed. Confirm with the provider where devices should be kept.
Breaks and permitted materials are set by the provider. Confirm in advance whether toilet breaks, water, food, or calculators are allowed and under what conditions.
Academic integrity applies: do not communicate with other candidates during the assessment, do not bring unauthorised notes or materials, and submit only your own work.
If you arrive late or cannot attend, notify the provider immediately. Late arrival and absence procedures are set by the provider, so confirm the specific policy beforehand.
Scoring and grading are determined by the provider against the assessment criteria. Ask your teacher to explain how your Community Studies work will be judged before the day.
If you have approved adjustments (e.g., extra time or a separate room), confirm the arrangements with the provider before the assessment so they can be applied.