SACE Stage 2 English as an Additional Language
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ExploreAbout this exam
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is a Stage 2 subject within the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), offered by the SACE Board of South Australia and listed among the Stage 2 subjects on the Board's website. It is designed for students whose first language is not English and who are developing academic English while completing their senior secondary studies. Enrolment is governed by a specific eligibility rule: the Board publishes a policy titled "Eligibility for enrolment - English as an Additional Language" among its enrolment administration documents, so candidates should confirm with their school that they meet the criteria before enrolling. The subject sits within the Board's broader assessment system, which combines school assessment and moderation with external assessment and exams; the Board lists both written exams and oral exams among its exam types, and notes that some subjects use electronic exams. Students should prepare by working through past examination papers, which the Board describes as continuing to provide the most accurate resource for exam preparation, and by familiarising themselves with exam rules and the exam timetable published on the SACE website. Teachers and students can also draw on the Board's published subject outlines, performance standards and grades, and learning and assessment plans. Note that the Board has announced that sample exams and exam front covers will be removed from its website, and that from 2025 the Record of Achievement and the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Statement are available digitally only in Students Online.
What you'll study
About SACE Stage 2 English as an Additional Language preparation
Who is eligible to enrol in Stage 2 EAL?
The SACE Board publishes a separate enrolment policy for English as an Additional Language, listed under enrolment administration. Because eligibility conditions are set out in that document rather than on the public home page, confirm your situation with your school's SACE coordinator before choosing the subject.
Is there a written exam, an oral exam, or both?
The SACE website lists written exams and oral exams as exam types, and separately lists languages special subject allowance for Stage 2. The public page does not state which components apply to EAL, so check the EAL subject outline and the exam timetable for the confirmed structure.
Can I sit the exam electronically?
The Board offers electronic exams for some subjects and maintains a list of subjects with e-exams plus an e-exams readiness toolkit. Whether EAL is included is not stated on the home page, so verify against the current e-exams subject list before relying on typing your responses.
What is the best way to prepare?
The Board states that past examination papers remain available and continue to provide the most accurate resource for exam preparation. Use them under timed conditions, then review against the published performance standards and grades so you understand how responses are judged.
Are sample exams still available?
The Board has announced that sample exams and exam front covers will be removed from the SACE website. Past examination papers remain available. Plan your preparation around past papers and your school's guidance rather than assuming sample exams will stay online.
When and where do I find my exam date?
The SACE website publishes an exam timetable, along with exam rules and guidance on preparing for an exam. Dates are not fixed on the home page, so check the timetable directly and confirm any clashes with your school, particularly if you also take oral examinations.
How will I receive my results?
From 2025 the SACE Record of Achievement and the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Statement are available digitally only in Students Online. The Board also publishes end-of-year results, mid-year results and guidance on getting a copy of your results, so keep your Students Online access details current.
Can I get adjustments for a disability or disadvantage?
The Board publishes special provisions information, and modified subjects are also listed as an option. Applications are handled through your school rather than directly by the candidate, so raise your circumstances with your coordinator early to allow time for paperwork.
What causes most lost marks?
The public page does not publish failure statistics or examiner comments for EAL. The practical risks are predictable: misreading the question, running out of time, and ignoring the performance standards. Practising with past papers and reading the standards closely addresses all three.
Is this an official SACE page?
No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the SACE Board of South Australia. Always confirm eligibility, exam structure, dates and results arrangements on the official SACE website or with your school.