SACE Stage 2 Industry Connections exam-day guide
SACE Stage 2 Industry Connections · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the form of photo ID your school or provider has told you to use, such as a student card, driver's licence or passport. The exact ID requirement for this subject can vary between providers, so confirm with the provider which document is accepted and whether it must be current.
Admission or attendance slip, if issued
Some providers issue a printed or digital slip listing your name, subject and room. If you have received one, keep it with your ID. If you have not, do not assume one is needed; confirm with the provider whether entry requires a slip or only your name on a roll.
Confirmed start time, room and campus
Write down the exact reporting time, building and room, plus a backup contact number for your school's exam coordinator. Reporting times can differ from the published exam session time, so confirm the arrival time with the provider rather than guessing.
Permitted equipment for this subject
Check the subject outline or ask your teacher which items are allowed, for example pens, pencils, an eraser, a ruler, a calculator or approved drawing tools. Bring only what is permitted, and confirm with the provider whether any device must be in a specific mode or have its memory cleared.
Approved calculator, if allowed
If your course permits a calculator, bring the model your school has approved and make sure the battery is working. Calculator rules differ between subjects and providers, so confirm with the provider whether a calculator is allowed and whether any model restrictions apply.
Clear water bottle and a small snack
A transparent bottle with no label and a quiet snack for before or after the session help you stay comfortable. Check with the provider whether food and drink are allowed at your desk or only outside the room.
Watch or timing plan
A simple wristwatch without smart features can help you pace yourself if the room clock is hard to see. Confirm with the provider whether watches are permitted and whether smart watches or phones must be switched off and stored away.
Transport and backup plan
Plan your route, aim to arrive with time to spare, and identify a backup way to get there if your first option fails. Save your coordinator's number so you can call immediately if a delay occurs.
Rest, food and sleep the night before
Treat the night before as preparation, not cramming. A normal sleep routine and a proper breakfast support attention more reliably than a late study session.
Personal items stored as directed
Phones, bags and notes usually go where supervisors direct, not at your desk. Confirm with the provider where personal items are stored and whether you keep your phone with you or hand it in.
Any approved adjustments confirmed in advance
If you have approved access arrangements, such as extra time or a separate room, confirm the details with your provider before the day. Do not assume an arrangement will be applied automatically without prior approval.
A calm, simple plan for the first five minutes
Decide in advance how you will start: read the instructions, scan the whole paper, note the marks per question and set rough time limits. Having a routine reduces the chance of panicking at the start.
Plan the day
Confirm the logistics: exact reporting time, room, permitted equipment and ID requirement with your provider or coordinator. Re-read your subject outline and your own summary notes rather than trying to learn new content. Practise a few timed questions under exam conditions, then review where you lost marks. Keep the last evening light and protect your sleep.
Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencils, eraser, ruler and any approved equipment, and check that your calculator works if it is allowed. Reconfirm your transport and set two alarms. Do a short, calm review of key structures and formulas, then stop. Eat a normal meal, avoid a late night, and write down any last question for your coordinator so you can ask it before the session.
Eat breakfast, drink water and arrive early. Leave your phone and notes stored as directed. Once seated, read the front instructions carefully, check the paper for missing pages, and note the total marks and suggested timing. Take a few slow breaths and begin with a question you can answer confidently.
Read each question fully and note the marks available, since mark allocations indicate how much detail is expected. Answer the easiest questions first to build momentum, then return to harder ones. Watch the clock at set checkpoints and leave time to attempt every question. If you are stuck, write what you do know and move on. Before finishing, check that your name and details are correct and that you have not left blanks you could partially answer.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from supervisors about seating, starting, stopping and leaving the room. If an instruction is unclear, ask a supervisor before acting rather than guessing.
Bring and display the identification your provider requires. Because ID rules vary, confirm with the provider in advance which document is accepted and what to do if you forget it.
Keep only permitted items at your desk. Phones and smart devices should be switched off and stored as directed; confirm with the provider where they must go and what happens if a device is found.
Use only approved equipment. If you are unsure whether a calculator, notes sheet or device is allowed for this subject, confirm with the provider before the day rather than risking a breach.
Raise your hand and wait for a supervisor if you need to leave the room, feel unwell or need help. Do not communicate with other candidates during the session, and do not take materials out of the room unless a supervisor says you may.
Manage your time against the marks available and attempt every question. Partial answers usually earn more than blank spaces, so write what you know even when a question is difficult.
If you believe something has gone wrong, such as a missing page, a disruption or a timing issue, tell a supervisor immediately and ask your coordinator to record it. Report concerns promptly rather than after the session.
Check the provider's rules on lateness, early departure and what happens if you miss the session. These policies differ between providers, so confirm the details with the provider before exam day.