SACE Stage 2 Polish (continuers) exam-day guide
SACE Stage 2 Polish (continuers) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID and SACE student/school identification
Bring the identification your school or the supervising authority requires for entry to the examination room. The exact accepted forms can vary by venue, so confirm with the provider which documents are valid before exam day.
Examination timetable and room/location details
Record the date, start time, room number and any reporting time for each Polish component (for example, written paper and any oral or listening session). Arrive earlier than the stated start time to allow for seating and ID checks.
Approved writing implements
Bring several black or blue pens, a pencil, an eraser and a sharpener. Confirm with the provider which pen colours and materials are permitted for the written paper.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Bring water in a transparent, label-free bottle if your venue allows drinks at the desk. Check the provider's rules on permitted containers.
Small personal items in a clear bag
Keys, tissues and similar items should be in a clear bag or left outside the room, depending on venue rules. Ask the provider what may be brought to the desk.
Watch (non-smart, silent)
A simple analogue or digital watch without smart features can help you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches and phones are normally prohibited at the desk; confirm with the provider.
Leave phone and smart devices at home or switched off and stored
Mobile phones, smart watches and other electronic devices are generally not permitted in the examination room. Confirm the provider's storage and confiscation rules in advance.
Polish dictionary or reference materials only if explicitly permitted
Some language examinations allow a bilingual dictionary or other reference material. Do not assume this is allowed; confirm with the provider what, if anything, is permitted for the Polish paper.
Review the prescribed text and topic list
Check the official syllabus and assessment specifications for the texts, themes and text types that may appear. Write a one-page summary of the required themes and text types to review on the morning of the exam.
Plan your time allocation for each section
Before exam day, decide how many minutes to spend on each section and text type, including planning and checking time. Practise this timing under full exam conditions.
Confirm any oral or listening session arrangements
If your assessment includes an oral interview or listening component, confirm the reporting time, waiting arrangements and equipment rules with the provider, as these vary by school and session.
Rest, food and transport plan
Plan transport, a light meal and adequate sleep. Check for timetable changes or disruptions on the day and have a contact number for your school's exam coordinator.
Plan the day
Complete at least one full timed practice paper under exam conditions, including planning and checking. Mark it against the criteria and note the two or three weaknesses to address in the remaining time.
Review the prescribed themes and text types, and revise a bank of useful connectives, formal register phrases and text-type conventions (for example, letter, article, report and speech openings and closings).
Rehearse oral responses if you have an oral component: record yourself answering typical questions, then listen for fluency, range of vocabulary and accuracy, and correct recurring errors.
Prepare and check everything on the checklist, confirm the room, time and reporting time with the provider, and plan transport.
Do a light review only: skim your summary of themes, text types and common error corrections. Avoid starting new material or cramming late at night.
Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencil, eraser, sharpener, water bottle and any permitted materials. Lay out clothes and confirm your transport plan.
Set an alarm and aim for a normal night's sleep. Eat regular meals and avoid excessive caffeine.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive at the venue with time to spare. Leave phones and smart devices stored as required by the provider.
Do a short, calm review of your one-page summary of themes, text types and key phrases. Do not attempt to learn new vocabulary.
Read all instructions and questions carefully before writing. Note the marks available and allocate time in proportion to them.
Spend a few minutes planning each extended response: identify the text type, audience, purpose and register, and jot down key vocabulary and structure.
Write in Polish, monitor your grammar and spelling as you go, and reserve the final minutes to check agreement, verb endings, cases and accents.
If you run out of time on one section, move on and return if possible. Attempt every question, as partial answers can earn marks.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from supervisors and invigilators. Enter and leave the room only when permitted, and do not begin writing until told to start.
Bring and display the identification required by the provider. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Mobile phones, smart watches and other electronic devices must not be used or accessible during the examination. Confirm the provider's storage rules in advance.
Only bring materials explicitly permitted for the Polish examination. If you are unsure whether a dictionary or reference material is allowed, confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Raise your hand and wait for a supervisor if you need to leave the room for a break, need materials or feel unwell. Follow the venue's rules on supervised breaks.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the examination, and do not share or copy answers. Academic integrity rules apply throughout.
Marks are awarded according to the published assessment criteria, including content, organisation, range and accuracy. Read the criteria and the question requirements carefully so your response addresses the task.
If you believe there is a problem with the paper, equipment or conditions, report it to a supervisor immediately and follow the provider's procedures for special circumstances.