SACE Stage 2 Politics, Power and People exam-day guide
SACE Stage 2 Politics, Power and People · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver's licence) on the day. Exact accepted forms and whether school ID suffices vary by venue; confirm with the provider or your school's exam coordinator before exam day.
Admission/exam slip and timetable details
Print or screenshot your exam timetable and any admission notice showing the subject, date, start time, and venue. Confirm the exact reporting time and room with the provider, as these are set locally.
Approved pens and spares
Bring at least two black or blue ballpoint pens that write cleanly. Check the provider's stationery rules, since some venues supply paper but not writing implements.
Pencils, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for planning essays, annotating question booklets, or any multiple-choice or diagram sections. Keep them in a clear container if clear-pencil-case rules apply.
Clear pencil case or pouch
Many venues require all stationery to be visible in a clear case or loose on the desk. Confirm the local rule with the provider or supervisor.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
Politics papers rarely need a calculator, but confirm the subject's permitted-materials list. If allowed, use a model on the approved list and remove or clear any case or notes.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Stay hydrated without breaching rules: use a transparent bottle with no label. Supervisors may restrict drinks at some venues, so follow their instructions.
Watch (non-smart, silent)
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace long essays. Smartwatches and phones are prohibited at the desk; leave them switched off and stored as directed.
Layered clothing
Exam rooms can be cold or warm. Wear layers you can remove without disrupting others, and avoid noisy jewellery or loose items.
Plan for food and transport
Eat a normal breakfast or meal beforehand and arrive early. Check transport disruptions and have a backup route; aim to reach the venue well before the reporting time.
Leave prohibited items at home or in storage
Phones, smart devices, notes, and study sheets must be stored away from your desk per venue rules. Confirm where bags and devices go before you enter.
Confirm permitted materials for Politics
Check whether any source booklet, glossary, or annotated text list is provided or allowed. Do not assume; confirm the exact permitted-materials list with the provider.
Plan the day
Shift from learning new content to consolidating. Re-read your summaries of core concepts: power, legitimacy, authority, sovereignty, democracy, and the institutions and actors you have studied. Practise one or two timed essay plans under exam conditions. Review command words (explain, analyse, evaluate, discuss) and how each shapes the structure and depth of your response. Check the official exam specifications and permitted materials with the provider so there are no surprises. Prepare your stationery and ID early.
Do a light review only: key definitions, a few case studies or examples, and the structure you will use for source-based and extended-response questions. Rehearse a rough timing plan based on the paper's section weightings. Pack your bag: ID, pens, pencils, clear case, water, and any permitted materials. Confirm the venue, reporting time, and transport. Avoid cramming new material late at night; prioritise sleep.
Eat a proper meal and drink water. Do a short, calm review of definitions and essay scaffolds rather than whole topics. Arrive at the venue early with time to spare. Switch off and store your phone and smart devices as directed. Listen carefully to supervisor instructions, check you have the correct paper and any source booklet, and complete the cover details accurately.
Read the whole paper first and allocate time by marks and section requirements. Start with the section you are most confident in, or follow the order if the paper requires it. For source-based questions, identify the argument, evidence, and perspective in the source before writing. For extended responses, spend a few minutes planning a clear thesis and paragraph structure; integrate specific evidence and examples, and evaluate rather than merely describe. Watch the clock and leave time to check you have answered every required question, including any mandated number of extended responses.
Use the last few minutes to check that all questions are attempted, your name and details are correct, and any multiple-choice answers are transferred properly. Do not change answers on impulse without a reason. Hand up all materials as instructed. After the exam, avoid comparing answers in a way that raises anxiety, and note any reflections while they are fresh for future study.
Rules to check
Bring and display the identification required by the venue. Accepted forms vary, so confirm the exact ID rule with the provider or your school's exam coordinator before the day.
Follow all supervisor instructions about seating, materials, and starting or stopping writing. Writing after the signal to stop may be treated as a breach of rules.
Keep phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices switched off and stored away from your desk for the whole session. Do not keep them on your person.
Only use materials explicitly permitted for this subject. If you are unsure whether a calculator, notes, or a text is allowed, confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Raise your hand and wait for a supervisor if you need to leave for a break, feel unwell, or need extra paper. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam.
Do not communicate with other candidates during reading time or the exam, and do not share or receive information about the paper until the session has ended.
Answer the required number of questions and sections. Marks are awarded for what is written in the paper, so check that every required response is clearly identified and legible.
If you believe there is a problem with the paper or your circumstances, tell a supervisor immediately and follow the venue's procedures for reporting it; do not attempt to resolve it yourself.