WACE Japanese: Second Language ATAR
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Japanese: Second Language ATAR course is one of the Year 11 and 12 courses offered within the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), the senior secondary qualification administered by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), the statutory body responsible for curriculum, assessment and certification in Western Australia. The course suits students who have studied Japanese as a second language and wish to continue it to Year 12, building the ability to communicate in Japanese across everyday personal, social and community contexts while developing intercultural understanding.
Because the course is assessed in four skill areas, preparation should be balanced rather than concentrated on one mode. Candidates typically work through the course syllabus outcomes, practise reading and listening comprehension with a range of authentic-style texts, and produce their own written and spoken responses in Japanese, including opinions and feelings, not just factual statements. Building vocabulary and kanji gradually, and rehearsing explanations of personal experiences and points of view, helps candidates perform consistently under exam conditions.
This page is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by SCSA, and it does not reproduce official examination materials. Candidates should always confirm the current syllabus, assessment requirements and examination arrangements directly with SCSA and their school before relying on any information here.
What you'll study
About WACE Japanese: Second Language ATAR preparation
Who is the Japanese: Second Language ATAR course for?
It is a WACE Year 11 and 12 course for senior secondary students in Western Australia who are learning Japanese as a second language and want a language course counted towards their WACE and, where applicable, their ATAR. Check eligibility rules with your school before enrolling.
What does the course focus on?
The course develops communication in Japanese across four areas: exchanging information, opinions and experiences; expressing ideas, opinions and feelings in writing; and comprehending and analysing spoken and written Japanese texts. Expect work on vocabulary, grammar, kanji, text types and cultural understanding rather than translation drills alone.
How should I organise my study?
Build vocabulary and kanji in small daily blocks, then practise each skill separately: listening to spoken texts, reading short passages, writing structured responses, and speaking about personal experiences and opinions. Finish with timed practice under exam conditions so you can manage reading and planning time.
How difficult is the course?
Difficulty depends on your starting level. Students with steady prior study of Japanese generally manage the workload, but the course demands accuracy in grammar and script as well as fluency. Those starting from a lower base should expect to invest more time in vocabulary and kanji consolidation.
What are common mistakes candidates make?
Typical problems include answering in English when Japanese is required, writing opinions without reasons or examples, misreading kanji, running out of time on longer written responses, and preparing only one skill. Balancing all four communication areas and practising planning before writing reduces these risks.
Can I retake the examination?
Retake and replacement arrangements are set by SCSA and your school, and they can change between years. This page does not state a retake policy, so confirm the current rules with SCSA or your school before making decisions about repeating the course or examination.
How long is the examination and how is it structured?
The official examination structure, timing and weighting are published by SCSA and are not stated on this page. Consult the current syllabus and examination information from SCSA, and ask your teacher for the practical details for your year.
Does this page come from SCSA?
No. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. All official curriculum, assessment and certification information should be checked on the SCSA website or with your school.