Distinction courses

Anything about distinction courses please. Even general information. Like, all these rumours about a minimum mark in eco and stuff....

http://news.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/index.cfm/2008/12/3/HSC-Distinction-courses-in-2009-and-beyond

That was published in Dec 2008, still no word about 2010 yet, although for this year's Year 10 it would be 2011 you would be concerned with.

From http://www.distinction.nsw.edu.au,

Why do a distinction course?
Distinction Courses provide an opportunity for a type of study very different from other Higher School Certificate courses. The courses are challenging and allow students to explore and develop their own ideas, and to interact with like-minded peers. In terms of their content, mode of study and contact with university personnel, they provide a preparation for university study and a broader perspective across Key Learning Areas.

Who can do a distinction course?
Exceptional students who have accelerated and completed, ahead of their cohort, all HSC course requirements in one subject area generally at the highest level may be eligible to study a Distinction Course.
Students will have completed the accelerated course the year prior to that in which they intend to study a Distinction Course.

Students selected for Distinction Course study will be able to choose any one of the Distinction Courses, regardless of which HSC course was completed at the highest level the year before. There are no particular prerequisites for the Distinction Courses.

A selection panel, chaired by the President of the Board of Studies, conducts the selection process. The selection criteria include:
- completion of HSC course at the highest level ahead of cohort;
- presentation for the Higher School Certificate examination in the year prior to the year in which the Distinction Course is to be taken;
- outstanding achievement in the accelerated course;
- evidence of a pattern of high achievement in all courses studied;
- school report indicating suitability to study a Distinction Course which includes an assessment of the student's:

* specific strengths and weaknesses
* ability as a self-motivated independent learner
* research skills
* communication skills
* relevant achievements within the school community
* relevant achievements in the wider community;

-support from the school principal.

The process of selection includes:
- the Board of Studies, with the assistance of schools, identifies HSC accelerants as prospective Distinction Course students;
- the Board invites students to submit an Expression of Interest to undertake a Distinction Course;
- students who submit an Expression of Interest are invited to attend an Information Day in Sydney with a view to assisting them in making decisions on courses of study for the following year;
- students make formal application to the Board to undertake a preferred Distinction Course the following year;
- the Selection Panel meets to consider applications;
- student receives confirmation from Board of acceptance or non-acceptance of application.

How do I study a Distinction Course?
The courses are taught by universities through distance education mode. The learning materials, which are delivered to the student's home, consist of modules of work, related readings and required assignments. Assignments, projects and examinations are marked by university lecturers and/or members of the course committees. Students attend compulsory residential seminars at universities during the course. These seminars provide an introduction to university life, presentations by university lecturers and interaction with other Distinction Course students. Between the seminars, students are encouraged to maintain contact with each other and with the course coordinator via phone, electronic mail and letter. In some cases students may also have a mentor who will assist the student with course content and completion of assignments.
The universities appoint a coordinator for each course. The coordinator is responsible for the arrangements for, and conduct of, the residential seminars and is the primary contact person for students undertaking the course.

chrisk wrote:From http://www.distinction.nsw.edu.au,

Why do a distinction course?
Distinction Courses provide an opportunity for a type of study very different from other Higher School Certificate courses. The courses are challenging and allow students to explore and develop their own ideas, and to interact with like-minded peers. In terms of their content, mode of study and contact with university personnel, they provide a preparation for university study and a broader perspective across Key Learning Areas.

Who can do a distinction course?
Exceptional students who have accelerated and completed, ahead of their cohort, all HSC course requirements in one subject area generally at the highest level may be eligible to study a Distinction Course.
Students will have completed the accelerated course the year prior to that in which they intend to study a Distinction Course.

Students selected for Distinction Course study will be able to choose any one of the Distinction Courses, regardless of which HSC course was completed at the highest level the year before. There are no particular prerequisites for the Distinction Courses.

A selection panel, chaired by the President of the Board of Studies, conducts the selection process. The selection criteria include:
- completion of HSC course at the highest level ahead of cohort;
- presentation for the Higher School Certificate examination in the year prior to the year in which the Distinction Course is to be taken;
- outstanding achievement in the accelerated course;
- evidence of a pattern of high achievement in all courses studied;
- school report indicating suitability to study a Distinction Course which includes an assessment of the student's:

* specific strengths and weaknesses
* ability as a self-motivated independent learner
* research skills
* communication skills
* relevant achievements within the school community
* relevant achievements in the wider community;

-support from the school principal.

The process of selection includes:
- the Board of Studies, with the assistance of schools, identifies HSC accelerants as prospective Distinction Course students;
- the Board invites students to submit an Expression of Interest to undertake a Distinction Course;
- students who submit an Expression of Interest are invited to attend an Information Day in Sydney with a view to assisting them in making decisions on courses of study for the following year;
- students make formal application to the Board to undertake a preferred Distinction Course the following year;
- the Selection Panel meets to consider applications;
- student receives confirmation from Board of acceptance or non-acceptance of application.

How do I study a Distinction Course?
The courses are taught by universities through distance education mode. The learning materials, which are delivered to the student's home, consist of modules of work, related readings and required assignments. Assignments, projects and examinations are marked by university lecturers and/or members of the course committees. Students attend compulsory residential seminars at universities during the course. These seminars provide an introduction to university life, presentations by university lecturers and interaction with other Distinction Course students. Between the seminars, students are encouraged to maintain contact with each other and with the course coordinator via phone, electronic mail and letter. In some cases students may also have a mentor who will assist the student with course content and completion of assignments.
The universities appoint a coordinator for each course. The coordinator is responsible for the arrangements for, and conduct of, the residential seminars and is the primary contact person for students undertaking the course.

TY chris

What distiction courses are there?

All i know of are, Philosophy and Cosmology. Also what is involved in Cosmology

Thanks

don't get your hopes up people

kappy wrote:What distiction courses are there?

All i know of are, Philosophy and Cosmology. Also what is involved in Cosmology

Thanks

See here: http://www.distinction.nsw.edu.au/bwWebsite/followon.aspx?PageID=4074

You can check out some past papers here
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/aa_main/search.html?cx=009208855244743729508%3A699v2tv5_f4&cof=FORID%3A11&q=cosmology&x=0&y=0#1106

to get an idea of the content of the course.

The modules 123 test doesn't seem too bad, but then thereafter it looks difficult.