Twelfth Grade - Australia

Australia

In Australia, the twelfth grade is referred to as Year 12. In New South Wales, students are usually 16 or 17 years old when they enter Year 12 and 17–18 years during graduation (end of year). All students in Year 12 work towards getting an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) or OP (Overall Position, which applies only to students in the state of Queensland), which will allow them access to courses at university. In Victoria, this is achieved by completing the VCE and in New South Wales this is achieved by completing the HSC.

In New South Wales, when completing the, students are required to satisfactorily complete at least 10 units of study in ATAR courses which must include:

• eight units from Category A courses
• two units of English
• three Board Developed courses of two units or greater
• four subjects

Students can leave school at the age of 15 only if they have a full-time job or are doing a TAFE course.

Year 12s also usually receive a Year 12 Jersey. Schools choose the design, colours and writing which are printed or stitched onto the jersey. Generally the last two digits of the year they are graduating are printed on the back, for example "12" for 2012 school leavers and above is a personalised nickname. The front usually shows the school emblem and students name which are generally stitched in.

Many schools conduct end of year "formals", similar to a senior prom and are held from anytime between graduation in September to November.