STANSW Meet the Markers Extended
Mark Like a Senior Judge. Transform Your Teaching Approach.
When: In-person, Friday 20 March, 2026
Venue: Chifley College Senior Campus Mt Druitt, with an optional breakfast experience at Sydney Zoo
Purpose:
This full-day, in-person event provides HSC Science Teachers with deep, collaborative professional development that moves beyond 2025 exam-specific analysis. The goal is to fundamentally shift your teaching approach by giving you a simulated marker experience and a macroscopic understanding of the entire HSC assessment process.
Audience:
NSW Stage 6 (Year 11-12) Science Teachers (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, EES, Investigating Science, Science Extension), particularly those seeking to master HSC standards and improve student performance, regardless of their prior marking experience.
Key Components:
- Understand the Process: Exclusive NESA-focused session on how the HSC exam is built, moderated, and judged.
- Apply the Standards: Subject-specific, collaborative session where you unpack band descriptors and marking criteria using sample materials.
- Shift Your Strategy: Learn high-impact teaching methods from expert teachers to prepare students to achieve top bands.
Program Outline
| Time | Session Type | Content Focus | Presenter/ Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
Optional Breakfast Experience |
Sydney Zoo Visit: Breakfast and Plenary with Josh Nicholls, First Nations Team Leader (RSVP separately) |
Josh Nicholls, First Nations Team Leader, Sydney Zoo |
|
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM |
Travel Time |
Travel by car from Sydney Zoo to Chifley College Senior Campus (10 mins; dedicated parking available at both). |
Attendees |
|
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
Arrival & Check-in |
Campus arrival and check-in for all attendees (including those not attending the Zoo). Coffee and networking before sessions commence. |
Committee |
|
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM |
Welcome & Introduction |
Program welcome, outline of the day’s macroscopic focus, and its relevance to both current and future syllabuses. |
Committee Convenor |
|
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM |
Keynote & collaborative workshop (90 mins) |
Understanding the HSC Process: How exams are written, the judging process, moderation, and standard setting.
Jen’s 90-minute keynote and collaborative workshop will explore how science teachers can strengthen their assessment practices through a deeper understanding of standards-referenced frameworks, moderation processes, and achievement standards. In an interactive, discussion-driven format, participants will work together to connect these elements and consider how they inform fair, consistent, and meaningful assessments that genuinely reflect student learning and support professional growth. |
Jen Pledger,
NESA Metropolitan Liaison Officer |
|
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM |
Lunch |
||
|
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM |
Workshop Session 1 (90 mins) |
Applying Marking Criteria (Subject Specific): Practical application of marking criteria using NESA Standards Packages. Focus on band descriptors. |
Subject Faciliators |
|
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM |
Break |
Tea/Coffee |
|
|
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
Workshop Session 2 (90 mins) |
Classroom Strategy: Preparing Students for the HSC: Experienced teachers share practical, high-impact strategies for student exam preparation. |
Subject Faciliators |
|
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
Final Q&A & Wrap-up |
Panel Q&A, distribution of resources, feedback collection, and professional thank you. |
Committee Convenor |