BSSS Student Newsletter
Posted on 26 Mar 2024
Semester 1 2024 Student Newsletter
Inside, you will find articles on the new Board Chair, Ethical Guidelines for Assessment, VET and AST updates and a Q&A.
BSSS Summer Newsletter 2024
Posted on 22 Mar 2024
We are delighted to present the BSSS teacher newsletter for summer 2024.
Moderation Day 1 2024 ACS Assessment Item Coversheet creation
Posted on 17 Jan 2024
Online training for faculty and school leaders
Online training will be available for school and faculty leaders demonstrating the process of generating task cover sheets in ACS. This is intended to support school and faculty leaders in guiding teachers in using ACS as required for Moderation Day Two 2024.
Online training sessions available to school and faculty leaders -
Tuesday 20 February 12:30 - 1:00pm
Wednesday 21 February 4:30 - 5:00pm
Friday 23 February 9:00 - 9:30am
Enrol via the following link
NEW 2024 ACS Moderation Resources to support use of new functionality
Posted on 17 Jan 2024
Teachers, please familiarise yourself with the ACS Help file and manual available under Help once you have signed into ACS.
Also available: Assessment item coversheet creation presentation (below)
ACT Senior Secondary Certificate Overview 2023
Posted on 13 Dec 2023
Photo: Student awardees and special guests who attended the 2023 BSSS Recognition of Excellence Ceremony
Click here to access the article.
The BSSS Welcomes New Board Chair
Posted on 13 Dec 2023
I am pleased to announce that the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry, has appointed Ms. Catherine Hudson as Chairperson of the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies.
Cathy has extensive board, strategy and regulatory experience and has worked across all levels of government in education, economic, social, and environmental policy areas. She has held Deputy Director-General roles in the ACT Government and acted as Director-General. Cathy has also held the key integrity and governance position of the ACT Commissioner for Public Administration.
Cathy commenced in the role on Tuesday 12 December 2023.
The Office of the BSSS welcomes her to the Board.
Martin Watson
Executive Director
Office of the Board of Senior Secondary Studies
Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools
Posted on 04 Dec 2023
The Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools will be implemented from Term 1 2024 – providing guidance on understanding, using and responding to generative AI in Australian school-based education.
To support ACT Senior Secondary teachers and students in implementing this Framework, the BSSS has created a guide for our context. This guide is written to help teachers and students engage with some of the key responsibilities and implications of the Framework; it includes summaries of what AI can do, how it might potentially be used in education, elaborations on the responsibilities of teachers and students under the Framework, and a survey of the major issues touched on by the Framework. The document includes links to resources, strategies and ideas to help schools with the implementation of both the Framework, and AI itself. Teachers and students should check with their school and/or sector’s ICT policies before making decisions about the use of AI in educational settings.
Click here to access the Framework: The Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools - Department of Education, Australian Government
Click here to access the Guide to AI in the ACT Senior Secondary System
BSSS News Spring 2023.pdf
Posted on 23 Nov 2023
We are delighted to present the BSSS teacher newsletter for Spring 2023.
BSSS AI and Academic Integrity Guides
Posted on 15 Nov 2023
To support students, teachers and parents, the Office of the BSSS has collated our 2023 papers about academic integrity and AI into guidebooks. In these guides, you can find information about academic integrity, what happens when a result is queried, and what happens in an appeal.
BSSS Student Guide AI and Academic Integrity 
(588KB)
BSSS Teacher Guide AI and Academic Integrity (620KB)
BSSS Parent Guide AI and Academic Integrity (466KB)
Designing a Program of Learning
Posted on 07 Nov 2023
Educators in the ACT Senior Secondary System looking for support and guidance to create an effective Program of Learning to best meet curriculum and assessment requirements.
Venue: Callam Offices, Easty Street
Date: Thursday, 4 April 2024
Time: 1 - 4pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Link
Designing Assessment to Assess Thinking
Posted on 07 Nov 2023
Educators and School leaders interested in gaining a deeper understanding of assessment principles using AST questions as examples.
Venue: OBSSS
Date: Wednesday, 27 March 2024
Time: 9am - 12pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Link
Upcoming Professional Learning in May
Posted on 06 Nov 2023
Click on this news item for more information on the upcoming TQI Accredited BSSS Professional Learning Workshops below:
2 May - Introduction to the ACT Senior Secondary System
6 May - Introduction to the Industry and Services Framework
8 May - Artificial Intelligence in Senior Secondary Schools
21 May - Assessing Group Tasks
29 May - School Based Moderation and Meshing Workshop
Introduction to the ACT Senior Secondary System
This workshop gives an overview of our system in an interactive and small group environment. There is the opportunity to ask questions. All teachers new to the senior secondary system are welcome.
Venue: Level 1 Building B Callam Offices, Easty Street, Phillip
Date: Thursday 2 May 9:00am - 3:00pm
Register: Link
Flyer: Link
Introduction to the Industry and Services Framework
This workshop is for Industry and Services teachers and school leaders. It will allow teachers to explore the Framework and the courses under the Framework. Teachers will get the opportunity to consider the learning and assessment requirements of courses under the Framework.
Venue: Level 1 Building B Callam Offices, Easty Street, Phillip
Date: Monday 6 May 1:00 - 4:00pm
Register: Link
Flyer: Link
Artificial Intelligence in Senior Secondary Schools
This workshop focuses on helping classroom teachers and school leaders to understand the basics of generative AI as it continually evolves, some of the issues and responsibilities, and ways to consider academic integrity in light of generative AI. In 2024, it also introduces the Australian Framework for Generative AI in Education.
This workshop is currently at capacity. This session will be held again on 31 July 9-3pm
Venue: Level 1 Building B Callam Offices, Easty Street, Phillip
Date: Wednesday, 8 May
Assessing Group Tasks
With courses increasingly requiring collaborative and teamwork tasks to reflect the expectations of industry, capability development, and further learning, this workshop will support teachers in finding ways to set quality group work tasks.
Venue: Level 1 Building B Callam Offices, Easty Street, Phillip
Date: Tuesday, 21 May 9:00am-12:00pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Link
School Based Moderation and Meshing Workshop
This workshop is for educators who are interested in looking at school internal moderation and meshing processes and how to develop and document these for robust, transparent and valid assessment item and unit scores.
This workshop is quite technical and mathematical in nature.
Venue: Level 1 Building B Callam Offices, Easty Street, Phillip
Date: Wednesday, 29 May 9:00am-12:00pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Link
Special Interest Paper October 2023 AI - Students Parents and Carers
Posted on 11 Oct 2023
We are delighted to present the October 2023 special interest paper AI - Students, Parents and Carers.
BSSS Student Newsletter Semester 2 2023
Posted on 11 Oct 2023
We are delighted to present the BSSS student newsletter for Semester 2 2023
Robust Rubrics
Posted on 03 Oct 2023
This workshop is for educators interested in using rubrics which unpack learning. This workshop is based on the work of Professor Patrick Griffin and allows participants to reflect on their own rubrics.
Venue: Callam Offices
Date: Tuesday, 31 October 2023
Time: 9am - 12pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Link
Recognition of External VET on the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate from 2024
Posted on 31 Jul 2023
There have been number of changes made in the Recognition of External VET on the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate from 2024. For further information please refer to our VET page here.
BSSS Teacher Newsletter Autumn 2023
Posted on 14 Jun 2023
We are delighted to present the BSSS teacher newsletter for Autumn 2023.
Recognition of External VET on the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate
Posted on 18 May 2023
Following an extensive review, the ACT BSSS is implementing improvements in the recognition of student vocational achievements on the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate.
BSSS Student Newsletter
Posted on 27 Feb 2023
The BSSS is pleased to announce a newsletter for students: the Semester One Student Newsletter. There's information in there about scaling, special provisions, and choosing your courses. Have a look!
BSSS Student News Semester 1 2023
Assessing Group Tasks
Posted on 16 Jan 2023
This TQI accredited workshop is for educators interested in the principles behind using assessment design to include collaborative and teamwork tasks to reflect expectations in industry, capability development and further learning.
Date: Friday, 8 September 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Assessing Group Tasks
Designing a Program of Learning
Posted on 16 Jan 2023
This TQI accredited workshop explores the relationship between frameworks, courses, and programs of learning. By unpacking the language of curriculum, teachers will be guided through the curriculum writing process so they can develop powerful, engaging programs of learning. It is suitable for all senior secondary teachers.
Date: Thursday, 14 September 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 9-12pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Link
Online module available: BSSS Workshops - ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies
Sharing a Program of Learning
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This workshop is about sharing best practice and examining how our colleagues have implemented Programs of Learning. It is suitable for experienced educators and offers an opportunity for system contribution and leadership.
Date: Monday, 18 September 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 1-4pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Link
Designing Assessment to Assess Thinking
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This workshop considers assessment design and how to structure multiple choice and short answer questions. Important information about the role of AST in developing creative and critical thinking is explored.
Date: Thursday, 23 March 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 9am-3pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/rERdjjVD9K
Flyer: Designing Assessment to Assess Thinking
Simplified Scaling
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This workshop focuses on the way in which assessment is compared across subjects and across colleges through scaling. It will also cover the importance of accurate meshing and using discriminating assessment items. This workshop is aimed at teachers who are new to the system and/or scaling.
Date: Friday, 17 March 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/hcseCwimge
Flyer: Simplified scaling
Intro to the new Commerce Framework
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This TQI accredited workshop is for educators new to the ACT Senior Secondary System looking for understanding of curriculum and assessment for the new Commerce Framework.
Date: Thursday, 23 February 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: Intro to the new Commerce Framework
Flyer: Intro to Frameworks
Online module available: BSSS Workshops - ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies
Intro to the Arts Framework
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This TQI accredited workshop is for educators new to the ACT Senior Secondary System looking for understanding of curriculum and assessment for the Arts Framework.
Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 1-4pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/UcVXUh3Ywg
Flyer: Intro to Frameworks
Online module available: BSSS Workshops - ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies
Intro to the Maths Framework
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This TQI accredited workshop is for educators new to the ACT Senior Secondary System looking for understanding of curriculum and assessment for the Mathematics Framework.
Date: Wednesday 22 February 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/UcVXUh3Ywg
Flyer: Intro to the Mathematics Framework
Online workshop available: BSSS Workshops - ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies
Intro to the English Framework
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This TQI accredited workshop is for educators new to the ACT Senior Secondary System looking for understanding of curriculum and assessment for the English Framework.
Date: Tuesday 21 February 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 1-4pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/UcVXUh3Ywg
Flyer: Intro to Frameworks
Online module available: BSSS Workshops - ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies
Quality Assessment Guidelines
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This TQI accredited workshop explores the Quality Assessment Guidelines and gives an overview of all the criteria.
Opportunities will be given for teachers to critique assessment tasks and reflect on how they design assessment tasks.
Venue: Callam Offices
Date: Tuesday, 15 August 2023
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/JQMrGvMMEp
Flyer: Quality Assessment Guidelines
New to Leadership in the ACT Senior Secondary System
Posted on 13 Jan 2023
This workshop is designed for educators new to leadership positions in the ACT Senior Secondary System.
Date: Monday, 30 October 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 1- 4pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Link
School based Moderation and Meshing
Posted on 12 Jan 2023
This TQI accredited workshop is for educators who are interested in looking at school internal moderation and meshing processes and how to develop and document these for robust, transparent and valid assessment item and unit scores.
This workshop is quite technical and mathematical in nature.
Date: Wednesday, 8 February 2023
Venue: Callam Offices
Time: 1 - 4pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/upXyFUbSt1
Flyer: School based moderation and meshing workshop
Introduction to the BSSS - for new teachers
Posted on 10 Jan 2023
We encourage all teachers new to the ACT Senior Secondary System to attend this TQI accredited PL, or complete the online workshop option.
Venue: Callam Offices
Date: Monday, 16 October 2023
Time: 9am - 3pm
Register here: Link
Flyer: Intro to BSSS
Congratulations to all graduating students
Posted on 15 Dec 2022
Media Release about the 2022 Graduating Class
Board Chair's speech from Recognition of Excellence
BSSS Newsletter Spring 2022
Posted on 10 Oct 2022
The Office of the BSSS is delighted to launch the first issue of our newsletter for teaching staff. Inside, you will find articles about changes to policy and courses, including VET and appeals; information about the AST; and advice about using ACS including the bulk-entering of grades. Download it here: BSSS News Spring 2022
Leading a Senior Secondary Assessment in your School
Posted on 27 Sep 2022
Three-hour workshop designed for all School Leaders new to ACT Senior Secondary
Venue: Callam Offices Woden
Date: Friday 21 October 2022
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/6nzzHqHXKa
Flyer - Leading Assessment in your school
Topics:
- Programs of Learning
- General Capabilities
- Quality Assessment
- Appeals
- Interpreting Data
Quality Assessment Guidelines September
Posted on 12 Aug 2022
This three-hour TQI accredited workshop explores the Quality Assessment Guidelines and gives an overview of all the criteria. Opportunities will be given for teachers to critique assessment tasks and reflect on how they design assessment tasks.
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
Date: Thursday 15 September 2022
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/QxZxwYHZYy
Flyer - Quality Assessment Guidelines
Designing a Program of Learning
Posted on 06 Jul 2022
This workshop explores the relationship between frameworks, courses, and programs of learning.
Teachers will be guided through the curriculum writing process to develop programs of learning.
It is suitable for all senior secondary teachers.
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
Date: Wednesday 21 September 2022
Time: 9- 12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/c3xqGgAKuq
Flyer - Designing a Program of Learning
Curriculum Planning: The new Commerce Framework
Posted on 06 Jul 2022
This three-hour TQI accredited workshop is for Commerce teachers who teach in the senior secondary sector. It will allow teachers to consider the implications of the Commerce Achievement Standards and Framework for their teaching and assessment.
Venue: Online via Teams
Time: 12-3pm
Date: Thursday 3 November 2022
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/BSTZvQPYrA
Flyer - The new Commerce Framework
Curriculum Planning: The Arts Framework
Posted on 06 Jul 2022
This three-hour TQI accredited online course will guide teachers through examining and reflecting on the new Arts Framework and courses for 2022. It will provide ideas for consideration and encourage reflection on existing practice and future requirements.
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
Date: Tuesday 30 August 2022
Time: 9-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/yyMKiwLyX0
Flyer - The Arts Framework
Curriculum Planning: The Science Framework
Posted on 04 Jul 2022
This workshop is offered to Science teachers to allow them to reflect on the new Framework and the changes this brings with it.
Teachers will get the opportunity to work on a current Science unit and be guided through the process of updating it to reflect the parameters of the new Framework.
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
Date: Tuesday 13 September 2022
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/2mvpnbh8a5
Flyer - Curriculum Planning: Science
Quality Assessment Guidelines
Posted on 04 Jul 2022
This three-hour TQI accredited workshop explores the Quality Assessment Guidelines and gives an overview of all the criteria. Opportunities will be given for teachers to critique assessment tasks and reflect on how they design assessment tasks.
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
Date: Tuesday 16 August 2022
Time: 9am-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/QxZxwYHZYy
Flyer - Quality Assessment Guidelines
Surveying Scaling
Posted on 04 Jul 2022
This workshop focuses on the way in which assessment is compared across subjects and across colleges through scaling. It will also cover the importance of accurate meshing and using discriminating assessment items. A knowledge of certification processes is required for teachers attending this workshop.
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
Date: Monday 8 August 2022
Time: 1 - 4pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/bJD8uFC5fg
Flyer - Surveying Scaling
Curriculum Planning: The Mathematics Framework
Posted on 01 Jul 2022
This workshop will familiarise teachers with the Mathematics Framework.
They will:
- consider assessment options
- calibrate understanding of the Achievement Standards
- analyse curriculum coverage
- analyse assessment parameter
Venue: Online via Teams meeting
Date: Tuesday 19 July 2022
Time: 9am - 12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/GNGPCsgNV5
Flyer - Curriculum Planning: The Mathematics Framework
Introduction to the BSSS - for new teachers
Posted on 01 Jul 2022
A workshop for teachers new to the ACT Senior Secondary system.
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
Date: Thursday 28 July 2022
Time: 9am - 3pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/LnSvtgsNFD
Flyer - Introduction to the BSSS - for new teachers
Shape of Moderation
Posted on 03 May 2022
The Shape of ACT Quality Assurance – System Moderation Report outlines a model to enhance processes to support the quality and comparability of grade judgements across schools and building teacher capacity to develop high quality assessment.
In 2018, the Board endorsed recommendations made by a cross sectorial committee. The purpose of this review was to examine existing BSSS assessment and moderation policies and procedures to determine if changes are required to meet future needs within a continuous school-based assessment and consensus peer-based moderation system. The Office of the Board of Senior Secondary Studies has worked in collaboration with senior secondary teachers to implement these recommendations.
The report proposes a multidimensional strategy for BSSS Moderation Day with the following key features:
- a range of moderation tasks including student portfolio unit grade agreement, moderation of individual assessment tasks, blind moderation of single or multiple assessment tasks, assessment instrument review and evaluation of a program of learning
- targeted and automated moderation processes (i.e. flexible moderation cycle and processes which encompass years 11/12 work across Semester 1-4 including item by item and wholistic moderation)
- provision of annotated assessment tasks and student work informed by the BSSS Achievement Standards and Quality Assessment Guidelines.
The full report can be viewed here: BSSS Shape of Moderation Report for Public Consultation (1035 KB)
Public consultation occurred from Thursday 5 May - Tuesday 31 May 2022.
A series of public consultation forums were be held on the following days:
Thursday 12 May 3.00-5.00pm
Tuesday 17 May 8.30-10.00am
Thursday 19 May 3.30-5.00pm
ACT BSSS Recognition of Excellence Ceremony 2021
Posted on 16 Dec 2021
On Monday 13 December the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies celebrated the achievements of Year 12 students at the Recognition of Excellence Awards at the Canberra Theatre.
The ceremony acknowledged the achievements of individual students across five areas:
- Community Service Award
- Excellence in a Course Area Award
- Vocational Studies Award
- Academic Studies Award
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award
Members of the BSSS Student Forum were also recognised for their contribution to the ACT Senior Secondary system throughout 2021.
The Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Ms Yvette Berry, praised students for their achievements, adaptability and proactive approach to their studies during 2020 and 2021.
All students are congratulated for their wonderful achievements.
Recognition of Excellence 2021 - Digital Program
BSSS Review of C and E Course Classifications
Posted on 21 Sep 2021
The public consultation period has now closed. The committee will now consider all feedback that has been received through written submission, public consultation forums and survey questions.Review of C and E Course Classifications - Public Consultation
Posted on 13 Aug 2021
The Review of C and E Course Classifications: Report has been developed in response to the terms of reference endorsed by the Board in November 2020.Feedback can be provided using the Survey Monkey link here 
. Face-to-face consultation will be held during August and September 2021 at the Office of the Board of Senior Secondary Studies. Dates and time for these events will be confirmed soon.
Public Consultation - Draft BSSS Courses
Posted on 13 Aug 2021
The draft BSSS courses for Early Childhood Studies, Construction Pathways, Psychology, Social and Community Work, Sociology, Tourism and Event Management are available for public consultation.
Copies of each draft course, along with a link to provide feedback, can be found on the Curriculum Development Page. The consultation period for all courses closes midday on Wednesday 18 August 2021.
Public Consultation – Draft BSSS Shape Papers
Posted on 19 Apr 2021
The Draft BSSS Shape Papers for Psychology, Sociology, Early Childhood Studies, Social and Community Work, and Tourism and Event Management are now available for public consultation.
Copies of each Draft Shape Paper along with a link to provide feedback can be found on the Curriculum Development Page. The consultation period for all shape papers closes on Thursday 29 April 2021.
AST 2021
Posted on 15 Apr 2021
As the ACT is in lockdown, the AST has been postponed until Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 October 2021.
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
Posted on 15 Apr 2021