to E for each Stage 1 subject and A+ to E− for Stage 2 subjects. For compulsory requirements, to gain their SACE they will need to achieve: a C grade or better at Stage 1 a C− grade or better at Stage 2. The compulsory requirements are: Personal Learning Plan (10 credits at Stage 1) Literacy – at least 20 credits from a range of English subjects or courses (Stage 1 or Stage 2) Numeracy – at least 10 credits from a range of mathematics subjects or courses (Stage 1 or Stage 2) Research Project – an in-depth major project (10 credits at Stage 2) Other Stage 2 subjects totalling at least 60 credits. The remaining 90 credits can be gained through additional Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects or Board-recognised courses (such as VET or community learning) of a student’s choice. Assessment SACE studies are assessed both internally (in school) and externally. All top-tier stage 2 subjects have a 30% external assessment, which may be an exam, investigation or performance. As well as the compulsory subjects, stage 2 school based assessments are centrally moderated to ensure fair and accurate results. SACE and tertiary studies SACE results are scaled and then used to calculate a University Aggregate, which is out of 90. This is then converted into an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), previously a Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) which universities within Australia use to select students who will be offered places in particular courses. A TAFE SA selection score is also calculated for entry into other further education courses. Full details of South Australian university and TAFE entry requirements for 2012 onwards are provided in ‘Australian Tertiary Admissions Booklet 2013, 2014, 2015’, published by the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre, the South Australian Government authority which processes applications for tertiary courses in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Awards SACE results are announced in December each year. Governor of South Australia Commendations are awarded to people who receive merits in 90 Stage 2 credits (including Research Project) or achieved an A in 70 or more credits and displayed "Excellence in the development of one or more SACE capabilities". Merits are awarded to students who receive an A+, and have displayed "exceptional achievement" (less than 2% of students taking a subject) in individual subjects in their Stage 2 SACE results. Prizes are awarded to the top student in certain subjects,