In asking does anybody know anything about the Australian HCE qualification.

[peewitsandy]

My Australian/British friend (she has lived in the U.K 20 years her kids are all at grammar schools).

However, she is adamant that her Higher School Certificate (HSC) qualification's are superior to my A level ones. She also suggests that Australian Selective High schools are more selective and difficult to access than many English Grammar schools.

She was also 'goading' me about the significant number of Alumni of her school, Sydney Girls High compared to the number from mine, Newstead Wood. This is despite the two very famous recent ones.

Therefore, is the standard required to get high grades in the HCE, equal or greater than that of A Levels.

Sounds like she needs to get a hobby or a job. Who sits and talks about their A Levels from 20+ years ago?

FWIW, DH is Aussie, although a different state, and his qualifications seemed tough, mainly as they had to do 6 subjects. It was almost like the IB, so you have to be a fairly decent all-rounder whereas I feel you can specialise more with A Levels.