Chinese: Background Language — WA WACE scaling 2024
TISC's verbatim 2024 scaled-score statistics for Chinese: Background Language. Scaled mean 59.7/100, SD 11.1, 24 students. Range observed: 34.7 to 78.5.
Summary statistics
| Scaled mean | 59.7 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Standard deviation | 11.1 |
| Minimum scaled score | 34.7 |
| Maximum scaled score | 78.5 |
| Students (2024) | 24 |
How Chinese: Background Language scaled in 2024
This subject's candidature was small in 2024 (fewer than 50 students), so TISC does not publish percentile data — only the mean, SD, min, and max. The scaled-score figures below should be read with the small-sample caveat in mind.
The scaled-score scale in WA is 0–100, with the cohort-wide mean across all subjects sitting around 60 by construction. A subject with a scaled mean above 60 had a candidature performing above the WACE-wide average; below 60 means the average student in this subject performed below the WACE-wide average. Note that this is the scaled mean across the course's candidature, not a measure of conceptual difficulty.
3-year scaling trend for Chinese: Background Language ↑
| Year | Scaled mean (/ 100) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 58.9 |
| 2024 | 59.7 |
Scaling has risen by +0.8 points over 1 year (2023: 58.9 → 2024: 59.7). This typically reflects a strengthening candidature — more high-achievers picking this subject relative to other subjects.
3-year trend data sourced from the TISC annual scaling reports 2023–2024. See all scaling trends.
Tutor rate context for Chinese: Background Language
Subject complexity classification: moderate — accredited-tutor premium. Based on our subject-complexity model, this subject typically carries a +8% adjustment to the base AU tutor rate band — partly because of the qualified-tutor pool size, partly because of subject-specific marking and exam complexity.
| Tutor tier | Typical rate for Chinese: Background Language |
|---|---|
| University-student tutor | $65/hr |
| Experienced graduate | $85/hr |
| Registered teacher | $120/hr |
| Subject specialist | $150/hr |
Estimates from the AU rate synthesis at /rates/. Use the rate estimator to add city and delivery format.
What this means for ATAR planning
In WA, the Tertiary Entrance Aggregate (TEA) is formed from your best 4 scaled scores, with a 10% bonus added to scaled scores in Mathematics Methods, Mathematics Specialist, and LOTE subjects (highest LOTE only). The maximum aggregate in 2024 was 430.
- Chinese: Background Language scaled to a mean of 59.7 — around the WACE average.
- Strong individual results in subjects with lower scaled means can still produce strong scaled scores — look at the P90 row, not just the mean, before deciding a subject is "weak" for ATAR.
Caveats specific to Chinese: Background Language
- This is 2024 data. TISC recalculates scaling each year.
- Sample size is small (n=24), so the mean and SD are less stable than for larger-candidature subjects.
- WACE scaled scores are NOT directly comparable across states. NSW and VIC use a 0-50 scale; QLD and WA use 0-100. Cross-state comparisons need to be normalised by scale.
- The WACE Maths Methods / Specialist / LOTE 10% bonus applies after scaling, only when the bonused subject is one of your top 4.
Related resources
ATAR scaling calculator
Interactive tool using verbatim 2024 figures from UAC, VTAC, and QTAC.
Tutor rate estimator
Pick subject × city × tutor tier × delivery for a fair-market band.
All WA WACE subjects
Top + bottom scaling subjects, full subject list with linkable detail.
WA WACE curriculum guide
Subject directory + links to the official SCSA syllabus pages.
SCSA — official
The curriculum authority's own published syllabus for this subject.
How to choose a tutor
12 questions to ask before committing to a tutor for this subject.
- TISC — 2024 Scaled Score Statistics (All Students), individual subject page.
- SCSA — School Curriculum and Standards Authority (curriculum authority).