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2012 Notes from the Marking Centre – Tourism and Events

Introduction

This document has been produced for the teachers and candidates of the Stage 6 course in Tourism and Events. It contains comments on candidate responses to the 2012 Higher School Certificate examination, indicating the quality of the responses and highlighting their relative strengths and weaknesses.

This document should be read along with the relevant syllabus, the 2012 Higher School Certificate examination, the marking guidelines and other support documents developed by the Board of Studies to assist in the teaching and learning of Tourism and Events.

General comments

Teachers and candidates should be aware that examiners may ask questions that address the syllabus outcomes in a manner that requires candidates to respond by integrating the knowledge, understanding and skills they developed through studying the course. Candidates need to be vigilant in reading and interpreting questions correctly and in applying the syllabus outcomes and topic content. This must be developed through thorough study of the entire course, rather than focusing on discrete syllabus ‘dot points’ and associated ‘key words’.

Candidates need to be familiar with the Board’s Glossary of Key Words (www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/glossary_keywords.html), which contains some terms commonly used in examination questions. However, candidates should also be aware that not all questions will start with or contain one of the key words from the glossary. Questions such as ‘how?’, ‘why?’ or ‘to what extent?’ may be asked, or verbs that are not included in the glossary may be used, such as ‘design’, ‘translate’ or ‘list’.

Section II

Question 16

1. In better responses, candidates correctly identified the capital cities for both states, approximate flying time from Sydney to the capital city and provided an accurate statement regarding the climate in July.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates provided simple one word answers for climate which were either inaccurate, repetitive or named the season as an answer. Capital cities were mostly identified but the flying time from Sydney to the cities was poorly answered.

2. In better responses, candidates selected the correct state/territory and chose a city upon which the river is located. Attractions were identified although some responses featured events held annually across a number of cities in Australia.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates incorrectly identified cities and attractions and chose a generic event held annually in a number of cities in Australia. In some responses, candidates detailed facts of a state or city that was not featured or linked to the question.

Question 17

1. In better responses, candidates demonstrated the correct structure and the formality required for a business letter which included correct date format, salutations and correct address format. In these responses, candidates used the stimulus and the context of the letter as applied in industry to form a suitable business communication document.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates did not use formal letter formatting or demonstrate the layout required for a business letter. In many responses, candidates repeated the question wording to form the content of their letter.

2. In better responses, candidates identified an appropriate service for the context of this scenario. They clearly explained the reason for their choice of service to ensure security.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates displayed confusion with various forms of postal services, made reference to a service without explanation or chose an inappropriate service for the scenario.

Question 18

In better responses, candidates demonstrated their knowledge of environmentally sustainable building features and work operations required for the development. In some responses, candidates made clear reference to legislation and explained relevant examples for an eco-friendly tourism operation.

In weaker responses, candidates provided limited examples of building features and/or work practices. In these responses there was little mention of building regulations, instead candidates provided general recycling information or confused work practices related to OH&S procedures.

Question 19

In better responses, candidates detailed how understanding the needs and wants of particular cultural groups can assist in satisfaction and thus increased business for the tour operator. These candidates strengthened their response by identifying valid needs and wants of this particular tourist type.

In weaker responses, candidates provided generic customer service statements that were not specific to a particular tourist group. In some responses, candidates discussed the business prospects in detail but did not link them to the cultural context.

Question 20

1. In better responses, candidates outlined appropriate warnings an overseas visitor should know.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates only outlined one warning or simply listed warnings.

2. In better responses, candidates provided specific tourism industry sources which an industry professional would use in the context of the question.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates provided general information sources which are used by the general public and are not specific to industry professionals.

Question 21

In better responses, candidates clearly explained the positive and negative impacts of currency fluctuations on both inbound and outbound travel for the Australian tourism industry. They also incorporated industry terminology in their responses.

In weaker responses, candidates broadly mentioned either currency or fluctuations but did not provide a clear explanation. In some responses, candidates made general or inaccurate comments about the impact of a strong AUD on tourist travel habits.

Section III

Question 22

In better responses, candidates discussed the economic, social and environmental impacts for a city hosting a world sporting event and identified appropriate positive and negative impacts. In better responses, candidates also noted that these impacts were relevant before, during and after the sporting event. Correct industry terminology enhanced their well-structured and cohesive responses.

In mid-range responses, candidates demonstrated reasonable understanding of the economic, social and environmental impacts. In these responses, candidates identified a selection of issues but were not able to provide positive and negative issues of all three types. Industry terminology was not clear and reference to the sporting event was limited.

In weaker responses, candidates did not refer to all three areas of impact named in the question. In these responses, candidates provided general statements with minimal understanding of positive and negative issues. In some responses, candidates focused on one issue only, such as negative environmental impacts.

Section IV

Question 23

1. In better responses, candidates demonstrated a sound understanding of why it is important to inform customers of booking conditions and associated legal requirements and provided several examples.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates had a general understanding of legal requirements but did not outline examples.

2. In better responses, candidates outlined a range of methods used to communicate with both new and existing customers. They also detailed methods of distributing information. In these responses, candidates exhibited clear understanding of how to gain clients and keep existing clients.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates often confused the response required for part b and part c and confused ‘methods’ with ‘techniques’. Few or no examples were provided.

3. In better responses, candidates had an excellent understanding of all selling techniques and provided detailed examples. In these responses, candidates directly related these to increased sales targets and/or revenue for the business. Relevant examples were provided.
   
   In weaker responses candidates made general statements and had little understanding of techniques. Few or limited examples were provided.

Question 24

1. In better responses, candidates suggested a number of appropriate registration facts required for an awards ceremony.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates suggested one piece of information.

2. In better responses, candidates displayed knowledge of materials, and the necessary information required for staff, participants and guests to ensure a smooth running ceremony.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates grouped staff, participants and guests together and did not identify individual needs. In some cases there was little reference to the context of an academic awards ceremony.

3. In better responses, candidates clearly identified the legal and the ethical obligations of this ceremony. Legal implications were thoroughly detailed using the correct names and terms for legislation. Knowledge of ethical considerations was also noted.
   
   In weaker responses, candidates confused ‘ethical’ with ‘ethnic’ or cultural awareness. They were not able to differentiate between legal obligations and ethical practices.