Emerald State High School

FOUNDATIONS FIRST

Semester 1, 2009, will see the full implementation of a new curriculum in all Queensland Schools. This is called, Queensland Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Framework or QCARF. Key elements integral to the framework are Strands called ‘Essential Learnings.’ These Essential Learnings are elements of the 8 Key Learning Areas (KLA’s) that must be made available for every student in years 8 and 9.

Emerald State High School has developed a new curriculum called ‘Foundations First” for year 8 and 9 to implement the new QCAR framework. At Emerald this will look as follows:

• Each student will have 6 unit selections each semester to choose from. This means that over year 8 and year 9 they have a total of 24 unit selections. Each of the 8 KLA’s has 3 unit opportunities to present their specific Essential Learnings. All KLA’s except LOTE are compulsory.
• In Maths, Science and English, students will need to select units in a sequential order numbered 1, 2 and 3. In all other KLA’s they can complete the subjects in any order.
• Students have the opportunity to complete an extension / consolidation unit for English Maths & Science if they choose not to study LOTE.
• Example HEA111A, HEA212A and HEA321A
• Example TEC220A, TEC321A and TEC110A

(This will ensure that Essential Learnings in every KLA are covered)