The task of choosing subjects to be studied in Years 11 and 12 is not easy. The selection of subjects should be made only after much consideration, as the decisions made will have a major influence on the student's future career and QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) eligibility.
Senior Subject Types
To meet the needs of students with a wide range of abilities and interest, this school offers a diverse range of subjects that can be divided into three categories:
A. AUTHORITY SUBJECTS
These subjects prepare students for tertiary study, and/or employment. QSA requires that 20 Semester units of Authority Subjects (5 subjects studied over 2 years) be studied in order to be OP eligible. Three (3) of these subjects must be studied continuously over four semesters (2 years).
B. AUTHORITY REGISTERED SUBJECTS
These subjects are designed to cater for those students who would experience difficulty with Authority Subjects and who wish to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge that will enable them to be more readily acceptable in the work force or enable them to enrol at a TAFE at the end of Year 11 or 12. College A RANK is gained and can be used as alternative entry to tertiary studies*.
C.VOCATIONAL TRAINING AREA (VTA)
These are vocational subjects that enable students to gain entry level industry qualifications suited for those students aspiring towards obtaining an apprenticeship, traineeship or similar employment. They have embedded nationally accredited modules that have advance standing into other courses offered in industry by VET providers such as TAFE.
Course Selection Options
Students entering Year 11 may select one of two courses of study:
1. OP Course for University Entry:
a. Take any arrangement of 6 Authority Subjects and sit the QCS Test
OR
b. Take 5 Authority Subjects, one Authority Registered or Vocational Training Area Subject and sit the QCS Test.
On completion of this course, students will receive:
· a Senior Statement recognising all subjects studied and results
· a Tertiary Entrance Statement indicating OP and QCS results AND
· Students who have completed a significant amount of learning at an agreed standard will also obtain a QCE
2. RANK Course (Non-OP Course):
· Take any combination of Authority, Authority Registered and Vocational Training Area Subjects with or without a School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship
On completion of this course students will receive:
· a Senior Statement recognising all subjects studied and results
· Certificate of Attainment for completed courses
· Statement of Attainment for partially completed competencies AND
· Students who have completed a significant amount of learning at an agreed standard will also obtain a QCE
Consult the booklet “Tertiary prerequisites 2011” which details all university courses available in Queensland and the specific prerequisite subjects, before deciding on your course of study and choosing subjects. We advise any student who is seriously considering university to consult with the Guidance Officer before making a decision. Please ring the School Office on 4988 2222 for appointments.
*After completing a RANK Course, students may enter university or TAFE using their RANK which is an OP equivalent. Students apply to QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) to be awarded a rank based on their academic performance. University entrance is competitive. Students wanting to use the RANK system for tertiary entrance are competing with OP students who have studied more academic Authority subjects. Many university courses also require that students have studied and passed certain prerequisite Authority subjects.
Additional Information – Students may be involved in a variety of extra-curricula activities such as; Sport, Religious Education, QCS Test Preparation, School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship, Work Placement etc.
SENIOR QUALIFICATIONS
Queensland Certificate of Education
Students who have completed a significant amount of learning at an agreed standard will obtain a QCE. It should be noted that not all students will attain a QCE by the end of Year 12 and provision has been made to continue banking credits toward the QCE after Year 12. See the QCE Credit Table on next page
Senior Statement
Indicates all subjects studied and results obtained
Certificate of Attainment
Indicates all competencies undertaken for completed VTA courses or Authority Registered subjects with embedded competencies
Statement of Attainment
Indicates competencies attained in partially completed courses
Tertiary Entrance Statement
Indicates OP and QCS results
QUEENSLAND Certificate of INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT
At the end of Year 12, students meeting the special consideration criteria are issued with this certificate in conjunction with the Senior Certificate as a means of conveying to employers additional information to that displayed on the Senior Certificate in terms of :
(a) demonstrated skills as a result of 5 years learning
(b) accredited vocational Education
(c) statement of Participation
LEVELS OF ACHIEVEMENT:
A The student has demonstrated a very high level of understanding of the subject. He/she has shown insight in the application of this knowledge and shown the highest degree of proficiency and skill in demonstrating correct and efficient techniques in this subject.
B The student has demonstrated a high level of understanding of the subject. He/she has shown insight in application of this knowledge, and shown a high degree of proficiency and skill in demonstrating correct and efficient techniques in this subject.
C The student has demonstrated a basic understanding of the subject. He/she has shown an acceptable level of proficiency and skill in demonstrating correct and efficient techniques in this subject.
D The student has demonstrated some understanding of the subject. He/she has had limited success in demonstrating proficiency and skill in this subject.
E The student has demonstrated very little understanding of the subject. He/she has not been able to demonstrate proficiency and skill in this subject.
Tertiary Entrance Procedures
A student's eligibility for Tertiary Entrance will be expressed through the following:
a. The Overall Position (OP) of a student in relation to all other students eligible for Tertiary Entrance. This OP will be expressed on a scale of 1 to 25 with 1 being the highest result.
b. Field Positions are derived from subjects studied, in up to five fields (A to E) expressed on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 the highest result.
c. QCS Test result expressed on an A to E scale with A the highest.
d. Levels of Achievement in relevant subjects studied through Years 11 and 12.
e. Pre-requisite studies. For a range of courses in Universities and Colleges students must have completed four semesters of study in specific subjects in Years 11 and 12, in order to be able to enrol.
