All students in Years 11 and 12 study for a Queensland Certificate of Education in order to either achieve university entrance or vocational education competencies.
We recognise that every student is different and therefore offer a range of pathways, to ensure career aspirations are achieved. Our students are able to choose from exciting options including - traineeships and apprenticeships, TAFE certificates or diplomas, and university entrance through IB, OP and selection rank - in order to ensure they are able to pursue their chosen career pathway.
OP & Tertiary Study Options
Students in Years 11 & 12 have access to a wide range of Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) developed subjects across all key learning areas including two extension subjects; Music and English, which are offered at Year 12 level only. All students select six subjects for study across the four semesters of Senior.
Students who excel in particular areas are provided an opportunity to apply for admission to the QUT 'Start' program or Griffith University 'Guest' program in their final year of Senior study.
Selection Rank
Students who complete Queensland Year 12 and do not qualify for an OP can still gain entry to courses offered at Queensland tertiary institutions participating in Queensland Tertiary Application Centre (QTAC.) Students must still satisfy specified university prerequisites. Prerequisites may be subject requirements or portfolio/audition requirements for creative and performing arts courses.
OP ineligible students will be allocated a QTAC selection rank, based on their results recorded on the Senior Statement in Authority and Authority-registered subjects and, if available, their results in the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test. A selection rank, like an OP, is a measure that places students in order of merit for entry to tertiary courses.
School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs)
Some students, interested in pursuing careers in trades or service related industries, may wish to take up the option of undertaking a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. This pathway allows students to study four days each week on a reduced load of five subjects. The additional day is spent in the workplace undertaking paid employment, where students have the opportunity to gain valuable industry based experience. Students also work towards completing a nationally recognised qualification which serves the dual purpose of enhancing the student's resume as well as reducing the amount of time required to complete post Year 12 studies.
This pathway also provides opportunities for employers, with Work Experience and SAT students providing an alternative to standard recruitment methods.
Vocational Education
Vocational Education courses may be undertaken by students participating in either the OP or Rank pathways. These nationally recognised courses are incorporated into a number of subjects available at the College and cover areas including Hospitality, Business, Workplace Practices, Fashion, Information Technology and Fitness. Vocational qualifications provide students with valuable points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Certificate II in Information Technology is delivered to all Year 10 students and provides students with 4 points towards the QCE and forms the foundation for the Diploma Pathway Program.
Certificate Pathway Program
The Certificate Pathway offers students in Years 11 and 12 an opportunity to work towards completing a nationally recognised Certificate III or IV in Business or Certificate III in Information Technology. The program aims to provide students with entry to an associated Diploma at TAFE and articulated entry into associated degrees at Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology.
The completed Certificate III qualification carries a rank of 68 or OP equivalence of OP 15 and the Certificate IV qualification carries a rank of 74 or OP equivalence of OP 13.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Senior students are able to choose the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme as an alternative study option for their senior years. A challenging two year curriculum leading to a qualification recognised by the world’s leading universities, the Diploma has a reputation for rigorous assessment and comprehensive curriculum. Students aiming to further their study at university and who are interested in studying an internationally-recognised and highly regarded curriculum that fosters cultural awareness would benefit from the IB Diploma.