Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and Tertiary Entrance System

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and Tertiary Entrance System

Introduction The Queensland Government has introducing a new senior assessment and tertiary entrance system. Our current Year 10 students will be the first group through on the new system. The Key changes: Introduction of common External Assessment external exams set and marked by the QCAA. Replacing the Overall Position (OP) with the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Every subject syllabus has been rewritten by the QCAA and our teachers have completed 150+ days of subject specific Professional Development in preparation for the new system.

Pathways The aim for all students is to graduate with a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) at the end of Year 12. This aim has not changed since the QCE was introduced in 2008. Cleveland District State High School will continue to offer three main pathways through the Senior School: International Baccalaureate (no change to this pathway). Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). Vocational (some changes to this pathway).

ATAR (Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank) Best five (5) QCAA General Subjects OR Best four (4) QCAA General Subjects plus Best result in one (1) QCAA Applied Subject or Certificate III/Certificate IV/ Diploma/Advanced Diploma If eligible for an ATAR in both categories, the highest will be used. Student must achieve at least a sound in an English subject (English, Essential English or Literature) to be eligible for an ATAR. The English result will only be used if it fits the pattern above.

General Subjects Accounting Drama Legal Studies Agricultural Science Economics Literature Ancient History English Marine Science Biology Food and Nutrition Mathematical Methods Business French Modern History Chemistry FTV and New Media Music Chinese General Mathematics Physical Education Dance Geography Physics Design Health Specialist Mathematics Digital Solutions Japanese Visual Art 30 General Subjects. Students must study at least four General Subjects to achieve an ATAR. All General Subjects have External Exams.

Applied Subjects Agricultural Practices Building and Construction Skills Business Studies Early Childhood Studies Engineering Skills Essential English Essential Mathematics Furnishing Skills Hospitality Practices Industrial Graphics Skills Information and Communication Technology Media Arts in Practice Music in Practice Recreation Tourism Visual Arts in Practice 16 Applied Subjects. A maximum of one Applied Subject can be used in the ATAR calculation. Applied Subjects do not have External Exams but Essential English and Essential Mathematics will have one common State-wide test.

General Subject Requirements Each subject includes Preparation Units, Units 1 and 2 and the Units 3 and 4 pair which includes the external exam/s (25% or 50%). Units are developmental and students need to be enrolled in subjects that they can pass before they start Year 11. Subject changes will only be made in exceptional circumstances in Year 11. Year 10 results will be based on 2 x IA and September exams. These results will indicate if students are likely to pass in Year 11 and 12 and whether or not they should continue in General Subjects.

Queensland Certificate of Education For students completing Year 12 from 2020

Students need to earn 20 credits General Subjects, Applied Subjects, Vocational Qualifications. Choose the most appropriate Mathematics and English subjects and pass them.

Course of Study General Subjects Unit 1 and Unit 2 Applied Subjects Unit 1 and Unit 2 General Subjects Unit 3 and 4 pair Applied Subjects Unit 3 and 4 pair VET Qualifications Recognised Studies Standard Satisfactory achievement (pass) Satisfactory achievement (pass) Grade of C or better Grade of C or better Completion or partial completion As agreed

At least 12 credits must come from completed Core courses of study. The remaining 8 credits can come from Core, Preparatory or Complementary study. Core Studies General Subjects Applied Subjects Extension Subjects Certificate II qualifications Certificate III and IV qualifications (including traineeships) School-based apprenticeships Recognised studies categorised as Core QCE Credits Up to 4 credits Up to 4 credits Up to 2 credits Up to 4 credits Up to 8 credits Up to 6 credits QCAA approved

Core credits 12 credits from completed core courses of study. Course Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 and 4 pair QCE Credit Completed Core English S S B 4 General Mathematics U U C 2 Modern History S 1 Biology S S B 4 Marine Science S S D 2 Legal Studies S S B 4 Tourism S B 3 20 credits (total) 14 credits (core)

Duplication of Learning Students cannot study a Vocational Certificate and an Applied Subject in the same area. For example: Hospitality = 4 credits Certificate II in Hospitality = 4 credits Student studies both maximum 4 credits Students who study a Certificate while at school can drop a subject must be the duplication of learning subject.

General Subjects Rigorous subjects that prepare students for University. Subjects that require considerable commitment outside of school hours. Competitive subjects as students try to achieve the best possible ATAR. Subjects that require External Exams 50% of final grade in Science and Mathematics; 25% in all other subjects.