Authority subjects
These subjects, approved by the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA), are offered statewide in Queensland secondary schools and colleges. Achievements in these subjects are recorded on the Senior Statement and are used in the calculation of OPs and Selection ranks. Some Authority subjects may have accredited vocational education competencies embedded in them. These competencies will also appear on your Senior Statement.
Students who do not achieve a C in a Year 10 subject may find related Authority subjects in Years 11 and 12 difficult.
Your overall position (OP) is dependent on how well you achieve in your subjects. You need to choose subjects in which you have the most chance of doing well and which you enjoy.
Many Authority subjects may be taken in Year 11 without prior study of similar subjects in Year 10. It would be very difficult, however, to attempt subjects such as Mathematics B, Mathematics C, Chemistry, Physics, Music and Japanese without successful background study in related Year 10 subjects.
Authority-registered subject/study area specification
Authority-registered subjects are those devised from an Authority-developed Study Area Specification (SAS) or developed by the school for which a school’s study plan or work program is accredited directly by QSA. Achievements in these subjects are recorded on the Senior Statement. Resources from Authority registered subjects are not used in the calculation of an OP. Authority-registered subjects / SASs emphasise practical skills and knowledge relevant to specific industries.
Many Authority-registered subjects have embedded units of competency or certificate qualifications undertaken through the course of study. Students choosing subjects such as Business Studies, Hospitality (Operations), and Early Childhood Studies must ensure they are willing to undertake the relevant theoretical and practical elements of the course.
Certificate courses
Vocational education and training (VET) certificates
The QSA has delegation under the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act (2000) to accredit courses, recognise vocational placement schemes and register schools for the delivery of Vocational Education and Training to Australian Qualifications Framework certificate levels I, II and III through the school, or in partnership with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) (eg TAFE).
Students will be eligible to receive one or more certificate qualifications. Qualifications gained are determined through competency-based assessment. The completed certificate/s and units of competency will appear on the Senior Statement.
School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs) are encouraged wherever possible. Within each SAS a set of guidelines for work placements will be recommended by the QSA.
Benefits of VET Certificates:
- provides for stand-alone delivery of VET certificates at levels I, II and III
- emphasis on training and industry recognised qualifications
- pathway to school-based apprenticeships or traineeships.
VET certificates offered at Mirani State High School include Certificate II in Business and Certificate III in Children’s Services.
Vocational learning strands
This approach for the delivery of vocational education studies enables schools to develop one or more subjects suitable to a study area specification (SAS) and from one of a number of strands within the SAS.
Over the four senior semesters there will be a course of study based on units, selected from the relevant strand/s, designed to promote vocational education and/or employment opportunities. Students will also gain knowledge and skills for the specific area of study.
Schools will be able to receive assistance on course development and criteria and standards-based assessment from the QSA.
Benefits of Vocational Learning Strand/s:
- it is designed to promote vocational education and/or employment opportunities and work experience is recommended
- students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or current competencies at a RTO
- may be eligible for advanced standing at TAFE.
Vocational education training strands
This Vocational Education Training (VET) approach will enable schools to offer a course of study with a specific Certificate I drawn from one Training Package in the study area specifications, combined with study based on units selected from the relevant SAS strand.
The Certificate I may be delivered over two semesters of study, preferably Semesters 1 and 2; however, currency of a particular certificate may require the delivery in other semesters of the senior curriculum. Assessment of the certificate is competency-based.
Over the other two semesters there will be a course of study based on the units selected from the strand, designed to complement the industry Certificate.
Schools will be able to receive assistance on course development and criteria and standards-based assessment from the QSA. Assessment of the strand units of study is criteria and standards-based.
Students will be eligible to achieve a certificate qualification and a level of achievement and both are recorded on the Senior Statement.
School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs) are encouraged wherever possible. Within each SAS a set of guidelines for work placements will be recommended by the QSA.
Benefits of Vocational Educational Training Strand/s:
- focus is the achievement and completion of a VET Certificate I identified by the QSA
- single year enrolment for VET Certificate I component of the strand and if students are unable to complete the Certificate I qualification in the first senior year they may finish it in their second year
- should students not be successful in demonstration of VET certificates they will have a subject level of achievement awarded based on the units of study.
Check out each subject carefully
Take these steps to ensure you understand the content and requirements of each subject:
- read subject descriptions and course outlines in booklets provided by your school
- talk to heads of departments and teachers of each subject
- look at books and materials used in the subject
- listen carefully at subject selection talks
- talk to students who are already studying the subject
- attend subject selection evening.
Traps to avoid
Do not select subjects simply because someone has told you that they ‘help you get good results and give you a better chance of getting into university and getting a better OP’. Try not to be influenced by suggestions that you should or should not choose a particular subject because a friend/brother/sister either liked or disliked it or the teacher when they studied it.
School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
You may have an opportunity to both complete Year 12 and begin a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. Be sure that you understand that apprenticeships and traineeships are legally binding formal agreements. When you sign these you are agreeing to particular work and training requirements, as is your host employer.
Check all documents carefully with a teacher and a trusted adult to ensure that you fully understand what is required of you, the school and the employer in the agreement.
Vocational education
Consider taking subjects with vocational education modules embedded in them if you are interested in a particular subject because it relates to or could provide a pathway to a career that attracts you.
Success in the subject may give you advanced standing (credit) in a higher level course in which you are interested. Some vocational education subjects may deliver units of competency linked to Nationally Recognised Certificate courses.
Tertiary entrance
If you wish to study degree or diploma courses at University or TAFE after Year 12, ensure you select prerequisite subjects required for your preferred courses. These are listed in Tertiary Prerequisites 2017 Guide. QTAC sends a complimentary copy of this book to all Year 10 students.
Most students gain entry to University on the basis of an Overall Position (OP). To be eligible for an OP, in the 4 semesters of Years 11 and 12 you must complete 20 semester units of Authority subjects. NB. This equates to 5 Authority subjects.
A small number of students who are ineligible for an OP gain entry to tertiary courses on the basis of a Selection Rank. In the main such students gain entry to diploma and advanced diploma courses.
Planning ahead
Year 10 could be the most important year of your schooling. The main reason is that Year 10 is the time to look ahead seriously and choose your senior subjects with future study, career and vocation in mind.
As you take your first classes in Semester Two, you probably have some general idea of what kind of job you might like to do or what interest you might like to follow after your secondary schooling is over. If your choice of work or academic interests, call for additional education, either at university, TAFE or college level, you will need to make some decisions now about the subjects in Years 11 and 12 that will help you get into the courses that allow you to follow your dreams.
The kind of planning needed to make successful subject choices and career decisions take time, thought and research into the wide range of options available. Subject choice is a personal decision that requires you to think carefully about what you are good at and what genuinely interests you. Take time to think about possible careers and use the people around you, including parents, teachers and other advisers and experts such as Guidance Officers/counsellors to discuss your interests, concerns and future plans.
Where to go for advice
If you and your parents are still uncertain about the combination of subjects you have chosen, check again with some of the many people available to talk to — teachers, heads of departments, guidance officers or counsellors, deputy principals and principals. Don’t be afraid to seek their assistance. They are all prepared to help.