Senior Secondary School – Years 10, 11 and 12
Acting Head of Department: Anita Drew
The Senior Schooling department at Craigslea SHS supports students who are progressing through the Senior Phase of Learning.
Senior Schooling information
SET Planning process
Whilst there are many options available to students, careful planning and commitment is needed to be successful. To help young people and their parents/carers make decisions about their options in the senior phase of learning, all Year 10 students participate in the Senior Education and Training Planning process.
A Senior Education and Training Plan (SET) Plan helps students structure their learning around their abilities, interests and ambitions. As part of the planning process, students think about their future, consider their abilities and investigate their options for careers and further education.
The student, their parents or carers, and the school meet to develop the SET Plan, which details what, where and how a student will study during their senior phase of learning (usually Years 11 and 12). The plan is finalised by the end of Year 10. The SET Plan is reviewed periodically to monitor the student's progress. It can be updated at any time. (QCAA Website, February 2015)
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
All students participating in the Senior Phase of Learning must be working towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
The QCE is Queensland's senior school qualification, which is awarded to eligible students usually at the end of Year 12.
Students working towards a QCE have a wide range of learning options; these can include senior school subjects, vocational education and training, workplace and community learning, and university subjects undertaken while at school.
To be eligible for a QCE, students must achieve at least 20 credits of learning. A minimum of 12 credits must come from completed Core courses of study. Students must also meet the QCE literacy and numeracy requirements.(QCAA website, February 2015).
Pathways Expo
Each year the school invites representatives from universities, TAFE, private providers and employers to present information for senior students. Parents/carers are most welcome to attend the Expo, and should sign into the office on arrival to the school. Information regarding dates and times are provided to students and in the school’s newsletter.
Studying at school
Students entering the senior phase of schooling must develop effective study habits, maintain a high level of effort in their class work and homework, and commit to completing all assessment items. In the second semester of year 10, students select subjects for years 11 and 12.
General subjects are suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond senior secondary schooling that lead to tertiary studies. Results from General subjects may contribute to an ATAR. Success in General subjects contributes to QCE attainment.
Applied subjects are suited to students who are primarily interested in pathways beyond senior secondary schooling that lead to vocational education and training or work. Success in Applied subjects contributes to QCE attainment.
VET qualifications are also offered through the school and give students practical, job ready, knowledge and skills. When successfully completed these qualifications contribute credits towards the QCE.
Studying/training outside the school
Brisbane School of Distance Education: Occasionally students entering year 11, are unable to study a particular subject at Craigslea High and enrol in that subject via the School of Distance Education. Students studying in this manner need to be self-motivated and high achieving in their year 10 studies to be successful. Distance Education classes are held before school with exams completed either before or after school.
TAFE/SkillsTech/Private Provider Courses: In order to broaden vocational options, senior students may enrol in VET qualifications at Brisbane TAFE, including SkillsTech, Careers Australia or another private provider. Students need to be committed to completing the course, be prepared to pay any costs and arrange their own transport. A certificate is issued on completion of the course and qualifications are recorded on the Senior Statement. Successful complete of the VET qualification contributes credits towards the QCE.
Traineeships/Apprenticeships (School Based): Year 11 and 12 students may undertake school-based apprenticeships/traineeships (SATs). Students completing a SAT as part of their Senior School Studies must maintain their school results while engaging in recognised training and paid work. Successful completion of a school based traineeship or apprenticeship contributes credits towards the QCE.
University study: Year 12 students who perform to a high standard in their year 11 General subjects may be interested in applying to study a university course. This kind of study requires a student to be able to time management their study commitments for their school subjects, in addition to attending university one day a week. Successful completion of the university course/s contributes credits towards the QCE. Automatic placement at the university post school may also be a benefit and students should investigate this with the university.