Senior School Pathways and Subject Selection

What is the QCE? The QCE is Queensland's senior school qualification, which is awarded to eligible students usually at the end of Year 12. The QCE recognises broad learning options and offers flexibility in what, where and when learning occurs. Broadly students have a wide range of learning options; these can include senior school subjects, vocational education and training, workplace and community learning as well as university subjects undertaken while at school. To be awarded a QCE, must have at least 20 credit points in the required pattern, and fulfil literacy and numeracy requirements For more information go to the QCAA website or check out the brochure which can be downloaded at http://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/qce_broch ure.pdf

SENIOR SCHOOL OPTIONS YEAR 10: “try before you buy” YEARS 11 & 12: - OP course - leading to Uni or TAFE - Non-OP - School-based traineeship, OR - School-based apprenticeship TAFE - pre-vocational or certificate options PRIVATE COLLEGES EMPLOYMENT - options? - prospects?

THE BOTTOM LINE: - stay at school as long as possible! DEEWR reports in Australian Jobs 2013 – Employment outcomes rise depending on level of qualification from 50.5% of individuals with a Certificate 1 gaining employment within 6 months of graduation to 83.2% of individuals with Diplomas or higher qualifications gaining employment within 6 months of graduation.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Ability Motivation Skills, talents Personality Extra curricula interests Communication skills It’s about balance It is essentially about you and your future, no one can make these decisions for you because in the end you have to do the work.

CHOOSING SUBJECTS 3 KEY RULES 1. Prerequisites – see Tertiary Prerequisites book available now online as an ebook or PDF at http://www.qtac.edu.au/about-qtac/publications 2. Subjects you do well in – to maximise outcome potential 3. Subjects you enjoy - and likely to work at. PLEASE, consider the O.P. FACTS - which you get only from experts who know! The QCAA website can be quite useful in separating the facts from the myths for more go to https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/26790.html

HELPFUL MATERIALS TO MAKE GOOD CHOICES JIIG-CAL (Career Voyage) MY FUTURE https://myfuture.edu.au/ TERTIARY PREREQUISITES BOOK ADVICE FROM SUBJECT TEACHERS OPEN DAYS and EXPOS

Please have a look at the Grace Careers website We believe this is an invaluable resource for those in the Grace community who have the time to use it. The website aims to bring together the latest information to assist with career decision- making. It includes a dedicated parent section as well as a student secure area. Simply go to http://www.gracecareers.com/ .

Questions