St Patrick’s College, Townsville Yr 11 & 12 Parent Information Evening

Key Introductions Mr Frank Greenleaf – Deputy Principal Mr Frank Greenleaf – Deputy Principal Mrs Conni Mosch – Year 11 & 12 Pastoral Co-ordinator Mrs Conni Mosch – Year 11 & 12 Pastoral Co-ordinator Mrs Michelle Harvey– English Co-ordinator Mrs Michelle Harvey– English Co-ordinator Mrs Catherine Rentoule – Careers and VET Co-ordinator Mrs Catherine Rentoule – Careers and VET Co-ordinator

Prayer Thank you, Lord for the breath of life; thank you for the graces that we receive every day as a College community. Help us to remember the greatness of the work which we have been asked to do with the most precious of material: the hearts and minds of young people. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Tonight’s Information Session 1) Pastoral Co-ordinator Role 2) Qld Certificate of Education 3) Student Senior Statement– (OP’s and FPs) 4) Qld Core Skills Test and Student preparation program

Mrs Conni Mosch – Year 11 & 12 Pastoral Coordinator Role of Pastoral Coordinator

overseeing the pastoral welfare of students overseeing the pastoral welfare of students managing student discipline issues managing student discipline issues communicating with parents and teachers communicating with parents and teachers The Pastoral Coordinator is responsible for:

Guide students in the transition from year 10 into Senior Schooling Guide students in the transition from year 10 into Senior Schooling Meet with new students Meet with new students Ensure new students have a ‘buddy’ and receive induction to the school Ensure new students have a ‘buddy’ and receive induction to the school Refer patterns of behaviour to College Leadership Team Refer patterns of behaviour to College Leadership Team Collect confidential information about student from parents/carers and make referrals to support team where necessary Collect confidential information about student from parents/carers and make referrals to support team where necessary Role of Pastoral Coordinator

Monitor infringement of uniform and electronic devices policies Monitor infringement of uniform and electronic devices policies Oversee Access Program – Year 11 Access - Study Skills, Emotional Well-being, Leadership, Careers and QCS Oversee Access Program – Year 11 Access - Study Skills, Emotional Well-being, Leadership, Careers and QCS Year 12 Access – QCS, post schooling preparation Year 12 Access – QCS, post schooling preparation Manage parent requests through a referral process Manage parent requests through a referral process Make referrals to School Counsellor to resolve friendship issues Make referrals to School Counsellor to resolve friendship issues Organise activities which develop the individual student both personally and socially Organise activities which develop the individual student both personally and socially Role of Pastoral Coordinator

Retreat Yr 11 Retreat at Broadwater near Ingham Yr 12 Retreat at Echo Lodge in Tully Activities

Combined Pastoral Evening Social Evening with Ignatius Park and St Margaret Mary’s Colleges  Trivia evening (yr11) $5 Formal (yr12) Activities

Most importantly: The role of the Pastoral Coordinator is to support the individual student ensuring their holistic development is being nurtured and shaped by the values of the Mercy Tradition, to achieve her full potential and to develop a passion for life and for learning.

Ms Catherine Rentoule – Careers and VET Co-ordinator Qld Certificate of Education Qld Certificate of Education

To develop an understanding of the processes and procedures underpinning the Queensland Certificate of Education. Our focus for the presentation

What is the QCE? The Queensland Certificate of Education is Queensland’s senior school qualification. It is awarded to eligible students, usually at the end of Year 12. Students are registered during Year 10 and are given their LUI (Learner Unique Identifier) Number so that they can check their own learning accounts. The school or training provider will credit their account when they complete a course of study.

What is the QCE? A QCE is awarded to students only if their course of study satisfies: a significant amount of learning at a set standard of achievement in a set pattern literacy & numeracy requirements.

Learning options can be grouped into four categories. Core Core Preparatory Preparatory Enrichment Enrichment Advanced Advanced

Core courses of study CourseSet standardCredits Authority subjects (OP subject) or Authority- registered subject (non OP subject) (completion requires 4 semesters) At least a Sound Level of Achievement 4 Nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications that lead to the award of a Certificate II, III or IV (includes traineeships) Certificate awarded Certificate II: 4 Certificate III or IV: 5, 6, 7, or 8

Core courses of study (cont.) CourseSet standardCredits A school-based apprenticeship (SBA) Completion of at least 25% of the competencies associated with the VET qualification The 4 possible credits from the on-the- job component are allocated at the rate of 1 credit per 20 days of satisfactory participation (48 days per calendar year) Requirements met 2 VET component (incomplete Core) 4 On-the-job Component (completed Core)

Literacy and numeracy requirements Literacy Numeracy At least a Sound Achievement in one semester of one of these subjects: English English Extension English Communication English for ESL Learners Mathematics A Mathematics B Mathematics C Pre-vocational Mathematics

Other courses of study that contribute to the QCE Preparatory courses are generally used as a stepping stone to further study for example: VET Certificate I vocational qualifications Enrichment courses add value or complement Core courses of study for example: Duke of Edinburgh, music examinations, dance or drama certificates Advanced courses go beyond secondary schooling, they can include university subjects that are completed while enrolled at school

QCE flexibility Credits can accumulate for up to 9 years after registering for a learning account (generally at the beginning of Year 10). Students can access their learning accounts by using their LUI Number and registering on the following website.

How to access their learning accounts ? Students can log in to their learning account on the Student Connect website. Students can log in to their learning account on the Student Connect website.

Mr Frank Greenleaf – Deputy Principal Student Senior Statement– (OP’s and FPs) Student Senior Statement– (OP’s and FPs)

Student Education Profile A Student Education Profile may include: Queensland Certificate of Education Queensland Certificate of Education Senior Statement Senior Statement Statement of Results Statement of Results Tertiary Entrance Statement Tertiary Entrance Statement Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement

What is the QCS test The QCS Test contributes information for the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) and Field Positions (FPs), which are used to rank students for tertiary entrance. The QCS Test contributes information for the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) and Field Positions (FPs), which are used to rank students for tertiary entrance. A student's individual QCS Test result is not used on its own in the calculation of their OP - instead, group results are used as part of the statistical scaling processes. A student's individual result on the QCS Test (from A to E) is reported on the student's Senior Statement or Statement of Results. A student's individual QCS Test result is not used on its own in the calculation of their OP - instead, group results are used as part of the statistical scaling processes. A student's individual result on the QCS Test (from A to E) is reported on the student's Senior Statement or Statement of Results.

The QCS test and Rankings Students who aren't eligible for an OP, but wish to gain entry to tertiary courses can apply to QTAC for a selection rank based on "schedules", which are specifically developed for this purpose. For more information on schedules and tertiary entrance options, visit the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website Students who aren't eligible for an OP, but wish to gain entry to tertiary courses can apply to QTAC for a selection rank based on "schedules", which are specifically developed for this purpose. For more information on schedules and tertiary entrance options, visit the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) websiteQueensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) Young people with qualifications including the Certificate III, Certificate IV, music, dance, and speech and drama, can also apply to QTAC. QTAC will then use schedules to assess students and offer tertiary places. Young people with qualifications including the Certificate III, Certificate IV, music, dance, and speech and drama, can also apply to QTAC. QTAC will then use schedules to assess students and offer tertiary places. Students who wish to gain a ‘RANKING’ must sit the QCS test. However, as they are not OP-eligible, their results will not be calculated in with the cohort’s result (this is for individual purposes only). Students who wish to gain a ‘RANKING’ must sit the QCS test. However, as they are not OP-eligible, their results will not be calculated in with the cohort’s result (this is for individual purposes only).

What is An OP? An OP is a student's state-wide rank based on overall achievement in QSA-approved subjects. It indicates how well the student has done in comparison to all other OP- eligible students in Queensland. An OP is a student's state-wide rank based on overall achievement in QSA-approved subjects. It indicates how well the student has done in comparison to all other OP- eligible students in Queensland. Students are placed in one of 25 OP bands from 1 (highest) to 25 (lowest). The approximate distribution of students across the bands is shown below. In order to achieve an OP1, a student's achievement must be in the top 2% of OP-eligible students in Queensland. Students are placed in one of 25 OP bands from 1 (highest) to 25 (lowest). The approximate distribution of students across the bands is shown below. In order to achieve an OP1, a student's achievement must be in the top 2% of OP-eligible students in Queensland.

Approximate distribution of students across OP bands Band 1 - about 2% of students Band 1 - about 2% of students Bands 2 to 6 - about 19% of students Bands 2 to 6 - about 19% of students Bands 7 to 21 - about 73% of students Bands 7 to 21 - about 73% of students Bands 22 to 24 - about 5% of students Bands 22 to 24 - about 5% of students Band 25 - about 1% of students Band 25 - about 1% of students Eligibility for OPs Students who want an OP must study 20 semester units of Authority subjects, including at least three subjects for four semesters each, and must sit the QCS Test. Students who want an OP must study 20 semester units of Authority subjects, including at least three subjects for four semesters each, and must sit the QCS Test.Authority subjectsQCS TestAuthority subjectsQCS Test

How are OPs calculated? When students exit a subject at the end of year 12, they will be provided with a level of achievement. When students exit a subject at the end of year 12, they will be provided with a level of achievement. Very high Achievement (VHA) 1-10 High Achievement (HA) 1-10 Sound Achievement (SA) 1-10 Low Achievement (LA) 1-10 Very Low Achievement (VLA) 1-10

How are OPs calculated? These Level of Achievements will then be converted to a Subject Achievement Indicator (from 200 – lowest to 400 highest). For groups smaller than 14, the SAI will be calculated by the QSA for all small groups in the state in that subject. These Level of Achievements will then be converted to a Subject Achievement Indicator (from 200 – lowest to 400 highest). For groups smaller than 14, the SAI will be calculated by the QSA for all small groups in the state in that subject.

How are OPs calculated? The QSA then uses those SAIs to further scale the result and the results or all of a student’s Authority subjects to create an Overall Achievement Indicator (OAI). The OAI provides a rank order for all OP-eligible students within the school. The QSA then uses those SAIs to further scale the result and the results or all of a student’s Authority subjects to create an Overall Achievement Indicator (OAI). The OAI provides a rank order for all OP-eligible students within the school. The QSA then uses your OAI and the between school scaling (QCS test results) to determine OPs. The QSA then uses your OAI and the between school scaling (QCS test results) to determine OPs. A students own QCS test contributes to the calculation of group averages and spreads but does not directly contribute to that student’s OP. For example, getting an A on the QCS Test does not guarantee an OP1. A students own QCS test contributes to the calculation of group averages and spreads but does not directly contribute to that student’s OP. For example, getting an A on the QCS Test does not guarantee an OP1.

What is an FP? FPs are Field Positions- Students subject choices qualify them for: Field A - extended written expression involving complex analysis and synthesis of ideas Field A - extended written expression involving complex analysis and synthesis of ideas Field B - short written communication involving reading, comprehension and expression in English or a foreign language Field B - short written communication involving reading, comprehension and expression in English or a foreign language Field C - basic numeracy involving simple calculations and graphical and tabular interpretation Field C - basic numeracy involving simple calculations and graphical and tabular interpretation Field D - solving complex problems involving mathematical symbols and abstractions Field D - solving complex problems involving mathematical symbols and abstractions Field E - substantial practical performance involving physical or creative arts or expressive skills. Field E - substantial practical performance involving physical or creative arts or expressive skills.

Mrs Michelle Harvey English Co-ordinator Preparation for the Qld Core Skills Test Preparation for the Qld Core Skills Test

QCS- What Does It Test? Common Curriculum Elements (CCEs) The QCS Test is not an aptitude or intelligence test, nor does it test particular knowledge gained through specific Year 12 subjects. The QCS Test is not an aptitude or intelligence test, nor does it test particular knowledge gained through specific Year 12 subjects. It tests the 49 CCEs, a set of generic skills identified in the Queensland senior curriculum. It tests the 49 CCEs, a set of generic skills identified in the Queensland senior curriculum. Common Curriculum Elements Common Curriculum Elements The test assumes that candidates have basic levels of general knowledge and vocabulary, as well as a Year 10 knowledge of mathematical operations. The test assumes that candidates have basic levels of general knowledge and vocabulary, as well as a Year 10 knowledge of mathematical operations.

When is it held? Tuesday, 3 September Morning: Writing Task (2 hours) Morning: Writing Task (2 hours) Afternoon: Multiple Choice I (1 hour 30 minutes) Afternoon: Multiple Choice I (1 hour 30 minutes) Wednesday, 4 September Morning: Short Response (2 hours) Morning: Short Response (2 hours) Afternoon: Multiple Choice II (1 hour 30 minutes Afternoon: Multiple Choice II (1 hour 30 minutes

What will we do to prepare? Teachers in charge: Michelle Harvey – Writing Task Tim McCluskey – Short Response Allison Elcoate – Multiple Choice Students rotate through a series of workshops, covering essential information and strategies for success, for each of the three test types. Students rotate through a series of workshops, covering essential information and strategies for success, for each of the three test types. One double lesson per week, in addition to lunch time tutoring. One double lesson per week, in addition to lunch time tutoring. Students will Complete full practice tests which will be externally marked (end of Term 2 block exams). Students will Complete full practice tests which will be externally marked (end of Term 2 block exams).

Information for Parents Students wear full academic uniform Students wear full academic uniform No mobile phones, iPods or other electronic devices will be permitted (this will be deemed as cheating) No mobile phones, iPods or other electronic devices will be permitted (this will be deemed as cheating) Students must remain on the school grounds at all times during the two days of QCS testing Students must remain on the school grounds at all times during the two days of QCS testing

Information for Parents Students are required to supply their own equipment – they can not share with another student. A list of necessary equipment will be supplied. Students are required to supply their own equipment – they can not share with another student. A list of necessary equipment will be supplied. A full test preparation schedule has been provided to students, outlining when the practice tests and the real test will be held. Copies are available at the end of this presentation. A full test preparation schedule has been provided to students, outlining when the practice tests and the real test will be held. Copies are available at the end of this presentation.