Most of our students are excited to pursue tertiary studies after completing their senior years with us. We do all we can to prepare students for post-secondary studies, including offering several pathways to achieving the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
Queensland Certificate of Education
During Year 11 and 12, most students work towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) qualification by studying General, Applied and/or Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects.
In order to receive a Queensland Certificate of Education, students must complete a set number of subjects, in a set pattern, to a set standard, as well as meeting literacy and numeracy requirements (as summarized below).
For more information about eligibility for the Queensland Certificate of Education, please visit the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority website
Senior students may choose from several educational pathways to achieve their Queensland Certificate of Education:
Option 1 – ATAR pathway
Requirements:
- Students choose at least 4 General subjects
- Students complete and pass a General or Applied English subject
- Students complete a Religious Education subject: either Study of Religion (General subject, recommended for students completing an ATAR pathway) or Religion and Ethics (Applied subject)
Outcome:
In addition to their QCE, students receive an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) at the end of Year 12. The ATAR may be used for entry in to university in Australia and many other countries.
For more information about the ATAR, please visit the QTAC website or contact our Careers Counsellor
Option 2 – ATAR and VET pathway
Requirements:
- Students choose at least 4 General subjects
- Students select at least 1 VET subject, such as a Diploma of Business
- Students complete and pass a General or Applied English subject
- Students complete a Religious Education subject: either Study of Religion (General subject, recommended for students completing an ATAR pathway) or Religion and Ethics (Applied subject)
Outcome:
In addition to their QCE, students receive an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and their completed VET qualification at the end of Year 12. The ATAR may be used for entry to university in Australia and many other countries. Some VET qualifications may also be used as a basis for admission to some universities.
For more information about the ATAR, please visit the QTAC website or contact our Careers Counsellor. For more information about VET, including using VET as a basis for university admission, please contact our VET Coordinator.
Option 3 – VET without ATAR pathway
Requirements:
- Students choose their preferred mix of VET, General and Applied subjects
- Students complete a Religious Education subject: either Study of Religion (General subject) or Religion and Ethics (Applied subject)
Outcome:
In addition to their QCE, students receive their completed VET qualification(s) at the end of Year 12. Some types of VET qualifications may be used as a basis for admission to university. For more information about VET, including using VET as a basis for university admission, please contact our VET Coordinator.
Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement
Students who are unable to access the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) curriculum have the option to complete the Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) and will be supported to create an individualized learning plan for their Year 11 and 12 studies.
