Mount St Bernard College

Providing diverse pathways to meet the wide ranging needs of the students we serve

Mercy Traditions, Spirited Learning, Building Futures.Let your light shine!

Choosing Future Curriculum Subjects

See Also

Curriculum Handbooks

Career Websites

It is important to choose senior subjects carefully as your decisions may affect not only the types of careers you can follow later, but also your success at school. Even though there are many factors to consider, choosing your course of study can be made easier if you go about the task logically by following a set of planned steps.

All year 10 students participate in a range of activities designed to address the major issues in subject selection. Students also complete their SET (Senior Education and Training) plans and are encouraged to access the following sources:

  • Queensland Job Guide (provides information on occupations, careers and courses to access).
  • The Queensland Tertiary Courses Prerequisites Booklet (provides information on the prerequisite/compulsory subjects required for entry to all University and TAFE full time Diploma level courses).

Additional Assistance

People

The Teachers, VET Co-Ordinator & Deputy Principal-Curriculum at Mount St Bernard College are the key people available to assist parents and students in the decision making process. Please feel comfortable to phone the school on 4096 1444 to make an appointment with any of the above school personnel.

Documents

  • The Queensland Tertiary Courses booklet is available on loan from the Guidance Office. It is useful for information on University courses and TAFE Diploma level courses.
  • Information on Apprenticeships and Traineeships is available from the VET Co-ordinator.
  • Tertiary Prerequisites QTAC is issued to all Year 10 students.

Web Sites

  • www.cis.qsa.qld.edu.au is an excellent Career Information Service site.
  • www.myfuture.edu.au  and www.jobjuice.gov.au also provide ‘job tests’, Australia wide information on careers and training as well as employment prospects in the jobs chosen.
  • www.tafe.net  gives information on all TAFE courses in Queensland.
  • www.qtac.edu.au gives information on University and TAFE Diploma courses in Queensland. Through this site all QLD Universities and TAFE Colleges may be accessed.

Selection Strategy

A key question that must be answered prior to selection of your subjects is whether it is necessary for you to go to university to achieve your career goals as this answer will place some restrictions upon your subject choice.

When choosing your subjects for Years 11 and 12 it is important that you have a strategy.  You need to choose those subjects that:

  • Will assist you in reaching your career goals
  • You have had success in during previous study
  • You enjoy; and
  • Will assist you in development of the skills, attitudes and knowledge useful throughout your life.

What Types of Subjects are Offered?

  • QCAA General subjects prepare you for tertiary study, further education, training and work. They include Extension subjects and Senior External Examination syllabuses. They may contribute up to 4 credits per subject towards your QCE. General subjects may also contribute to an ATAR.
  • QCAA Applied subjects focus on practical skills and prepare you for further education and training, and work. They may contribute up to 4 credits per subject towards your QCE. One Applied subject may also contribute to an ATAR when combined with four General subjects.
  • QCAA Short Courses provide a foundation for further learning in a range of areas. They may contribute one credit per course towards your QCE. Short Courses do not contribute to your ATAR.
  • Certificate courses cover a wide range of nationally recognised vocational training (VET) subjects.

School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeship

  • A combination of senior studies (Authority or Authority Registered) with a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship
  • Particular senior studies may be specified by the apprenticeship/traineeship industry area
  • Students undertake work (on-the-job training), senior studies and off-the-job training (with a registered provider).  These require employer agreements.
  • The opportunities for these pathways is dependent on available employers on the Tablelands and in some cases the Cairns area.

Decisions on Combinations

There are traps to avoid when selecting subjects:

  • 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
  • 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.

Consider taking some Applied Subjects if:

  • you are interested in the content of a particular subject because it relates to future employment;
  • success in the subject will give you advanced standing (credit) in a post secondary vocational course in which you are interested;
  • your past results suggest that some General subjects may be too difficult.

Check out each subject and type of subject

To do this, it is necessary to:

  • read the subject descriptions and course outlines provided in this booklet.
  • talk to the relevant Heads of Department and teachers of the various subjects – go to their staff room to seek information.
  • look at the books and materials used in this subject.
  • ask questions at subject selection evening.
  • talk to students who are already studying the subject.

Decisions on Combinations

There are traps to avoid when selecting subjects:

  • 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
  • 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.

Consider taking some Authority Registered subjects if:

  • you are interested in the content of a particular subject because it relates to future employment;
  • success in the subject will give you advanced standing (credit) in a post secondary vocational course in which you are interested;
  • your past results suggest that some Authority subjects may be too difficult.

For Students Interested in Tertiary Studies – Eligibility for Tertiary Studies

Students interested in pursuing tertiary qualifications usually need to be ATAR eligible.  The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) calculates ATARs for Queensland school leavers.

The ATAR is calculated using a student’s best 5 General subject results or:

  • best results across 4 General subjects plus an Applied subject
  • best results across 4 General subjects plus a VET qualification at a Certificate lll level or above.

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) then provide QTAC with student subject results and completed VET qualifications to complete the ATAR calculation.

Students aiming to maximise their chances of tertiary entrance are advised to:

  • select the prerequisite subjects you need for your preferred course;
  • check to ensure that you are eligible for tertiary entrance and have appropriate Field Positions;
  • consider subjects in which you have both an interest and a demonstrated ability.

To qualify for entry to most university courses, students will need to be eligible to receive an ATAR at the completion of year 11 and 12.  It is possible for applicants not eligible for an ATAR to gain entry to TAFE diploma courses and to a small number of university courses.