Year 9 into 10 Subject Selection and Senior Studies Ms Marie Perry Director of Teaching & Learning Monday 19 March, 2007

Curriculum Philosophy Core learning enhanced by electives Broadening the experiences Demonstrating the rigour and types of assessment tasks to be expected

Core Curriculum English –Semester 1 – common core program –Semester 2 – core program or modified program Mathematics –Semester 1 – common core program –Semester 2 – core program or modified program

Core Program Science –Term program covering: Biology, Science 21, Physics & Chemistry SOSE –Term program covering: Ancient History, Economics, Geography & Modern History HPE & RE

Considerations Electives may only be offered in one Semester Choose subjects: –that may be of interest –that you enjoy –that develop skills and knowledge for Year 11 subjects –just for the experience

Year 10 SET Planning QCE –Queensland Certificate of Education Senior Statement –Lists all subjects studied at school and the results obtained, including QCST results Tertiary Entrance Statement –For OP eligible students (1-25)

QCE – Senior Phase of Learning Queensland Certificate of Education Recognises a broad range of learning options 20 units of credit – banked into a learning account Minimum standard of literacy and numeracy required

Pathways There are many different ways to achieve learning goals: –OP Eligible Pathway Minimum 5 Authority subjects All boys will study 6 subjects –Selection Rank Pathway Combination of Authority, Authority Registered subjects & Vocational Education Results used to calculate a Selection Rank not an OP

OP – Overall Position Requires study of a minimum of 5 Authority subjects, at least 3 studied for all 4 Semesters Is scaled using results from the QCST Is reported in 25 bands (1 being the highest) Is used to determine entrance to courses of study at universities and colleges

OP Ineligible Receive a Selection rank –99 being the highest –Maximum achievable is 91 (OP 6 equivalent) –Must complete less than 20 Semesters of Authority subjects –Combination of Authority, Authority Registered and/or VET subjects –Students have exactly the same eligibility to apply to QTAC providing they reach the cut- offs and meet pre-requisites

Points to Consider Particular subjects do not necessarily lead to a better result Individual ranking within a subject is of prime importance Simply passing a subject (Sound result) will not guarantee a good OP QCST results scale subject results

A Tale of Two Students Student A: OP1 English: VHA Japanese: VHA Maths B: VHA Maths C: VHA Chemistry: VHA Physics: VHA QCST: A Student B: OP1 English: VHA Maths B: VHA Biology: VHA BOM: VHA Visual Arts: VHA Drama: VHA QCST : A

OP vs OP Ineligible Student A – OP Eligible QCST: A English: HA Economics: SA Legal Studies: VHA Maths B: HA Biology: SA Visual Arts: SA OP - 9 Student B – OP Ineligible QCST A English: HA Maths A: HA BOM (3 Sem): SA Visual Arts: HA Design Technology: VHA Selection Rank: 83 = OP equivalent 9

Possible Selection Ranks SAT – a completed SAT = SR 71 (OP13) (except UQ – admission based on this will be delayed one year) Cert III – SR 68 (OP 14/15) Cert IV – SR 74 (OP 12/13) Diploma – SR 82 (OP 9) Advanced Diploma – SR 91 (OP 5)

The Secret to Success… Hard work Perseverance Dedication The will to succeed Always giving of your best Setting goals

Remember... Consider your strengths and weaknesses Be guided by your interests and aspirations There is no one course of study that will guarantee a high OP The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: Find what it is that interests you and that you can do well, and when you find it, put your soul into it - every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have (John Rockefeller)