Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system
From 2020, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) replaces the Overall Position (OP) as the standard pathway to tertiary study for Queensland Year 12s.
Key features of the system include:
- new and redeveloped QCAA senior syllabuses
- external assessment in most senior subjects
- quality assurance processes to strengthen the quality and comparability of school-based assessment
- changes to QCE eligibility requirements
- the introduction of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Resources available
The Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) has a webpage dedicated to brochures and fact sheets containing all of the relevant information. This can be accessed via the QCAA website.
The Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) also has a webpage dedicated to the ATAR. It includes a white paper about inter-subject scaling amongst other resources. This can be accessed via the QTAC website.
2025 Senior Secondary Course Guide
We are delighted to announce upcoming enhancements to our curriculum offerings in 2025. These updates are in response to the evolving needs of our students as our cohorts grow, and the increasing demands of the REAL world, including post school pathways and emerging trends and developments in the job market.
The Senior Secondary Course Guide provides details regarding subject offerings for Year 10, as well as result recommendations related to Extension and elective subjects.
2025 Senior Secondary Course Guide Year 10-12 (PDF, 16MB)
Types of subjects
- Applied subjects focus on practical skills and prepare students for further education and training and work.
- General subjects are predominantly designed to prepare students for tertiary study, further education and training and work.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are nationally recognised qualifications that range from Certificate I courses to Advanced Diplomas. They develop students' skills and prepare them for work and can also lead to further study.
Senior Learning and Assessment Policy
The Senior Learning and Assessment Policy is developed from the QCE and QCIA policy and procedures handbook and applies to students in Years 10-12. This document contains information and policies regarding the submission of assessment (drafts and finals), Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA), supporting documentation required in instances of illness or misadventure, academic integrity and more.