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.
Subject Selection - Year 10
Students in Year 10 study mandatory and elective Australian Curriculum Subjects. Students are able to choose four elective subjects to compliment the mandatory subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, History and Health and Physical Education. Extension classes are available for English, Mathematics and Science.
The table below outlines the set program for students in Year 10.
Subject studied Year long
|
- English or
English Extension
|
- Mathematics or
Mathematics Extension
|
-Science or
Science Extension
|
|---|
Subject studied for 1 semester only
| - History
| - Health & Physical Education
|
|---|
Elective subjects
studied for 1 semester each
Choice of
4 subjects
| - Dance
- Drama
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Media Arts
- Economics and Business
- Geography
| - Civics and Citizenship (Legal Studies)
- Italian* (year long elective)
- Digital Technologies
- Food Specialisations
- Materials & Technology Specialisations
- Engineering Principles & Systems
|
|---|
Living Your Future
| Student wellbeing lesson, studied once a week in all year levels
|
|---|
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. Details regarding the progression of learning from Year 10 - 12 is included as well as the Year 11 subjects on offer for 2024, the pre-requisites Year 10 subjects and results for success in these subjects.
2025 Senior Secondary Course Guide Year 10-12 (PDF, 16MB)
Updated 2025 Course Guide Junior Secondary and will be released in Term 3, 2024.
Subject Selection - Year 11 and 12
Students in Year 11 and 12 study two compulsory subjects and four elective subjects that align with their preferred pathway and allow them to attain their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Students who are interested in gaining an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for direct entry into university are encouraged to choose a minimum of five General subjects to ensure their ATAR is competitive.
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.
All senior subjects listed below are subject to change based on student interest. The subjects will be offered during the Year 10 subject selection process but may not run if student numbers are insufficient.
Years 11 and 12
|
| Compulsory Subjects (2 Years) | Essential English (Applied) or English (General)
| Essential Mathematics (Applied), General Mathematics (General), Mathematical Methods (General) |
Elective Subjects (2 Years)
| The Arts- Visual Arts in Practice (Applied)
- Drama (General)
- Film, Television and New Media (General)
- Visual Art (General)
|
| | Health and Physical Education
- Sport and Recreation (Applied)
- Certificate III in Fitness (including First Aid) (VET)
|
| | Humanities
- Social and Community Studies (Applied)
- Certificate III in Business (VET)
- Ancient History (General)
- Business (General)
- Geography (General)
- Legal Studies (General)
- Modern History (General)
|
| | Mathematics
- Specialist Mathematics (General)
|
| | Science
- Science in Practice (Applied)
- Biology (General)
- Chemistry (General)
- Physics (General)
|
| Technologies
- Industrial Technology Skills (Applied)
- Certificate II Engineering Pathways (VET)
- Certificate II Hospitality (VET)
|
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. 
Senior Learning and Assessment Policy 2023.pdf (PDF, 576 KB)