More about the Senior Phase... PDF Print E-mail

In Tagai State College, the Senior Phase of Learning is designed to provide a supportive learning environment, in which young adults begin to develop life-long connections with the wider world of employment and training.

The Senior Phase begins for students in Year 10 as they transition into a more independent frame of study. The phase ends formally upon graduation in Year 12, at which the point students begin on their chosen education, training or employment pathway.

Tagai State College’s Senior Phase of Learning is designed to meet the different needs of your child. Over the three years, students select from a broad range of programs to enhance their knowledge and skills in disciplines in which they have an interest.

Family Resources

♦ Guide to Senior
♦ Qld Certificate of Education (QCE)
♦ SET Plans
♦ Senior Pathways
♦ Qld Core Skills (QCS) Test
♦ Selecting Subjects
♦ Leaving school early

 

Differences from Year 8 & 9

There are big differences between Senior and the Middle Phase of Learning, such as:

  • More freedom of choice of subjects
  • Higher behaviour expectations
  • Increased subject workloads
  • Individualised timetables – no “homeroom”
  • Different teachers for each class
  • Increased focus on future planning

 

Key Terms Explained

Authority Subjects Subjects that are approved by the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) and are offered state-wide in Queensland secondary schools and colleges to a rigorous and exacting standard. Students who do not achieve Sound Achievement or better in a year 10 subject may find related Authority subject in Year 11 and 12 difficult.
Authority Registered Subjects (SAS) Subjects that are approved by the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) and are offered state-wide in Queensland secondary schools and colleges. SAS subjects are more focused on practical abilities of students with a reduced amount of theoretical work.
Compulsory participation phase A new phase of education and training in which young people are required to continue to engage in education or training for two years after their compulsory schooling, until they have completed a certificate of achievement (ie Queensland Certificate of Education), senior statement or a Certificate III or IV vocational qualification, or until they have turned 17 years of age.
Compulsory school age A young person is of compulsory school age until he or she completes Year 10 or reaches 16 years of age (whichever comes first).
Disengaged/at Educational Risk A young person in the compulsory participation phase who is not participating in learning or earning activities for a period of at least three months.
Learning Account (also known as Student Account) A system used to record and monitor an individual’s participation and learning achievements that may count towards the Queensland Certificate of Education. It is generally opened by schools for young people in Year 10 and is held with the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) and used to. Once a learning account is opened, students will receive from their school, a Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) number and password which can be use to access their learning account online.
Overall Position (OP) An OP is awarded to students wishing to attend university. It represents a state-wide rank based on a student’s overall achievement in authority subjects. It indicates how well the student has done in comparison to all other students studying those subjects in Queensland.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) A broad-based senior schooling qualification that requires young people to achieve a significant amount of learning to a set standard. The QCE recognises achievements in a range of learning. It provides more flexibility about what students learn, when, where, and how they learn.
Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test The Queensland Core Skills Test is a state-wide test for all Year 12 students wishing to achieve an OP and enter university. Students are awarded an individual result, from A – E. The test is used by the Queensland Studies Authority to compare groups of students from across the state. It is used in combination with student’s subject results in the calculation the OPs.
Registration and Banking System An online system developed by the Queensland Studies Authority through which learning providers can register young people and record their enrolments and results.
Senior Education & Training (SET) Plan A document which maps out a young person‘s education and career goals and learning options for the compulsory participation phase. Generally each Year 10 student will develops SET Plan.
TagaiSkills The term which refers to all vocational education and training programs delivered at TagaiTAFE to all school-aged students.
TagaiTAFE The formal name of the TAFE campus located on Thursday Island. The facility, and the training programs delivered through it, is run under a Memorandum of Understanding between Tagai State College and the Tropical North Institute of TAFE
TagaiTech A full-time vocational education and training program offered under TagaiSkills. The program, which includes specialisations in construction, engineering or hospitality, is a 2-year commitment for school-based apprentices or trainees in Year 11 & 12.
TagaiVET A term which refers to stand-alone vocational education and training program. Students may enrol in a TagaiVET program while completing other academic subjects.
Vocational Education & Training (VET) VET covers a wide range of work experience and training activities within a secondary school setting. The objective of VET studies is to give students experience in the workplace, broaden post-school options and prepare for the transition between school and work.

 

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