TYPES OF SENIOR SUBJECTS

AUTHORITY SUBJECTS are those which follow a Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) syllabus. The school Work Program for this type of subject has been accredited by the QSA, and results are moderated and supervised by QSA panels for each subject.

Authority subjects are the ones considered in compiling a student’s Overall Position (OP) which is the score used to determine tertiary entrance. Twenty semester units of Authority subjects are required to be awarded an OP, ie. = 5 subjects x 4 semesters.

Authority subjects at Year 11 and 12 are reasonably difficult. If you cannot achieve at least a Sound Achievement in a Year 10 subject then you will find the equivalent Authority subject at Year 11 quite difficult.

Examples of Authority subjects are English, Biological Science and Graphics.

AUTHORITY-REGISTERED SUBJECTS tend to place more emphasis on practical skills and knowledge. They develop specific skills relevant to employment and may serve as a useful introduction to many TAFE courses.

The school Work Program or Study Plan is accredited by the QSA.

Examples of Authority-registered subjects are English Communication, Marine Practices and Visual Arts Studies.

CERTIFICATE COURSES are vocational education and training (VET) courses. They emphasis practical skills and knowledge relevant to employment in the industry area. There is no Level of Achievement awarded.

Examples of Certificate Courses are Information Technology, Business and Hospitality.