Head of Department - Student Services (Senior Schooling)
Senior School is a time for students to refine their goals, pursue their interests, and make decisions that support their future aspirations. My role is to help students navigate the range of academic, vocational, and tertiary pathways available to them, ensuring they have the information and support needed to make informed choices.
Through strong partnerships with industry, training providers, and tertiary institutions, students have opportunities to explore career pathways, participate in real-world learning experiences, and extend their areas of interest as they prepare for their next steps after graduation.
Tenielle Lumsdale
HOD - Student Services Senior Schooling
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Students participating in the Senior Phase of Learning must be working towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or, by invitation only, the Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA).
The QCE is Queensland's senior school qualification, which is awarded to eligible students usually at the end of Year 12.
Students working towards a QCE have a wide range of learning options; these can include senior school subjects, vocational education and training, workplace and community learning, and university subjects undertaken while at school.
To be eligible for a QCE, students must achieve at least 20 credits of learning. A minimum of 12 credits must come from completed Core courses of study. Students must also meet the QCE literacy and numeracy requirements.
Years 11 and 12 Curriculum
Each student is required to study an English subject and at least one Mathematics subject over Years 11 and 12. An additional four subjects are selected from a wide range of General, Applied and VET certificates. Many opportunities exist for TAFE study, school based apprenticeships and traineeships.
All students participate in a PROUD Pathways lesson each week that is focussed on pathways, goal setting, academic organisation, study skills, emotional and social health and wellbeing.
Students may choose alternative pathways as part of their SET Plan, e.g. the study of a university subject, a TAFE course or a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship.
Studying/training outside the school
Brisbane School of Distance Education: Occasionally students entering year 11, are unable to study a particular subject at Wynnum State High School and can apply to enrol in that subject via the School of Distance Education. Students studying in this manner need to be self-motivated and high achieving in their year 10 studies to be successful. Distance Education classes are held before school with some assessment completed either before or after school.
University study: Year 12 students who perform to a high standard in their year 11 General subjects may be interested in applying to study a university course. This kind of study requires a student to be able to time management their study commitments for their school subjects, in addition to attending university one day a week. Successful completion of the university course/s contributes credits towards the QCE. Automatic placement at the university post school may also be a benefit and students should investigate this with the university.
Traineeships/Apprenticeships (School Based): Year 11 and 12 students may undertake school-based apprenticeships/traineeships (SATs). Students completing a SAT as part of their Senior School Studies must maintain their school results while engaging in recognised training and paid work. Successful completion of a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship contributes credits towards the QCE.
TAFE/SkillsTech/Private Provider Courses: In order to broaden vocational options, senior students may enrol in VET qualifications at Brisbane TAFE, including SkillsTech, Careers Australia or another private provider. Students need to be committed to completing the course, be prepared to pay any costs and arrange their own transport. A certificate is issued on completion of the course and qualifications are recorded on the Senior Statement. Successful complete of the VET qualification contributes credits towards the QCE.
For more information, contact us.