Senior Pathways and Transitions

Welcome back for what will be another big and exciting year in Senior Secondary.  We look forward to building on the successes of previous cohorts and urge the new Seniors to embrace the values and cultures of what it means to be a Senior Student in our school community.

Senior students have already begun participating in the large range of opportunities we provide at Wilsonton SHS:

• Students who have selected a TAFE subject as one of their subjects have started attending TAFE for Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology, Certificate II in Automotive Preparation and Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics. TAFE teachers have begun teaching Certificate II in Rural Operation and Certificate II in Salon Assistant using our wonderful facilities here at school.
• An information session about the Head Start program for our high achieving academic students and their parents has been held.
• Students on a QCIA pathway have begun the work experience program.
• A number of selected Year 11 and 12 students attending the P.A.R.T.Y (Preventing Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) program at Toowoomba Hospital last Friday.
• Year 12 students on an ATAR pathway have attended the University Roadshow this week.

Subject Changes

The opportunity to change subjects has now passed.  The expectation for all Year 11 students is that there will be no more changes until the end of Unit 1 in mid-May. Year 12 students are unable to make any changes this year due to course requirements.  Year 10 students will be expected to remain committed to their current selections until the end of the first reporting period.

QCE Attainment

The Queensland Certificate of Education is one of the key indicators of success for any Year 12 student. One hundred percent of our 2024 Year 12’s achieved either their QCE or QCIA and it is an expectation that every student in our current Year 12 cohort will apply themselves to their studies with the necessary dedication to attain this qualification by the end of their Senior Schooling.

It is a qualification worth having.

In essence to secure a QCE students are required to:

1. Secure a total of at least 20 points, usually by passing each of their subjects and completing each of their VET qualifications. Each subject attracts 1 point per semester studied, providing the students maintains a passing grade. VET qualifications offer between 2 and 8 points depending upon their complexity.
2. Pass their English subject.
3. Pass their Maths subject.
4. Not make more than 2 changes of subject over years 11 and 12.

After reviewing some Year 12 students, some students have been identified as being at risk for either not having yet achieved their literacy and/or numeracy tick while others have a significant point deficit. In the coming weeks these students will be interviewed and a support plan enacted.  It is really critical that students embrace the plans put in place for them to provide the best chance of success for the achievement of the Queensland Certificate of Education.

The essential message to all students is that to secure a QCE they need to apply themselves wholeheartedly to passing every subject and attaining every VET qualification they are enrolled in.

Year 12 Formal Eligibility

The Year 12 Formal will be held on Thursday November 20 (note the day change to previous years). Attending the formal is a privilege not a right.  Attendance is by invitation only and rewards the high level of commitment, responsibility, resilience and respect expected of and demonstrated by students. A student will receive an invitation to the formal if s/he has:

1. An attendance level above 92% (Special circumstances will be considered by the Principal).
2. Completed all components of their assessment program, including VET.
3. Successfully attained a Queensland Certificate of Education.(QCE)
4. A history of respect for and compliance with the expectations of their Senior Accountability Agreement and the Student Code of Conduct.
5. No outstanding financial obligations to the school e.g. Student Resource Scheme or outstanding subject fees.
6. Returned, or replaced all school resources issued to them.

A similar set of expectations exists for Year 11 students to be eligible to purchase a school jersey at the end of the year.

Year 12 Assessment Calendar

A reminder that students are expected to provide a medical certificate when absent due to illness on exams dates.  Failure to follow the assessment policy around submission of satisfactory assessment tasks and attendance at exams will impact on a student’s result and therefore eligibility for a QCE and the associated rewards such as formal and graduation.

Uniform Requirements

It is timely to remind everyone of the school uniform policy.  Students are required to wear their uniform in the way in which it was intended on the following days.

• Sports Uniform – Monday, Wednesday & Friday
• Formal Uniform – Tuesday & Thursday

In addition, many students are undertaking a variety of Vocational Certificates, both at school and at TAFE. Unforms for these will be subject specific but will include particular clothing and shoes and in some cases eye protection.

Jacinta Alexander
Deputy Principal - Years 10, 11 & 12