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Student stories

AND BEYONDSUCCESS IN YEAR 12

WHAT’S INSIDE

ISSN 2200-6729

December 2015

OP and FPs: Your questions answeredYour Senior Education Profile

DECEMBER 2015

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Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA)

www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au www.qcaa.qld.edu.au

154 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane PO Box 307, Spring Hill QLD 4004

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT!

You’ve finished your senior schooling and got your results. Now it’s time to celebrate your success and look forward to the future.

Most of you will have achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) — the formal qualification that recognises and celebrates your senior schooling achievements. Find out how you can make the most of your qualification on page 7.

If you missed out on a QCE this year, don’t be disheartened. You can keep working towards one for seven years after completing Year 12. Read how you can get a QCE after school on page 8.

Got a question about your Overall Position (OP) or Field Positions (FPs)? We’ve included answers to frequently asked questions on page 10.

Planning to do further study? On page 13, we flag key dates for tertiary entrance. Make a note of these crucial deadlines so you don’t miss out on a tertiary study offer for 2016.

If you’re still not sure what to do next year, the websites on page 14 and student profiles throughout the magazine may help inspire you.

Whatever your work, further education or training pathway, we hope you find the information in this issue of Student Connect magazine useful.

Good luck and best wishes for the future!

QCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The annual QCE Achievement Awards recognise and reward Queensland’s top performing Year 12 graduates for outstanding academic achievement in their senior school studies.

There are seven award categories:

� Distinguished Academic Achievers

� Outstanding Academic Achiever

� Highest Achievement by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Student

� Highest Achievement by an International Student

� Highest Result on the Queensland Core Skills Test

� Highest Achievement in the International Baccalaureate

� Certificate of Academic Commendation.

Award winners will be officially announced at the awards ceremony on Saturday 20 February 2016 at the State Library of Queensland.

For more information about the QCE Achievement Awards, visit www.qcaa.qld.edu.au or email communications@qcaa.qld.edu.au.

The QCAA would like to thank the following universities for their sponsorship and support of this prestigious awards program.

QCAA

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Subjects: Ancient History, Chemistry, English, Geography, Marine & Aquatic Practices, Maths B, Recreation Studies, Study of Religion

Career goal: To work in the area of agricultural advancement and sustainability

Shalom College, BundabergBen Galea, 19

FOCUSED ON FARMING Ben Galea moved from Queensland to Canberra this year to start his tertiary studies after taking a year off to work and travel.

Ben is studying a double degree in Science and Arts majoring in Natural Resource Management, Earth Science and Development Studies at the Australian National University.

‘Coming from a rural area, I’m really interested in agriculture and the issues that farmers face — people leaving their farms and businesses, young people turning their backs on farming.’

It was time spent in Canberra in Year 12 after winning a national story writing competition and attending the National Youth Science Forum that opened Ben’s eyes to the possibility of studying interstate and helped shape his career direction.

‘In Canberra, we explored major issues such as food security, poverty, climate change, sustainable development, and brainstormed solutions to these problems.’

This experience ignited Ben’s desire to pursue a career in agricultural advancement and sustainability and ‘make a difference’.

‘I want to help farming become a more viable option for young people. The potential for agricultural development in Western Queensland really excites me.’

There are a multitude of opportunities out there. Do what you love.

Queensland Police RecRuiting

policerecruit.com.au

DECEMBER 2015

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OPtimise your OP and OPen up a new world of OPportunities.Make the most of your OP – whether it’s lower or higher than expected – at Real Decisions. This event is your best chance to gain clear, practical advice from QUT staff, and weigh up your options before you finalise your preferences.

QUT Real Decisions, Tuesday 22 December, 9am-1pm at QUT Gardens Point (city) campus or 2pm-5pm at QUT Caboolture campus.

Find out more at qut.edu.aub

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YOUR SENIOR EDUCATION PROFILE

All Queensland students receive a Senior Education Profile (SEP) at the end of Year 12. Depending on your individual circumstances, your SEP may include:

� QCE — To be awarded a QCE, you need to have completed 20 credits at a set standard, in a set pattern and have met the literacy and numeracy requirements.

� Tertiary Entrance Statement — If you are OP-eligible, you will receive a Tertiary Entrance Statement which shows your OP and FPs. These rankings are used to determine eligibility for admission to tertiary courses.

� Senior Statement — All students who finish Year 12 receive a Senior Statement. It shows your results in everything you studied that contributes to the award of the QCE or Tertiary Entrance Statement. This includes your subject results, VET results and your QCS Test grade.

QCAA

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HOW TO GET YOUR RESULTS CHECKED

To get your results or any of the information on your QCE, Tertiary Entrance Statement or Senior Statement checked, you need to fill in the Application for verification or review of information form sent to you with your Senior Education Profile.

Send the completed form with the $48.25 application fee to QCAA at the address below, before 5 pm on Monday 11 January 2016:

Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority PO Box 307, Spring Hill, QLD 4004

If an error is found, QCAA will refund your application fee and send you updated documents. We will also let QTAC know of the error.

OPs and FPs

Your subject results appear on your Senior Statement. Schools assign levels of achievement and send the results to the QCAA.

If you apply to have your OP and FPs checked, we will ask your school to look over your results again, but we won’t reassess your work and we can’t change your school’s decisions.

If it turns out that an error was made, we will correct it, issue you with new documents, and refund your application fee.

We cannot change your OP due to individual circumstances such as illness. If you believe you experienced difficult circumstances that adversely impacted on your senior studies, contact QTAC on 1300 467 822 to find out about their Educational Access Scheme.

QCS Test grade

If you apply to have your QCS Test grade checked, QCAA will check that we scanned the mark sheets, entered your results and calculated your grade correctly. We won’t re-mark your QCS Test, because it has already been marked by multiple markers.

VET results

Your results from courses studied through VET and other non-school providers will only appear on your Senior Statement if the provider recorded your learning on your behalf before 26 November 2015.

If you believe some of your VET results are missing, you should contact your school (if you were enrolled in VET through your school) or the relevant registered training organisation (if you completed a VET qualification through an external provider). You then need to apply to the QCAA to get your results checked.

If it turns out that your VET provider didn’t accurately record your results, we will send you a new Senior Statement and refund your application fee. If you now qualify for a QCE, we will post it to you after the situation is resolved.

DECEMBER 2015

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There is always a way to achieve your goals no matter where you stand at the end of Year 12.

Subjects: Biology, Drama, English, Information Technology Systems, Maths B, Study of Religion

Career goal: To work as a veterinary nurse specialising in animal rehabilitation and training

Emmaus College, JimboombaJamy Lyons, 18

PET PASSION When it comes to making decisions about tertiary study, Jamy Lyons urges school leavers to do what feels right rather than what other people think is ‘better’.

She says: ‘There’s a lot of pressure to attend university. I got a university offer, but chose to study at TAFE. It was the right choice for me.’

‘I always knew I wanted to do something involving animals when I left school, but it was completing a Certificate II in Animal Studies in Year 12 that really confirmed I wanted to do veterinary nursing.’

‘Being able to study something I love and have it contribute to my QCE was great. But it wasn’t always easy.’

‘For most of Year 12 I only attended school three days a week. One day I went to TAFE and the other day I did work experience at a veterinary clinic. It definitely made maintaining my marks in all six OP subjects a challenge.’

Jamy says her hard work was worth it when she was accepted into the highly competitive veterinary nursing course at TAFE Queensland Brisbane at the start of this year.

‘Veterinary nursing is really popular. It was my Certificate II in Animal Studies that got me in.’

Now, a year out of school, Jamy has completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is ready to start her career as a veterinary nurse.

Advertisement

Who? You! All students who completed Year 12 in 2015 in Queensland will be contacted to take part in the survey.

What? The Next Step survey will ask you what you are doing after you leave school – this could be studying, working or pursuing other interests.

How? Expect to be contacted by phone or mail. To enable us to contact you, please ensure your details, including your home phone and mobile numbers, are correct in your learning account by logging into www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au

When? March to June 2016

Why? Your participation in the Next Step survey will help Queensland schools and further education providers improve their services for future students.

More info at www.education.qld.gov.au/nextstep

Authorised by the Queensland Government, Mary St, Brisbane

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR QCE

Your QCE recognises and celebrates your senior schooling achievements. It shows employers and training providers that you have worked consistently and to a high standard.

Be proud of your QCE. Mention it in your resume and show it off alongside your Senior Statement and — if you received an Overall Position (OP) — your Tertiary Entrance Statement in a portfolio of achievements. Use the subjects you studied and the results you achieved to market yourself in cover letters for job applications and in job interviews.

The QCE is an internationally recognised qualification. This means that employers and education institutions around the world accept the QCE as evidence that you have successfully completed your senior schooling.

Many universities overseas, including universities in the United States, Europe and South-East Asia, require the QCE as a prerequisite for admission.

QCAA

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POST-SCHOOL PATHWAYS: WHERE WILL YOU FIT IN?

Based on trends in the Queensland Government’s Next Step survey of school leavers, the class of 2015 are likely to follow a wide range of post-school pathways in 2016:

� around 60% will do some form of further education or training

– 40% will go straight to university

– 12% will study vocational education and training (VET) courses

– 8% will start an apprenticeship or traineeship

� about 26% will be employed

� approximately 11% will be seeking work

� less than 3% will not be in the labour force, education or training.

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If you didn’t get a QCE this year, don’t worry. You can keep working towards one for up to seven years after you complete Year 12.

To earn credits towards your QCE after you’ve left school and/or meet the completed Core requirement, you can choose from a range of VET Certificate II–IV qualifications offered by TAFE Queensland and other providers.

You can meet the literacy and numeracy requirements by:

� completing the QCAA-developed short course in literacy and/or numeracy offered by Charters Towers School of Distance Education

� completing the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (which covers both the literacy and numeracy requirements) at a Registered Training Organisation

� completing a literacy and/or numeracy course recognised by the QCAA (see www.qcaa.qld.edu.au for more information)

� sitting the QCS Test in September as a private-entry candidate and achieving at least a C on the test.

NO QCE? DON’T PANIC!

Get the credit

Remember to give your new learning provider your Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) when you enrol, so they can bank the credits you earn in your learning account on the Student Connect website. Once you’ve met the requirements for a QCE, the QCAA will issue your QCE and Statement of Results in the following July or December.

Want to know more?

For help planning your QCE pathway after Year 12, email studentconnect@qcaa.qld.edu.au

DECEMBER 2015

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CONSIDERING A GAP YEAR? A gap year can help you take stock, re-energise and prepare for the future.

Whether you choose to work, volunteer or travel, taking a year off after Year 12 could be the right option for you, if you:

� aren’t sure what you want to do in the future

� don’t get into the course you really want to do

� want to take a break from studying

� want to gain skills and experience to get into a course

� want to make some money before doing more study

� want to explore Australia or overseas.

Gap year options

If you’re interested in finding out more about some of the gap year programs available, you might find these websites useful:

� Antipodeans Abroad: www.antipodeans.com.au

� Lattitude Global Volunteering: www.lattitude.org.au

� Student Placement Australia: http://studentplacement.com.au/

� World Education Program Australia: https://wep.org.au

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Don’t be afraid to follow your passion, even if it seems daunting.

Subjects: Drama, English, Maths A, Music, Music Extension, Information Technology Systems

Career goal: To work as a professional orchestral musician

West Moreton Anglican CollegeNathan Walton, 20

A MUSICAL LIFE Life is all about music for Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University student Nathan Walton.

‘Music started taking over my life in Years 11 and 12. With practising, rehearsals, and performances, 14 hour days were the norm for me.’

‘I was effectively living in my school’s music department. I almost spent more time there than at home!’

Not surprisingly, Music Extension was Nathan’s favourite subject at school.

He says: ‘The hands on approach to learning music was a perfect match for me. I enjoyed the freedom to customise my assessment goals around my playing and I loved exploring further research into the field that I would eventually move into.’

Nathan was successful in gaining not only a QCE and high OP while at school but also an Associate Diploma in Music.

Since finishing Year 12, he has been studying classical flute full-time at the Queensland Conservatorium while leading a ‘second life’ as a professional classical musician and singer. This has enabled Nathan to tour interstate and overseas.

He says: ‘I love that I can travel and see the world while I work. As a musician you can set up shop anywhere.’

‘In the future, I plan to be a professional orchestral musician and freelancer. Ultimately, I’d love to be a guest soloist travelling the world performing in front of orchestras or in my own recitals.’

QCAA

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DECEMBER 2015

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Which subjects were used to calculate my OP?

OP calculations take into account the results of your best 20 semester units of credit for your Authority subjects, which will usually be your best five Authority subjects. These are determined after your Subject Achievement Indicators (SAIs) are scaled, so they might not be the subjects you expect.

Are some subjects worth more than others?

No. All Authority subjects are treated equally in OP calculations. A student can achieve a good OP with any combination of Authority subjects.

My friend and I both got five VHAs. Why did we get different OPs?

Not all students awarded a Very High Achievement (VHA) have performed at the same standard. Some students may be ranked at the top of the VHA range, while others may be doing just well enough to get a VHA. OPs are calculated from SAIs, not levels of achievement.

I got five SAIs of 400. Why didn’t I get an OP1?

An SAI of 400 indicates that you are the highest achieving student in a particular subject at your school. You may not be the best student overall in the school, nor among the top students in Queensland.

My school predicted I would get an OP2 but I only got an OP4. Why?

Your school doesn’t have access to the precise information needed to calculate your OP. Calculating OPs is a complex process, and includes Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test results and the results you get for each subject. Although it’s important to have a realistic idea what OP you might receive so you can make decisions about tertiary entrance, OPs cannot be predicted precisely ahead of time.

OPs AND FPs: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

I was school dux. Why didn’t I get the highest OP at my school?

While being named dux at your school is a significant achievement, it doesn’t indicate your position in a statewide rank order (like your OP does). Rather, it is an indication of the way that your school sees your achievements in relation to other students at your school.

I got a VET Certificate. Why didn’t I get a better OP?

VET certificates don’t contribute to the calculation of your OP. If you are OP-eligible and you complete a Certificate III or IV, it will not be combined with your OP or boost your OP. You will receive an OP based on your Authority subjects and a separate QTAC Selection Rank for your VET qualification. This rank is assigned by QTAC and may be considered in addition to your OP.

QCAA

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Know your OP tionsLet’s talk when you get your OPTalk to us and find out about changing your preferences and discover pathways to your preferred degree.

You can call us on 1800 677 728 or email us on domesticenquiries@griffith.edu.au

For more information, visit griffith.edu.au/options

I studied Maths B, so why didn’t I get an FP in Field D?

No one subject on its own makes you eligible for a particular FP. To be eligible for an FP in a particular field you need to study a combination of subjects that give you 60 weighted semester units in that field. Maths B gives you only 20 weighted semester units towards FP D.

For more results FAQs, visit the Student Connect website: www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au.

If you didn’t get an OP, you can still be considered for tertiary entrance if you qualify for a QTAC Selection Rank and meet the course entry requirements.

QTAC Selection Ranks are calculated from schedules developed by QCAA and QTAC. The schedules provide ranks that are based on the best possible information about how well a student did compared with all other OP and OP-ineligible students.

You can find out your QTAC Selection Rank from 29 December 2015 via QTAC’s Current Applicant online service (if you are a QTAC applicant) or by calling QTAC on 1300 467 822 (if you are not a QTAC applicant). Visit www.qtac.edu.au for more information.

Note: A QTAC Selection Rank may not be recognised in other states of Australia or overseas. Check with the relevant admissions office before applying.

NO OP? USE YOUR QTAC SELECTION RANK

Doing a VET course is a great way to get more of an understanding about your chosen career.

Subjects: English Communication, Hospitality, Industrial Technology Studies, Prevocational Maths, Social & Community Studies

Career goal: Undertake advanced studies in instrumentation, business and management, and secure a business executive leadership position.

Holland Park State High School,Brisbane

Maddy Davitt, 18

WIRED FOR SUCCESS Being one of only a handful of female electrotechnology students at TAFE Queensland SkillsTech is no big deal for electrical apprentice Maddy Davitt.

‘I come from a family of electricians on my mother’s side. But it was my grandfather, a carpenter, who influenced me to take on a trade.’

Maddy says she considered many occupations before settling on becoming a sparky.

‘I knew becoming an electrician was the right career path for me when I did work experience in Year 11 as part of my Certificate II in Electrotechnology.’

Three months after finishing school, Maddy began her full-time apprenticeship and couldn’t be happier.

‘What I love most about doing a trade is that you have to work hard in order to move your way to the top. Reward or recognition doesn’t come easy unless you put in the effort and think outside of the box.’

Having been awarded an Australian Vocational Student Prize in Year 12 after topping her class at TAFE, Maddy knows what she’s talking about.

Her advice to this year’s school leavers: ‘When hunting for jobs — show professionalism, charisma, determination and gain qualifications in skills-shortage areas or growing areas. Also, make the most of your free time after graduation!’

DECEMBER 2015

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QCAA

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TERTIARY STUDY OFFERS: DON’T MISS OUT!

Now you know your Year 12 results, give yourself the best chance of getting into the course of your choice.

� Visit www.qtac.edu.au to get the most up-to-date course information and find out what’s changed since the QTAC Guide to Tertiary Courses was published.

� If your residential address or email address has changed, update these by going to My Account in QTAC’s Application Services.

� Change or add to your course preferences using QTAC’s Current Applicant online service by 6 January 2016 to be considered in the 14 January 2016 offer round.

� Check the Current Applicant online service on 14 January 2016 to find out if you have received a tertiary study offer. If you have received an offer, make sure you respond via the Current Applicant online service by the nominated date or you may lose your right to that and further offers.

� Connect with QTAC on social media for important news and updates.

Not offered a place?

Check course cut-offs and, if required, contact QTAC to find out why you’ve missed out on a place. Also check the institution course vacancy lists on the QTAC website for possible further offers into courses. You can then change your course preferences and update your application in time for the 4 February 2016 offer round.

THE WORLD OF WORK Whether you are looking for a part-time job while you’re studying or your first ‘real’ job after you’ve left school, the search for the right job can be challenging but also very exciting.

When applying for a job, most employers will ask you to send or email them your resume/curriculum vitae and a cover letter. They may also ask you to complete some selection criteria. If your job application is successful, you will be asked to attend an interview. If you are selected for an interview, it’s important to make a good first impression.

Top tips for interview success

� Make sure there aren’t any typographical errors in your application or resume.

� Arrive early for your appointment.

� Dress as neatly and formally as you can afford.

� Have a clear understanding of your future goals.

� Find out as much as you can about the organisation.

� Maintain eye contact with your interviewer and any other staff you meet on the day.

� Prepare some answers to frequently asked interview questions.

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Authorised by the Queensland Government, Mary Street, Brisbane.

Advertisement

Which way? Your pathway.If you’re an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young person wanting to enter the workforce, find your career at Which way? Your pathway.

• Choose a career • Get work ready• Access employment support• Attend a career event

www.indigenousportal.eq.edu.au/employment

DECEMBER 2015

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iPAD AIR WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Congratulations to the three Year 12 students who won an iPad Air by logging into their learning account between 1 May and 31 August 2015.

The lucky winners are:

� Bennett Hardwick, Mirani State High School

� Kaeli Cullen, Emmaus College, Rockhampton

� Aryana Mohmood, Sheldon College, Redlands.

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YEAR 12: WHAT NEXT? Not everyone knows what they want to do by the time they finish school.

These websites may help you explore your post-school options and plan your career pathway.

� Ace Day Jobs: www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs

� Apprenticeships Info: www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au

� Job Guide: www.jobguide.education.gov.au

� Job Outlook: www.joboutlook.gov.au

� myfuture: www.myfuture.edu.au

� Queensland Skills Gateway: www.skillsgateway.training.qld.gov.au

� Skills One TV: www.skillsone.com.au

� TAFE Queensland: www.tafe.qld.edu.au

� The Good Universities Guide: www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au

Keep your options open and never be afraid to take a chance. You never know what will be around the corner.

Subjects: English, Maths A, Certificate III in Business, Certificate III in Floristry

Career goal: To expand the business and open shops across Queensland

Cairns School of Distance EducationKatelyn O’Donoghue, 18

THE GIRL FROM ‘CHARTERS FLOWERS’

Like many people, Katelyn O’Donoghue dreamed of having her own business. To Katelyn’s surprise her dream came true sooner than she ever expected.

‘I’d been working full-time as a senior apprentice at the local florist shop in Charters Towers for about five months after Year 12 when the owner asked if I’d like to buy the business!’

Katelyn’s path to business ownership started in Year 10 when she completed work placement at the shop.

‘It was such a great experience. I thought I would be handed a broom but I got the chance to create arrangements and work with flowers.’

Katelyn went on to complete a school-based apprenticeship in floristry as part of her QCE.

She says: ‘A lot of people told me I was too young to own a business, but my family and friends were really supportive.’

‘My mum helps with book work, serving customers and deliveries. She is also in charge of ordering flowers and she’s definitely “Chief of Cleaning”! My brother and sister help in the shop after school and dad comes in on his days off. My grandma has just moved to town so she’s now helping too.’

‘You could say my whole family is with me every step of the way!’

QCAA

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WANT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR RESULTS?

If you have a question about your QCE, Senior Statement, Tertiary Entrance Statement or the results in your learning account, call the Student Connect hotline on 1800 804 991.

Our hotline staff can provide information and advice about:

� accessing learning accounts

� verifying or reviewing results

� changing personal details on certificates and statements

� reissuing certificates and statements.

Hotline hours

� Monday 21 December to Wednesday 23 December: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

� Thursday 24 December: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

� Monday 4 January 2016 onwards: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

If you have a question about tertiary selection ranks, bonus ranks or special consideration due to difficult circumstances, contact QTAC on 1300 467 822.