Course Selection
1. The basis for selecting courses
Students in Year 11 must study six courses. These can be a combination of ATAR, General and Certificate courses. To have an ATAR calculated, a student must study a minimum of four ATAR courses. It is important that course selection is made on the basis of preferred post-school destinations and possible future careers. However, selection should be realistic, and in keeping with a student’s academic ability.
Academic Ability
In order to achieve success in many senior school courses, students need to have demonstrated an appropriate degree of academic ability and achievement in Year 10 courses. Without this background, students invariably have difficulty with the course content in Years 11 and 12. It is essential to take note of the minimum Year 10 course result prerequisites at the beginning of each course outline.
Interests
The range of courses offered at the College gives students the opportunity to pursue their particular interests at levels appropriate to their ability.
Teacher Recommendations
Students and parents should seek advice from teachers when selecting courses for either Year 11 or Year 12.
Teacher recommendation is a very good indication of likely success in Year 11 and 12.
2. Breadth of study
The WACE breadth-of-study requirement is that students must complete at least 20 course units or the equivalent. This requirement must include at least:
- a minimum of ten Year 12 units or the equivalent
- two completed Year 11 English units and one pair of completed Year 12 English units from an English course
- one pair of Year 12 units from each of List A (Arts/English/Languages/Social Science) and List B (Mathematics/Science/Technology).
| LIST A (ARTS/LANGUAGES/SOCIAL SCIENCE) | LIST B (MATHEMATICS/SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY) |
| Business Management & Enterprise
Drama Economics English English as an Additional Language or Dialect French: Second language Geography Indonesian: Second Language Literature Media Production & Analysis Modern History Music Politics and Law Visual Arts |
Accounting & Finance
Biology Chemistry Design Engineering Studies Food Science & Technology Human Biology Marine & Maritime Studies Materials Design & Technology Mathematics: Applications or Methods Mathematics: Specialist Outdoor Education Physical Education Studies Physics Psychology |
3. Course selection process and timeline
Course selection is a process that takes some time to complete effectively. The key stages in this process are outlined below.
Before submission of the Course Selection Form
- Pathway Information will be made available in Summer Term.
- Semester One Year 10 report will be available on SEQTA at the end of Summer Term.
- Pathway week for Year 10 students will be held in Autumn term.
- Parent, Teacher, Student Interviews will be held in Autumn term.
- House Head meetings will be held in Autumn term.
- Students should conduct individual research using the Leader of Pathways and Partnerships, Careers Expos, university and TAFE open days and websites.
After submission of the Course Selection Form
- Students meet with the Teaching and Learning team to discuss their selections.
- At the end of Winter term all students’ course choices are reviewed in light of their examination results and Semester 2 report. Letters of concern will be sent to appropriate students.
- Students should also take advantage of the expertise of the Leader of Pathways and Partnerships between receipt of the Semester 2 report and the start of Spring term to discuss potential changes. Parents are encouraged to be part of these discussions and are welcome to make an appointment with the Leader of Pathways and Partnerships.
Changes after the start of Year 11
Course changes can be made once Year 11 studies have commenced and students have until Week 2 of Summer term to make final course changes. All changes are arranged in consultation with their House Head. Any changes must also have the support of the course teacher.
