Senior School Curriculum
The senior phase of learning incorporates Years 10, 11 and 12.
At Cathedral, Year 10 is seen as a foundation year that prepares students for Years 11 and 12. It is a year in which students can 'sample' senior subjects to assist them in choosing which pathway they would like to travel down in the final two years of school. In Years 11 and 12, Cathedral offers students many options in their academic shoices, as well as the support that matches sutdents to the pathway that best suits their interests, tertiary prerequisites, career aspirations and personal strengths.
Students are prepared for employment, traineeships, apprenticeships, TAFE, the Defence Forces and university. The Cathedral School senior curriculum is a challenging and inspiring mix of traditional study and modern skills that equips students to take their place in the changing enironment that is the workforce in the 21st century.
Curriculum Introduction
Year 10
In Year 10 students study a group of core subjects (taken by all students) and elective subjects (taken by some students).
The core subjects are English (either English or Extreme English), Mathematics (Mathematics A, B or Extreme Mathematics), Science (either Science A – Science in Practice or Science B – Science for Senior), Humanities, Christian Education, Physical Education and Personal Development.
In the first group of electives students choose from Music (which is taken for two semesters) or Performance Arts, Design and Technology, Graphics or Visual Arts which are studied for a semester each.
In the second group of electives students choose from French or Japanese (which are taken for two semesters) or ICT, Health and Physical Education, Food and Textiles and Enterprise which are studied for a semester each.
Students taking French, Japanese or Music in Year 10 are expected to have studied these subjects in Year 9.
Years 11 and 12
There are many pathways that students in their senior years can take. It is important in the first instance for students to have a general idea of what they wish to do on leaving school as this will determine a student’s choice of academic program.
University Entrance
Students who are planning to go to university after graduating study six Authority subjects or five Authority subjects and one other. Authority subjects are OP (Overall Position) subjects and are needed for tertiary entrance. One of these subjects must be English (English or English for ESL Learners) and Mathematics (Mathematics B or Mathematics A).
School Based Traineeships, School Based Apprenticeships and Work Placement.
Students who wish to combine school studies, on the job training and some vocational studies can elect to do a school based traineeship or school based apprenticeships. This generally involves doing one day of work per week, some TAFE studies and four school subjects. Traineeships and apprenticeships are generally for the two years of senior schooling. Traineeships finish when a student leaves school but apprenticeships continue after graduation. The school will assist families with the paper work required to set up a traineeship or apprenticeship but family assistance is required to find a suitable employer. .jpg)
Some students do not wish to undertake a formal traineeship or apprenticeship, but still work. The school is able to assist students in getting work placement one day a week. This enables students to learn valuable skills (while still at school) which they can demonstrate to an employer on graduation.
Tafe
The Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE offers many valuable courses for Cathedral students. Students who go to TAFE usually go one day per week and work towards a certificate I, II or III in a chosen area. Students who go to TAFE usually take five subjects.
Other Pathways
The options listed above are not exhaustive. Students can plan their own study pathways in consultation with the Deputy Principal and Careers Coordinator.
At the end of Year 12 most students are eligible for the Queensland Certificate of Education. This certificate records a student’s performance in a wide range of studies that can be undertaken in Years 10, 11 and 12. The management of a student’s eligibility for a QCE occurs on an individual basis at the school. For university entrance, students must study five OP subjects for the two years of 11 and 12.
