Overview
At Yarrabilba State Secondary College, our Senior Secondary program supports students to transition successfully from school to further education, training, or employment.
Years 10–12 are a critical phase where students begin to shape their future pathways. Our approach provides a balance of academic rigour, practical learning, and personalised support, ensuring every student is equipped for life beyond school: leading a life of choice, not chance.
Year 10 serves as a foundation year, where students complete the Australian Curriculum while beginning to explore and prepare for senior pathways. In Years 11 and 12, students engage in Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) subjects and programs aligned to their goals.
Pathways
We recognise that every student has different strengths, interests, and aspirations. Our Senior Secondary program offers flexible pathways to support a wide range of post-school options.
Students may pursue a pathway that includes:
- General subjects for students seeking an ATAR and direct university entry
- Applied subjects with a practical, real-world focus
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications
- School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
- Opportunities for work experience and industry engagement
- University programs (UniSQ Head Start, Griffith Head Start, UQ Enhanced Studies Program, etc)
Students are supported to select a pathway that aligns with their goals, whether that be university, TAFE, employment, or a combination of these.
Supporting Every Student
At Yarrabilba State Secondary College, we are committed to ensuring every student is known, supported, and successful.
Our Senior School team:
- Monitors student progress closely
- Provides personalised pathway guidance
- Supports QCE attainment
- Connects students with further education, training, and employment opportunities
Through strong relationships and targeted support, we help students confidently take their next steps beyond school.
Senior Education and Training Plans (SET Plans)
All students develop a Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan in Year 10.
This plan helps students to:
- Identify their strengths and interests
- Explore career and study options
- Map a pathway through senior schooling
SET Plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure students remain on track to achieve their goals.
Pathways Day – Wednesday
At Yarrabilba State Secondary College, our Wednesday Pathway Days provide senior students with flexible opportunities to engage in learning beyond the traditional classroom.
For students in Years 11 and 12, Wednesdays are designed to support individual pathways and future goals. On this day, students may:
- Participate in Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses
- Undertake school-based apprenticeships or traineeships
- Engage in work experience or paid employment
- Attend external programs or industry-based learning opportunities
This flexible approach allows students to develop practical skills, gain real-world experience, and build connections with industry while completing their senior schooling.
Wednesday Pathway Days ensure that learning is relevant, purposeful, and aligned to each student's chosen pathway beyond school.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is the main senior school qualification awarded to eligible students, typically at the end of Year 12.
To achieve a QCE, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 20 credits
- Meet literacy and numeracy requirements
- Follow an approved pattern of learning
At Yarrabilba State Secondary College, we work closely with every student to ensure they are on track to successfully achieve their QCE.
Further information on the QCE is available on the QCAA Website - External link
Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA)
The Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) is a senior school qualification for students who are working on individualised learning programs. It recognises each student's personal achievements and the skills they develop during their senior years.
Students working towards a QCIA follow a program tailored to their needs, with a focus on building independence, practical skills, and preparing for life after school. This may include pathways into further training, supported employment, or community participation.
At Yarrabilba State Secondary College, we work closely with students and families to ensure learning is meaningful, supportive, and focused on each student's goals for the future.
ATAR and Tertiary Pathways
Students who wish to pursue university study may be eligible for an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
The ATAR is calculated based on:
- Results in General subjects
- Or a combination of General subjects and eligible VET qualifications
Our staff provide guidance and support to help students select the right subjects to maximise their opportunities for tertiary entry.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Vocational Education and Training is a key feature of our Senior Secondary program, providing students with practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications.
VET opportunities may include:
- Certificate II, III or higher qualifications
- School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
- Industry partnerships and real-world learning experiences
These pathways support students to transition directly into employment or further training.
Key links
QCAA - New Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system
QTAC - ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) system.
Student connect - Learning account login for Year 11 & 12 students