Understand your OP and FPs

Important dates for Year 12Your QCE — are you on track?

AND BEYONDSUCCESS IN YEAR 12

WHAT’S INSIDE

Win an Apple MacBook Air!

May 2017

Get ready for the QCS TestQCE Achievement Awards

Career expos and open days

ISSN 2200-6729

TRIPLE TREAT FOR KYLE

Becoming a doctor wasn’t always Kyle Ryan’s goal. Neither was receiving an OP1 or a QCE Achievement Award, but he’s well on his way to achieving all three.

Kyle was recently named Queensland’s Highest Achieving Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Student in the class of 2016.

‘To get an OP1 was a big achievement for me and after getting an award as well, I was over the moon,’ Kyle said.

‘I never set out to study medicine either.

‘I loved maths subjects, but wasn’t keen on some of the sciences, particularly Biology.’

Kyle said his decision to apply for school holiday research projects at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland (SPARQ-ed) was a turning point.

‘It really opened my mind to the applications of Biology in real life,’ he said.

‘By the end of Year 12, Biology was one of my favourite subjects.’

Kyle is now studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) at The University of Queensland (UQ) and plans to major in Biomedicine.

‘In the future I’d love to work in paediatrics,’ Kyle said.

‘The whole thing about being a doctor is giving back to the community and looking after other people.’

Kyle is a proud Bundjalung man with a strong sense of community spirit. He was a maths tutor during high school and volunteers at a local ministry, where he runs a children’s program.

‘I’ve seen how a lack of education can ruin some people, so it’s important for Indigenous students to push themselves,’ he said.

‘Hopefully I can show them that they can do it too.’

Kyle’s advice to school leavers: ‘If you’re passionate, you’ll succeed. Just believe in yourself!’

Kyle Ryan, 18 Glenala State High School

Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English, Maths B, Maths C, Physics

MAY 2017 QCAA

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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

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE

With Term 1 behind you, and graduation in sight, it’s important to stay focused on your classwork and assessments until the end of the year!

This edition of Student Connect has information you need on key aspects of Year 12, including the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test, Overall Positions (OPs), Field Positions (FPs) and important dates.

You’ll also find news about scholarships, careers expos and open days, and profiles of past students who share their tips for success.

Enjoy the rest of your last year at school and best of luck with your studies!

YOUR QCE: ARE YOU ON TRACK?

You’re hopefully on your way to achieving a QCE.

To get one, you need 20 credits at a set standard, and in a set pattern. You also need to meet literacy and numeracy requirements.

You can check your progress towards a QCE in your learning account at www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au. You need your 10-digit Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) and password to log in. If you don’t know your LUI, please ask your school for it.

If you have any questions about your QCE, talk to your school or email us at studentconnect@qcaa.qld.edu.au.

I believe education is the key to success — if you have a good education, you’ ll have a good life.

MAY 2017 QCAA

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CELEBRATING OUR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVERS

The top-performing Year 12 graduates from the class of 2016 were recognised and rewarded for their outstanding academic success at the QCE Achievement Awards Ceremony, held in February.

Thirty-four students from across the state received prizes in six categories, including the Outstanding Academic Achiever Award, for the highest achieving student overall.

Visit www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/qce-awards for snapshots of the event and a video featuring the award winners.

Outstanding Academic Achiever � Amelia Grace, Trinity Lutheran College

Distinguished Academic Achievers � Alex Myhill, The Cathedral School

� Amelia Grace, Trinity Lutheran College

� Bella Zhong, All Saints Anglican School

� Bhadra Rajendren Pandalai, Mary MacKillop College

� Callum Young, Caboolture State High School

� Eloise Browne, Brisbane State High School

� Finnian Connolly, All Saints Anglican School

� Georgia Hurst, All Hallows’ School

� Hainian Yu, Brisbane Boys’ College

� Harrison Kettewell, Wavell State High School

� Isabella Edwards, Emmanuel College

� Isobel Taylor, St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School

� Jacob Connors, West Moreton Anglican College

� Jacob White, Brisbane Boys’ College

� Jessemin Firman, John Paul College

� Kate Murray, Coomera Anglican College

� Katelyn van Bruggen, Hillcrest Christian College

� Lachlan Clarke, Hillbrook Anglican School

� Lachlan Masek, Brisbane Grammar School

� Lokman Lo, Somerset College

� Madeline Nurcombe, Cannon Hill Anglican College

� Marina Hou, Somerset College

� Natasha Traves, Genesis Christian College

� Nicholas Sheppard, Brisbane Grammar School

� Nikita Noon, Park Ridge State High School

� Olivia Adcock, Pimlico State High School

� Ou Yu, Brisbane State High School

� Patrick Litchfield, St Laurence’s College

� Tristan Hurree, St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace

� William Fogg, Atherton State High School

Highest Result on the Queensland Core Skills Test � Sophie Watson, Somerville House

Highest Achievement by an International Student � Minji Song, Trinity Lutheran College

Highest Achievement by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Student � Kyle Ryan, Glenala State High School

Highest Achievement in the International Baccalaureate � Isabella Juria, Queensland Academy for Science,

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Amelia Grace, 17 Trinity Lutheran College

Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English, English Extension, Maths B, Maths C, Physics, Religion & Ethics, Griffith Biology

A GROUNDBREAKING EFFORT

Amelia Grace is no stranger to hard work.

With her passion for maths and science, Amelia’s exceptional academic efforts saw her take out the award for Queensland’s Outstanding Academic Achiever at the QCE Achievement Awards in February.

As the top-performing student in the state, she was presented with a certificate, trophy and cheque for $4,000 by Minister for Education Kate Jones.

Now studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Griffith University, the former Trinity Lutheran College student said she’s always challenged herself to achieve her best.

‘I’ve always been academically motivated and believe my success depends on what I do right now,’ she said.

‘I enjoyed maths and science at school, so engineering felt like a logical career choice.’

As well as studying a Biology subject at Griffith University during Year 12, Amelia represented her school at the Model United Nations Assembly, which gave her a global perspective on a range of issues.

‘It really made it clear what’s important on a global scale, not just at a smaller community level,’ she said.

‘I’d love to work on community projects for an international company, so hope that experience will be valuable in the long run.’

Amelia’s advice to current Year 12 students: ‘It’s important to maintain a balance. Keep track of deadlines but make sure you also have a fun activity to look forward to.’

Definitely find something you enjoy outside of school, to give yourself a well-needed break.

Belly Nizigama, 19 Yeronga State High School

Subjects: Dance Studies, English Communication, Physical Education, Prevocational Mathematics, Recreation, Science in Practice, Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology, Certificate III in Fitness

FUTURE FOOTY STAR A passion for sport and fitness is fuelling Belly Nizigama’s career plans.

Belly’s AFL career took off when he was selected for the U16 All Nations & Diversity Initial Squad for the AFL State Championships.

It was a significant achievement, as he’d only been playing AFL for a short time.

‘I started playing soccer, then played rugby for a while before switching to AFL,’ Belly said.

‘At first it was hard, because there’s more freedom to run around, so you have to be really fit.’

Switching football codes wasn’t the only challenge for Tanzanian-born Belly.

‘I didn’t speak English when I moved to Australia in primary school, but getting used to the climate was harder. I lived in a cold area in Tanzania, so Australia felt hot,’ he said.

In Year 12 Belly completed a Certificate III in Fitness, which included working one day a week at Snap Fitness.

‘It gave me a good understanding of the business, including administration, marketing and promotions, weight-lifting techniques and personal training.

He is now studying at the Simon Black Australian Rules Academy and trains with the Lions Academy.

‘I would love to play professionally with Brisbane Lions,’ he said.

‘As well as training, the course includes a Business Diploma and accreditation in coaching and umpiring.

‘I can also do a Certificate IV to become a qualified personal trainer or professional sports coach.

Belly’s advice to Year 12 students: ‘Decide what you want to do before you finish school, so you have a clear plan.’

MAY 2017 QCAA

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NEED SPECIAL PROVISIONS?

School assessment

If you suffer from illness or have a specific educational need during Year 11 or 12 that may or will prevent you from demonstrating what you know and can do, you should talk to your school about special provisions for completing school assessment.

You (and where appropriate, your parent/carer) will need to discuss the situation with your principal before the assessment due date, or immediately upon your return to school. Your school will make a decision about what special provisions may apply to your assessment so that you are able to meet all of your subject assessment requirements.

QCS Test

If it will be difficult for you to sit the QCS Test on the same basis as other students, QCAA may be able to offer you special provision for the test.

Applications close on Sunday 21 May for special provisions regarding long-term illnesses or impairments such as diabetes, colour blindness and arthritis. Closing dates vary for special provisions regarding short-term illnesses, recently diagnosed conditions or exceptional circumstances.

Want to know more?

Talk to your school or visit www.qcaa.qld.edu.au.

I would love to play professionally with the Brisbane Lions.

MAY 2017 QCAA

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GET READY FOR THE QCS TEST

The QCAA uses the QCS Test to compare the achievements of OP-eligible students studying different subjects at different schools across Queensland.

The test contributes scaling data for the calculation of OPs and FPs for tertiary entrance and also provides an individual result for each student.

This year’s test will take place on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 August.

A test for everyone

Sitting the QCS Test is a good idea for both OP-eligible and OP-ineligible students, although only the results of OP-eligible students are used in OP calculations.

Even if you’re not OP-eligible:

� a grade of C or above will ensure you meet QCE literacy and numeracy requirements

� a grade of D or above may boost your Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) selection rank.

How to do your best

The best QCS Test preparation comes through studying your school subjects. You should also:

� be familiar with the 49 common curriculum elements

� be aware of the knowledge that is assumed in the test

� understand the key terms used in the testpapers

� refine your test-taking strategies, including time management

� sit at least part of a past testpaper

� know the test procedures in advance

� know what equipment you need for each session and what is not permitted in the test room

� apply to QCAA for any special provision applicable to your circumstances

� prepare yourself mentally and physically for the test days.

Past testpapers and Retrospectives

Most schools organise QCS Test practice sessions using past testpapers. Papers from the last three years can be purchased directly from QCAA. Annual Retrospectives, which provide feedback on student responses, can be downloaded from the QCAA website.

Final preparation

In the weeks before the test, review basic arithmetical operations, sample items, solutions and explanations.

Hours of intense work in preparation for the test won’t improve your performance and might even make you feel more anxious.

On the day before the test, check your equipment, the starting time and the venue and organise your transport. Get a good night’s sleep and relax!

Don’t cheat!

Don’t cheat or engage in any other form of academic misconduct. QCAA has sophisticated processes for cross-checking responses. If it’s shown that you cheated, you won’t receive a grade for the QCS Test.

Want to know more?

By now, you should have received your copy of the Student Information Bulletin 2017 from your school.

It contains all you need to know about the QCS Test, including what to expect in each testpaper, how to prepare for the test and strategies for success.

You can view an electronic copy at www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/qcs-test/publications.

KEY TERMS: QUICK QUIZ

A number of key terms are used in the QCS Test, so you know exactly what type of response is required and don’t waste time wondering what is expected of you. If you understand the key terms before you sit the test, you’ll have a better chance of tackling the tasks effectively and efficiently.

Do you know what these key terms mean?

� compare

� contrast

� demonstrate

� discuss

� derive

� evaluate

� verify

� exemplify

Page 30 of the Student Information Bulletin 2017 has the answers.

MAY 2017 QCAA

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UNDERSTAND YOUR OP AND FPS

What is an OP?

Your Overall Position (OP) is your position in a statewide rank order based on your overall achievement in Authority subjects. An OP1 is the highest position and an OP25 is the lowest. OPs are used for tertiary entrance purposes only, and indicate how well you have performed compared with all other OP-eligible students in Queensland.

How do I get an OP?

To be eligible for an OP, you must:

� complete 20 semesters of Authority subjects

� study at least three subjects for four semesters

� sit the QCS Test

� be enrolled at school until the final day of Year 12.

How is my OP calculated?

Your OP is calculated from data showing where you are ranked in each of your subjects, in your school and in the state. For more detailed information on the calculation of OPs, download a copy of Calculating Overall Positions (OPs): The basic principles from the QCAA website.

What are FPs?

Field Positions (FPs) are additional rank orders that supplement an OP. FPs may be used to differentiate between students with the same OP when the number of places in a course is limited. You may receive up to five FPs, depending on your subject choices. FPs are reported in 10 bands, from 1 (the highest) to 10 (the lowest).

How are FPs calculated?

The extent to which a subject contributes to each FP depends on the weighting of that subject in that field. QCAA publishes the table of subject weights for FPs each year. A template on the QCAA website can help you work out which FPs you are eligible for. Many students are not eligible for all five fields, and may receive FPs in only one, two, three or four fields.

How do I get the best OP and FPs?

To get the best OP and FPs, you need to perform as well as you can in each of the Authority subjects you study in Year 12. Results in Authority-registered subjects, vocational education and training, and other recognised studies don’t count towards your OP.

When will I get my OP and FPs?

Your OP, FPs and subject results will be published in your learning account on the Student Connect website at 9 am on Saturday 16 December 2017. To access your results online you need your 10-digit LUI (Learner Unique Identifier) and password. If you don’t know your LUI, ask your school for it.

Want to know more?

Visit www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/tertiary-entrance.

Gemma Hartwig, 19 Our Lady of the Southern Cross College

Subjects: English, Furnishing Studies, Maths A, Religion & Ethics, Short Course in Career Development, Visual Art Studies, Certificate III in Engineering — Mechanical Trade.

TRAILBLAZER FOR WORKPLACE EQUALITY

Gemma Hartwig isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

As a school-based apprentice, she worked five days each month during Year 11 and 12 as part of a Certificate III in Engineering (Diesel Fitting).

‘My family owned a cattle stud so I spent weekends breaking in cattle, travelling to shows and working with farm machinery,’ Gemma said.

‘I love being able to get in and get dirty, and fixing things is incredibly rewarding.

‘The school-based apprenticeship gave me the comfort of knowing I had a job and an apprenticeship once I’d graduated.

‘I’m also very creative and loved Art at school, so it allowed me to incorporate welding into my art projects.’

While Gemma’s artistic efforts didn’t win her accolades, her passion for diesel fitting did.

In 2014, she was named Queensland’s School-Based Apprentice of the Year.

Now that she has completed her apprenticeship and moved into a new job, Gemma wants to use her success and experience to help others.

‘I’m starting my own business called SHECAN, to support women in male-dominated industries,’ she said.

‘I’ve faced a lot of challenges, but they’ve been valuable lessons and given me a passion for supporting other girls in the industry.

‘I’d love to travel and educate young women and businesses about workplace equality.

‘I want to show girls that they can achieve anything.’

Gemma’s advice to Year 12 students: ‘Live in the moment! This year will be a crazy ride but you’ll never experience it again.’

I want to show girls that they can achieve anything.

YOU’RE ALREADY THERE.

CRICOS provider codes: Griffith College 01737F; Griffith University 00233E. GC170214-1546 0317_AW

griffithcollege.edu.au griffithcollege@navitas.com

Worried about grades? Griffith College is your best pathway to Griffith University.

Study areas include:

• Business/Commerce• Criminology• Design• Engineering

• Health Care/Nursing• Health Sciences• Hotel Management• IT

• Arts and Communication• Psychology• Science

MAY 2017 QCAA

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OP MYTHS BUSTED

Myth: My school can predict my OPFact: Only the QCAA has the necessary data to calculate your OP after you finish Year 12. Any prediction your school makes is only a guide.

Myth: Some subjects are worth more than othersFact: All subjects are treated equally in the calculation of your OP, and you can achieve a good OP, including an OP1, with any combination of subjects. Subject results are scaled using QCS Test data.

Myth: QCAA allocates the number of OP1s for each school in advanceFact: OPs compare the performance of students across the state. QCAA does not set a quota of OP1s or any other OP rank for a school. Students, not schools, are awarded OPs.

Myth: Students with five or more VHAs and an ‘A’ on the QCS Test automatically get an OP1Fact: Not all students awarded Very High Achievements (VHAs) are at the same standard. Some students may be at the top of the VHA range, while others may be doing just well enough to get a VHA. VHAs in different subjects represent different kinds of achievement. Each year, there are more students with five VHAs than there are OP1s. In 2016, students with all VHAs achieved from OP1 to OP7.

Myth: High achievers in a low-achieving group can’t get a good OPFact: A student who wants a good OP must demonstrate outstanding achievement. In a low-achieving group, this outstanding achievement would be reflected in a large gap between the Subject Achievement Indicators (SAIs) of higher achieving students and the SAIs of lower achieving students. It is important that high achievers also perform this way on the QCS Test.

A LEADING CONNECTION A community mentoring program at high school set Hannah Briggs on a clear path towards her future career.

The former Moranbah State High School student researched prerequisites for event management and found that most roles required a Certificate III in Events or a Bachelor of Business.

‘I approached Minto Business Group and they put me on a school-based traineeship for my Certificate III in Events,’ Hannah said.

‘I worked one day a week across three businesses, organising sales campaigns, events and training.’

Hannah also juggled two part-time jobs alongside her school commitments.

‘I love working and being busy and found I studied more effectively with less free time,’ she said.

‘I was also Student Council President, so I organised school fundraising and events. I enjoyed the social aspect of getting involved and giving back to the community.

‘I also wanted to have the best chance of gaining employment once I moved to university.’

Hannah’s initiative and hard work paid off. In 2015, she was named the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year for Central Queensland region at the Queensland Training Awards.

Hannah is now studying a Bachelor of Business and works part time for Ede Events in Townsville.

She is also inspiring others as one of Queensland’s Young Tourism Leaders.

‘I’d advise young people to research the industry and get as much experience as possible,’ she said.

‘See what jobs are available, seek a mentor and put your hand up to do volunteer work.’

Hannah’s advice to Year 12 students: ‘Build strong relationships with teachers and ask for help if needed.’

Hannah Briggs, 18 Moranbah State High School

Subjects: Accounting, Business Communication & Technologies, English, Legal Studies, Maths A, Certificate III in Events

Research the industry and get as much experience as possible.

DATE

15 & 16 July 2017

TIME

10 - 4Both days

VENUE

RICC, Brisbane Showgrounds

Inc. the Queensland Work & Skills Expo

CareersEvent.comFreeAdmission

facebook.com/TSXPO

twitter.com/CareersEvents

instagram.com/CareersEvents

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

FIND US ON:

MANAGED BY:

Meet with representatives from ALL Queensland Universities, interstate and overseas Universities, private education colleges, TAFE institutes, Defence Forces, student services, government employers and agencies plus more to answer all your careers related questions.

WINA $500 JB HI-FI Voucher

MAY 2017 QCAA

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IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2017 — TAKE NOTE! QCAA is responsible for delivering the QCS Test, calculating students’ OPs and FPs and issuing Senior Education Profiles — Senior Statement, QCE and Tertiary Entrance Statement — in December. Here are several important dates you need to know:

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP Did you know there are thousands of scholarships available each year for tertiary study in Queensland?

Scholarships are offered by universities, TAFE Queensland, private providers, the Australian and Queensland governments and some professional associations and industry groups.

Common categories include:

� financial hardship scholarships

� scholarships for women

� scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

� scholarships for specific fields of study

� sporting scholarships.

A scholarship can help pay for course fees, textbooks, accommodation costs and living expenses. Whatever your further education and training goals, it’s worth finding out what’s available.

Want to know more?

� Visit university, TAFE Queensland and other education provider websites.

� Search for scholarships on www.myfuture.edu.au.

� Talk to your school guidance officer.

HOW TO APPLY FOR TERTIARY STUDY

If you plan to undertake tertiary study, you’ll need to apply through QTAC. QTAC takes applications for most undergraduate courses at Queensland universities, Medicine at Bond University, the Australian Maritime College and some courses at universities in northern New South Wales, TAFE Queensland and some private providers.

For more information, visit www.qtac.edu.au or call 1300 467 822.

Date Event

21 May Last day to apply for QCS Test special provision — before the test.

8 August Release of provisional statements: Check your personal and enrolment details. Tell your school if any information is missing or incorrect.

29-30 August QCS Test.

31 August Last day to apply for Senior External Examination special provisions.

15 September Last day to submit evidence of learning from workplace, community or self-directed learning projects for QCE credit.

Last day to submit applications for QCE credit transfer for interstate and international courses of study.

29 September Last day to apply for QCS Test special provision — after the test.

14 October Senior External Examination period begins.

27 October Release of provisional statements: Check your personal and enrolment details. Tell your school if any information is missing or incorrect.

15 November QCS Test results available in student learning accounts.

17 November Final day for Year 12 students: You must stay at school up to this day to be eligible to receive a QCE and OP.

22 November Schools publish SAIs: Check that you’ve been placed in the correct position compared with your classmates. If you see an error, talk to your school immediately.

15 December QCAA posts QCEs, Senior Statements, Statements of Results, QCIA and Tertiary Entrance Statements to Year 12 students.

16 December QCAA publishes Year 12 results and OPs in student learning accounts on the Student Connect website at www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au.

Important QTAC dates

Mid-June 2017 onwards

QTAC guide sent to schools

3 August 2017 Applications open for 2017–18 admissions

29 September 2017 Due date for applications

WIN AN APPLE MACBOOK AIR QCAA is giving Year 12 students the chance to win an Apple MacBook Air. To enter the draw, simply log in to your learning account at www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au before 31 August 2017.

You’ll need your 10-digit LUI (Learner Unique Identifier) and password to log in. If you don’t know your LUI, please ask your school for it. Your initial password is your day and month of birth in ddmm format.

Check your personal and enrolment details

Don’t forget to check your personal and enrolment details while you’re in your learning account. If any information is missing or incorrect, talk to your school or VET provider.

In December, QCAA will post your results to the home address in your learning account, so it’s important you let your school know if your address has changed.

MAY 2017

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FUTURE FOCUS Don’t stress if you don’t know what you’d like to do when you finish school. Not everyone has a clear career goal, and many people change direction along the way.

Careers expos and open days are a fantastic way to explore different career pathways.

At a careers expo, you get the opportunity to talk to representatives from tertiary providers, student services and a wide range of employers about career and further education and training options.

Open days give you a chance to experience life on campus, explore facilities and talk with staff and students. Most tertiary providers hold information sessions and campus tours throughout the year.

Want to know more?

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

SEE YOU AT THE EXPO! Visit the QCAA stand at the careers expos below for information about the QCE, QCS Test, OPs, FPs and more.

� TSXPO: 15–16 July, Royal ICC, Brisbane Showgrounds (RNA), Bowen Hills, Brisbane.

� Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo: 18 July, Calvary Centre, Tanawha.

� Townsville Careers Expo: 7 August, Townsville RSL Stadium, Murray Sports Complex, Annandale.