Important dates for Year 12

Top tips from past studentsCareers expos and open days

AND BEYONDSUCCESS IN YEAR 12

WHAT’S INSIDE

Win a Surface Pro 4

ISSN 2200-6729

May 2016

Understanding your OP and FPsAre you ready for the QCS Test?

St Lucia 7 August | Gatton 21 August

Take your first step to create change and experience life beyond the classroom at UQ Open Day.

Explore our campus and facilities, and speak to our friendly staff about finding the program that’s right for you.

Plan your day at uq.edu.au/openday

UQ Open Day

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MAY 2016

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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

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

It also contains useful information about scholarships, careers expos and open days, and profiles of past students, who share their tips for success in Year 12 and beyond.

Enjoy your last year at school. We wish you good luck with your studies!

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL YEAR!

With Term 1 behind you, the countdown to the release of Year 12 results has begun. But, while the end of school may be in sight, it’s important to stay focused until the last day!

YOUR QCE: ARE YOU ON TRACK?

By now you’re hopefully well on the way to achieving a QCE — Queensland’s senior school qualification.

To get a QCE, you need 20 credits at a set standard, in a set pattern. You must also 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 studentconnect@qcaa.qld.edu.au.

QCAA

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AJ Reano, 18 Trinity Bay State High School

Subjects: English, Film, Television and New Media, Japanese, Maths B, Music, Music Extension, Visual Art

Career goal: To become an international exhibiting artist and/or work as an art curator

FUTURE CREATIVE The decision to study mostly arts subjects in Years 11 and 12 proved to be the material for success for QUT Creative Industries/Business student, AJ Reano.

He says: ‘I was always a pretty scientifically minded person until Year 10, when I decided to take a leap of faith and change my subjects to more creative ones — English, Japanese, Film, Television and New Media, Visual Arts, Music and Music Extension — and Maths B.’

‘I thought I’ve had enough of learning and memorising things that everyone knows; why not do things my own way and experiment with ideas that no one else has ever thought of?’

‘I started off with pen and paper and definitely wouldn’t be where I am without it. Towards the end of high school though, I began to push away from drawing and into more conceptual artworks. I tried a lot of different mediums and found that working with encaustics (wax) is the best one for me.’

Last year, AJ received a number of accolades for his artwork. These include a Creative Generation Excellence Award in Visual Art, a Business Liaison Association Visual Arts Bursary and a QUT Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship (Creative Industries).

He says: ‘I was in awe when they told me I’d received the scholarship. I definitely wouldn’t have thought that I’d end up with this much recognition for my personal creative development.’

AJ’s ultimate goal is to become an international exhibiting artist and challenge people’s everyday thinking through his artworks.

‘My other career dream is to work as an art curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York — the international hub of contemporary art.’

Opportunity is always just around the corner, and when it comes take advantage of it!

MAY 2016

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QCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Thirty-seven Year 12 graduates from schools across Queensland were recognised and rewarded for their exceptional academic achievement at the QCE Achievement Awards ceremony in February.

Outstanding Academic Achiever � Miaohan Long, Somerville House

Distinguished Academic Achievers � Alexander Leathem, Ipswich Grammar School

� Alexandra Radke, Mansfield State High School

� Andy Wang, Brisbane Grammar School

� Chinmay Sonawane, Brisbane State High School

� Claire Qu, Somerville House

� Corey Lehmann, Matthew Flinders Anglican College

� Eva Wang, Somerville House

� Hamza Ashraf, Whitsunday Anglican School

� Hayden Randall, Ipswich Grammar School

� James Shaker, The Rockhampton Grammar School

� Jamie Hile, Westside Christian College

� Joshua Liaw, Tannum Sands State High School

� Julika Goetz, St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School

� Kieran Cook, St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace

� Lachlan Hill, Anglican Church Grammar School

� Lachlan McKay, Pacific Lutheran College

� Laura-Jane Jurss-Lewis, St Andrew’s Catholic College

� Layanga Ranasinghe, Brisbane State High School

� Madeleine Hall, St Hilda’s School

� Man Kit Lam, Bremer State High School

� Miaohan Long, Somerville House

� Michael Boyce, Kenmore State High School

� Nitin Niranjan, All Saints Anglican School

� Pierce Leahy, Toowoomba Grammar School

� Rohan Olufson, St Augustine’s College

� Rory McFadden, Kenmore State High School

� Shahmir Ali, Indooroopilly State High School

� Shiye Su, Brisbane Girls Grammar School

� William Snell, St Stephen’s Catholic College

Highest Result on the Queensland Core Skills Test � Edward Burns, St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace

Highest Result by an International Student � Justin Choi, Benowa State High School

Highest Achievement by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Student � Aidan Train, Spinifex State College – Mount Isa

Highest Achievement in the International Baccalaureate � Akshay Deshpande, Queensland Academies – Science,

Mathematics and Technology Campus

� Emily Sun, Queensland Academies – Science, Mathematics and Technology Campus

� Emma Leong, Queensland Academies – Science, Mathematics and Technology Campus

� James Grant, Queensland Academies – Science, Mathematics and Technology Campus

� Matilda Stevenson, Queensland Academies – Science, Mathematics and Technology Campus

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QCAA

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Aidan Train loves maths and science. His talent for these subjects, along with the opportunity to attend the Indigenous Summer School Program at the University of Sydney, led to his decision to pursue a career in civil engineering at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in Toowoomba.

Having been awarded a scholarship from Engineering Aid Australia that will help fund his tertiary study, Aidan encourages students to find out what programs and scholarships are available and make the effort to submit an application.

He says: ‘The opportunities are definitely out there. You just need to work hard and they’ll come your way.’

Subjects: Chemistry, English, Legal Studies, Maths B, Maths C, Physics, Certificate I in Information, Digital Media and Technology

Career goal: To work for a large engineering firm

Inspired by the physicists of the past, Miaohan Long has wanted to be a theoretical physicist since the age of 13.

She says: ‘The elegance of logic and mathematical formulae strike me as so beautiful that I can hardly imagine myself doing anything else.’

Miaohan moved to Melbourne at the start of the year to study a science degree under the University of Melbourne’s Chancellor’s Scholars Program.

Her advice for Year 12 students? ‘Chill out a little. Occasionally freaking out about assignments is natural, but don’t forget to enjoy your last year at school.’

Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English, French, German, Maths B, Maths C, Physics, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (QUT), Physics of the Very Large (QUT)

Career goal: To become a theoretical physicist and work on the great unsolved questions of the universe

MIAOHAN LONG, SOMERVILLE HOUSE

AIDAN TRAIN, SPINIFEX STATE COLLEGE – MOUNT ISA

WW

CRICOS: QLD 00244B, NSW 02225M TEQSA: PRV12081Graduate Destinations Survey, 2012-2014.

Study with Qld’s No.1 university for graduates in full-time work. usq.edu.au/study

MAY 2016

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TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN YEAR 12

Kieran Cook, St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace

Enjoy it. Make the most of it, and work hard when you need to.

Emma Leong, Queensland Academies – Science, Mathematics & Technology Campus

Break your work down into small, manageable sections and complete a little each day. And, don’t be afraid to ask your teachers and classmates for help.

Lachlan McKay, Pacific Lutheran College

Wake up an hour or so earlier than you would normally and use this time for study. I found it to be my most productive time of the day.

Jamie Hile, Westside Christian College

Work hard. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t procrastinate. Take care of yourself. Sleep!

Man Kit Lam, Bremer State High School

Plan out a reasonable timetable for all of your studies and assignments, but don’t forget to be flexible. Set up some contingency plans or catch‑up periods in case things don’t go your way.

Rory McFadden, Kenmore State High School

Set goals for after school and don’t be afraid to ask how you can best achieve them — recognise that there may be several pathways to get where you want to go.

Chinmay Sonawane, Brisbane State High School

Find something that you enjoy doing at school — whether that’s learning about the laws of physics, or playing football for your school. Having something to look forward to makes waking up every day so much easier.

Laura-Jane Jurss-Lewis, St Andrew’s Catholic College

Tetris is good for you … Make time for play.

Rohan Olufson, St Augustine’s College, Cairns

Start your assignments as soon as you get them, instead of leaving them to the last minute.

Hamza Ashraf, Whitsunday Anglican School

Make sure you keep a balanced lifestyle — work hard, but it’s also important to take time off and play sport or whatever else you enjoy.

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July 2016DATE

RICC,Brisbane ShowgroundsVENUE

10am - 4pm on both days

TIMEwww.CareersEvent.comMANAGED BY:

Visit Website for competition

details

FIND US ON:facebook.com/TSXPOtwitter.com/CareersEvents

QCAA

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NEED SPECIAL PROVISION?

School assessment

If you suffer from illness or trauma during Year 11 or 12, and you can prove it had, or will have, a serious effect on your studies and results, you can apply to your school for special provision for school assessment.

As soon as you become aware of the illness, condition or trauma you need to tell your school. You will need to apply to your school principal with documentary evidence before the assessment due date, or immediately on your return to school. Your school will make a decision about what special provisions can be applied to ensure that you are able to meet all of your subject requirements.

QCS Test

If it will be difficult for you to sit the QCS Test on the same basis as other students, we may be able to help you by offering you special provision for the QCS Test.

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

Want to know more?

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

MAY 2016

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ARE YOU READY FOR THE QCS TEST? The QCS Test is the tool QCAA uses 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. It also provides an individual result for each student.

The QCS Test is held over two days in Term 3 at schools across the state. This year’s test will take place on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 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 literacyand numeracy requirements

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

How to do your best on the test

The best QCS Test preparation comes through the study of 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 timemanagement

� sit at least part of a past testpaper

� know the test procedures in advance

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

� apply to QCAA for any special provision applicable toyour 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 also be purchased directly from QCAA. Yearly Retrospectives, which provide feedback on the 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!

QCAA

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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 is 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 2016 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 that 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 28 of the Student Information Bulletin 2016 has the answers.

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MIKAYLA DISPENSES GOOD ADVICE Former St Ursula’s College student Mikayla Findlay didn’t hesitate in saying yes when approached for an interview for Student Connect magazine. She was keen to let students know that there are lots of pathways to university.

Mikayla completed Year 12 last year. At school she combined senior subjects with vocational qualifications in hospitality, tourism and community pharmacy.

She now works full-time as a pharmacy assistant in Yeppoon.

‘As soon as I started working at the pharmacy in Year 10, I knew it was something that I wanted to do and I approached the manager about starting a school-based traineeship.’

‘I didn’t hate school but I didn’t love it. So having one day a week where I got to do something I was passionate about made Year 12 so much more enjoyable.’

Mikayla says her school-based traineeship helped her secure her position at the pharmacy and opened up a ‘world of possibilities’.

After working closely with customers at the pharmacy, Mikayla is now looking into studying nutrition at university.

‘I want to show people that there are other ways you can achieve a healthy lifestyle without having to rely on medical assistance, such as surgery or medication.’

Mikayla Findlay, 18 St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon

Subjects: English, Home Economics, Legal Studies, Maths A, Certificate I in Hospitality, Certificate II in Tourism, Certificate II in Community Pharmacy, Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology

Career goal: To become a nutritionist

Don’t give up. Things may seem challenging at the time

but the effort is worth it.

QCAA

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR OP AND FPS

What is an OP?

Your OP is your position in a statewide rank order based on your overall achievement in Authority subjects. OP1 is the highest and OP25 is the lowest. OPs are used for tertiary entrance purposes only, indicating how well you have done 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 semester units of credit in 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?

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 possible, 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 17 December 2016. 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.

MAY 2016

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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. Any prediction your school makes can only be 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.

Myth: QCAA allocates the number of OP1s for each school in advanceFact: QCAA does not set a quota of OP1s or any other OP rank for a school. OPs compare the performance of students — not schools — across the state. Myth: There is a bias in favour of

certain schoolsFact: Students, not schools, are awarded OPs. The procedures followed for the calculation of OPs are exactly the same for students at every school.

Myth: Students with 5 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 5 VHAs than there are OP1s.

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It’s okay to be unsure about what you want to do after school

because it’s a big life choice.

ON THE HUNT FOR A KILLER CAREER

First-year Griffith College criminology student, Sarah Clifford admits she didn’t have a clue what she wanted to do when she finished school.

‘My favourite subject at school was maths, and people kept telling me to study something to do with maths because I was good at it. But a maths-related career wasn’t something I wanted to pursue.’

Sarah tried a few different courses after completing Year 12, before enrolling in the Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith College, which involved relocating from Townsville to Brisbane.

‘Moving away from home was quite scary, especially leaving everyone behind and doing it alone. But I didn’t put much thought into it … I woke up one day and said “I need a change” … Two days later I moved into a shared house and met my new housemates.’

‘That split-second decision was the best I ever made. I couldn’t imagine what I would be doing now if I hadn’t taken the risk.’

Sarah urges current Year 12 students to embrace their last year of school and take advantage of anything that may help them discover what they want to do later on in life.

Sarah Clifford, 19 William Ross State High School

Subjects: Biology, Drama, English, Geography, Modern History, Maths A, Maths B, Physical Education, Recreation Studies, Science in Practice, Certificate II in Workplace Practices, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Career goal: To become a homicide detective and/or work for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service

MAY 2016

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SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING 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 and 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. It’s worth finding out what’s available, whatever your further education and training goals.

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.

APPLYING FOR TERTIARY STUDY

If you plan to do tertiary study, you’ll need to apply through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (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. Important QTAC dates

Mid-June 2016 onwards

QTAC guide sent to schools

2 August 2016 Applications open for 2016–2017 admissions

30 September 2016 On-time due date for early bird applications

1 October 2016 onwards

Higher application fees apply

GC151021-1154 Student Connect Magazine Advert 180x58.75mm_AW.indd 1 16/11/2015 1:47 pm

QCAA

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KEY 2016 DATES: TAKE NOTE! QCAA is responsible for delivering the QCS Test, calculating students’ OPs and FPs and issuing your Senior Education Profile — Senior Statement, QCE and Tertiary Entrance Statement — in December.

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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.

30–31 August QCS Test

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

16 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.

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

15 October Senior External Examination period begins.

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

18 November Final day for Year 12 students: you must be enrolled at school up to this day to be eligible to receive a QCE and OP.

23 November Schools publish subject achievement indicators (SAIs): check you’ve been placed in the correct position compared with your classmates — if you see an error, talk to your school immediately.

16 December QCAA posts QCEs, Senior Statements and Tertiary Entrance Statements to Year 12 students.

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

MAY 2016

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WIN A SURFACE PRO 4

QCAA is offering Year 12 students the chance to win a Surface Pro 4.

To enter the draw, simply log in to your learning account at www.studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au before 31 August 2016.

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

While you’re in your learning account, don’t forget to check your personal and enrolment details. 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 to let your school know if your address has changed.

EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE If you still don’t know what you want to do when you finish Year 12, don’t panic! Not everyone has a definite long-term career goal by the time they finish school, and many people change direction along the way.

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

At a careers expo, you’ll have 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 the chance to experience life on campus, explore facilities, and talk to 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: 16 & 17 July, Royal ICC, Brisbane Showgrounds (RNA), Bowen Hills, Brisbane.

� Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo: 19 July, University of the Sunshine Coast Sports Stadium, Sippy Downs.

� Townsville Careers Expo: 8 August, Townsville RSL Stadium, Murray Sports Complex, Annandale.