Years 11 & 12 Curriculum - Senior Pathways for Life Beyond School

The senior years at Burdekin Catholic High School are a time for students to consolidate their learning, specialise in areas of interest, and pursue pathways that align with their future goals. Our Years 11 and 12 curriculum offers flexibility, choice and personalised support to ensure every student is well prepared for life beyond school.  Teachers in the Senior School are subject specialists, many of whom are QCAA Endorsers, Confirmers, or Lead Confirmers.

Burdekin Catholic High School has a proud record of strong outcomes in both General and Applied subjects, alongside growing engagement in Vocational Education and Training pathways. These achievements highlight the breadth of opportunities available to students in their senior years.

Flexible Senior Pathways

Students in Years 11 and 12 can choose from a range of senior pathways, including:

• ATAR pathways for university entrance

• Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways

• Blended pathways, combining academic and vocational learning

Students have access to General, Applied and Certificate-level courses, allowing them to tailor their senior program to their strengths, interests and aspirations.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET qualifications are delivered through partnerships with registered external training organisations, ensuring industry-relevant skills and nationally recognised qualifications. Partner RTOs include:

• Binnacle Training (RTO: 31319)

• TAFE Queensland (RTO: 0275)

• Blue Dog Training (RTO: 31193)

These partnerships provide students with practical, real-world learning experiences that support direct entry into employment, apprenticeships or further training.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE & QCIA)

Curriculum and assessment in Years 11 and 12 are deliberately aligned with Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) requirements. Students are supported to achieve:

• The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), or

• The Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA)

Ongoing monitoring of student progress ensures each learner remains on track to successfully complete their chosen pathway.

Personalised Support and Learning Enrichment

Burdekin Catholic High School is committed to supporting every student to succeed. Students requiring educational adjustments are supported through:

• Specialist Classroom teachers

• The Learning Enrichment Team

• Adjustments aligned with QCAA Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) protocols

High-potential students may also have opportunities to commence early university enrolments, further extending their learning and challenge.

Pathway Planning for Success

Senior students are guided through personalised pathway planning, with regular review and feedback to support informed decision-making. With a broad range of subjects and pathways available, students are empowered to pursue their individual strengths while preparing for:

• University study

• Vocational education and training

• Apprenticeships and traineeships

• Employment beyond school

At Burdekin Catholic High School, our Years 11 and 12 program ensures students graduate with confidence, purpose and a clear direction for the future.