Students in the Greater Brisbane area can complete Year 11 and 12 in an adult-learning environment with our Senior College program. Offered exclusively at our Alexandra Hills campus, this program is perfect for 15 to 17-year-olds who are looking for a practical and independent alternative to the traditional high school system. Our Senior College program allows you to complete your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or gain an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Completing your senior studies can open up doors to your future, including further study opportunities. With an ATAR you can choose to continue your studies at TAFE or university. Or with your QCE you can put your new knowledge and skills into practice and get straight into the workforce. Whether you're currently in high school or have left school already, we've got your pathway to work or further study sorted.
A SUPPORTIVE PROGRAM
TAFE Queensland offers a holistic range of student
support services, including:
MENTOR PROGRAM
All senior college students are enrolled in our Mentor Program which is designed to prepare you for the challenges of study, regardless of your initial academic ability.
The program is comprised of both scheduled class time, involving a variety of activities, discussions and guest speakers. As well as informal time, where students can raise issues important to them. Our Mentor Program supports students throughout their time with us, enabling you to set and achieve clear, realistic goals for your future.
CAREER HUB
Year 12 students will also join the Career Hub in semester two of their Mentor Program. This prepares students for the completion of Year 12, equipping you with key skills required to be job-ready. You will get to focus on your career pathways and hear from an exciting schedule of industry guest speakers to discuss various career choices.
STUDENT SUPPORT
TAFE Queensland has AccessAbility Support Officers who:
Daniel found it hard to manage his studies and sporting commitments at school. But after switching to TAFE Queensland Senior College his marks have greatly improved.
Our Senior College program allows you to earn a QCE or ATAR outcome at the end of Year 12 by studying Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) registered subjects. Depending on your goals, these qualifications can help you transition to tertiary study or secure a job.
The ATAR pathway:
Leads to:
The employment pathway:
Leads to:
English is a two-year course that is highly recommended if you want to gain an ATAR score. For entry into most university courses, you must have completed four semesters of Senior English. Assessment is predominantly written with some compulsory spoken tasks. You will have opportunities to engage with diverse texts for a variety of audiences and purposes.
Essential English focuses on content and skills that will prepare you for employment. In this course, you will be expected to read, view and discuss a wide range of texts and media, including; novels, films, documentaries and songs.
General Mathematics is a QCAA subject that can contribute to an ATAR for university entrance. General Mathematics will equip you with the skills to manage the mathematics you will encounter in everyday life, as well as those that you will experience in non-science university courses.
Essential Mathematics provides a broad foundation of practical mathematics if you are planning a vocational outcome. The course is organised under various themes with a focus on numeracy and basic mathematical skills that are encountered in day-to-day living with practical applications relating to vocational areas.
By studying Biology you will gain an understanding of the complex and diverse world of organisms and the natural systems that affect them. You will get the chance to undertake experiments that investigate problems pertaining to the living world including plant and animal physiology, genetics and ecology.
animal and plant physiology
genetics and diversity
ecological studies
contemporary global issues in science
This course is based on a thematic, life-related approach to the study of science. It draws from the disciplines of biology, chemistry, earth sciences and physics. Science in Practice uses a contextualised approach, where units deliver the core through electives to enhance your scientific understanding of the physical world.
Social and Community Studies aims to foster an appreciation of, and respect for, cultural diversity and encourages responsible attitudes and behaviours essential for the effective participation in the community. This course fosters critical, creative and constructive thinking, and predominantly focuses on personal development and social skills, with emphasis placed on developing communication, personal, interpersonal and citizenship skills, problem-solving and decision making, resilience, self-esteem and self-confidence. Essential workplace, learning, and study skills are also incorporated.
This course provides opportunities for you to develop business knowledge and skills to contribute to society, the workforce and the marketplace. You will investigate the business life cycle, develop skills in examining data and learn business concepts, theories, processes and strategies relevant to leadership, management and entrepreneurship. You will engage with the dynamic business world, the changing workforce and emerging digital technologies.
Business learning involves a range of experiences that provide knowledge, processes and skills that can be applied to business in the real-world. You will gain an understanding of business environments and have the opportunity to engage in practical business projects.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a practical course designed to train you to apply knowledge of ICT to produce solutions to simulated problems. Through practice in problem solving in a variety of contexts — both individually and collaboratively — it creates adaptable, competent, and self-motivated users and consumer of ICT who can work with clients and colleagues to identify issues and solve problems.
Visual Arts in Practice encompasses art forms that communicate and express meaning through visual perception. This program gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding of visual arts practices, visual mediums, art-making technologies and techniques to communicate meaning through visual forms.
This subject gives you hands-on experience in various styles of acting and aims to give you real-life practice in various plays, monologues, auditions, performances and different events throughout the year. This program is not just for ambitious actors; it is for anyone who wants to be involved in all areas of performing arts, film, entertainment and music.
In this subject you will develop skills in all areas of music including performance, management, technology and creation. This is a hands-on practical subject where you have the opportunity to regularly rehearse, set-up, perform, and market.
The focus of Health Education is the understanding of health in the context of society, and the mechanisms necessary to develop and promote health for individuals, groups, communities and nations. Health Education offers you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes, values and skills needed to help you to participate effectively in the promotion of equitable health outcomes.
Aquatic Practices is a practical course designed to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes associated with the safe and responsible use of the marine environment. When you complete this course you will be equipped to participate more safely in a variety of marine pastimes.
This course develops your practical application of knowledge and skills using Moreton Bay and its facilities as the focus of learning and practice.
Successful completion of the specific units make you eligible for a Recreational Shipmasters Licence (Boat).
Our vocational courses are available in many different career fields such as engineering, health care, computer technology, tourism, office management and skilled trades. These courses are offered as part of our TAFE at School program.
The vocational courses we offer:
“We’re all really different people but we get along really well. It’s more of an adult environment, we get to express our personalities. Everyone shows their real colours and it’s really nice.”
“I was being home schooled but I wanted an OP to get into uni and I thought TAFE Queensland was the best way. Because it’s three days a week it leaves room for work and other hobbies. Classes are quite small, really relaxed and the subjects are varied.”
“I felt like I wasn’t learning anything at school, it wasn’t working for me. The way I learn is by using practical skills. I want to be shown how to do it and then I do it myself. The teachers have a lot of experience and they’re always trying to teach in a way that suits everybody in the classroom.”