Senior School News | July 2026

Last week we held our SET plan and Subject Information evening for our Year 9 students and families and it made me realise again the importance of being informed of what is happening in your child's schooling. In the paragraphs below I hope to share with some of the important points that were raised that potentially haven’t been discussed at home in some time.

One of the most important messages we continue to share with families is that there is no single pathway to success. Whether students are aiming for university, a TAFE qualification, an apprenticeship, traineeship or direct employment, careful planning and consistent effort open doors. Senior schooling is about building a pathway that aligns with each student's strengths, interests and future aspirations.

For students working towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), it is important to remember that credits are earned through a satisfactory (C standard) completion of General, Essential and Applied subjects, vocational education and training (VET), apprenticeships, traineeships and some recognised external achievements. Students can log in to their MyQCE learning account and see the status of their QCE credits.

For those considering university, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is the common pathway. An ATAR ranks a student's achievement relative to others and is used for tertiary admissions, with a student's best five eligible subjects contributing to their rank. Importantly, many universities also offer alternative entry options through certificates, diplomas and tertiary preparation programs.

A common discussion and decision in the senior years is that of subject changes. While it is possible to change subjects it always has to be considered in light of the student’s SET plan and their post school plan. Different university courses have specific prerequisite subjects, and these requirements can vary between institutions. While students may adjust their plans early in their senior journey, opportunities to change subjects become increasingly limited once senior studies progress. Taking the time now to research future courses and discuss career goals can prevent unnecessary barriers later.

Finally, success in senior schooling is rarely about one assessment or one exam. It is built through consistent attendance, effective organisation, a willingness to ask for help, and a commitment to doing your best each day. As a school, we are committed to partnering with families to help every student discover and pursue the pathway that is right for them. We encourage students to dream boldly, work diligently and remember that their potential is often much greater than they realise. If you have any questions about your student’s current pathway, please get in touch with me at cameronjohnson@acc.edu.au or our Careers and Pathways Facilitator at katrinamartin@acc.edu.au. 

Cameron Johnson

Senior School Coordinator

Year 10

With Term 3 officially underway, our Year 10 students have jumped straight into a busy term. Many are rehearsing and planning for the upcoming Arts Spectacular, Senior Sport has resumed from Week 1, and some Science and Mathematics subjects have already begun Unit 1 and 2 coursework.

With so much happening, it's easy to forget that we've reached the halfway point of the year and are heading towards the end of our students' first year of senior schooling. Over the next couple of months, all students will have commenced their Unit 1 and 2 coursework, marking the beginning of their Year 11 studies and the next stage of their senior journey. Time is certainly flying!

Looking ahead, there will be an exciting change of pace in the first week of Term 4, when Year 10 students will attend a three-night camp at Camp Warrawee, Joyner. More information will be shared with families soon.

Nathan Sheumack

Year 10 Coordinator

Year 11

Our Year 11s led the school’s first ever World’s Greatest Shave at the end of Term 2. They did a wonderful job spreading awareness about the effects of cancer and treatment and raised an incredible $7,719 for the Leukemia Foundation! Here are a few reflections from students:

When I heard about my friend’s diagnosisI knew I wanted to do something to support him. One of the first ideas I had was to shave my head, and when the school offered the World's Greatest Shave, I jumped at the opportunity. I realised that losing your hair is a visible reminder of what is happening inside your body. It is something everyone can see, and even if other people don't care, it can still be all you think about. This experience has helped me better understand what people going through treatment may be feeling, especially how self-conscious they might become because of the physical changes they cannot hide.

• Joshua Politanski, shaved hair

I signed up for the World’s Greatest Shave to show my support to my brother as well as raise money for other people who are impacted by blood cancer. I chose to cut my hair really short so I could show support but also to build understanding of how people feel if they lose their hair. The World’s Greatest Shave definitely helped both me and others get closer to one another, and all unite us in our mission to raise awareness. A moment that stood out to me the most was the amount of encouragement that I received from both people I knew and didn’t know. It was amazing to see people rallying together for one cause. 

• Holly Ralph, cut and donated hair

I took part in the Greatest Shave to support my friend and my Grandma, raising funds to assist those living with blood cancer. My hair is something I take much pride in, keeping it clean, keeping it long, and after the shave it was gone, and I don’t regret it. I miss my long hair but knowing that it's going to someone who also misses their hair makes me proud to be a part of the “bob” community. It impacted me because it felt like I was being a servant of God, and giving to those who need it. For me, I know my hair will grow back, but that isn't the case for everyone, so taking a public stance and saying “this is what I’m supporting and this is why” felt so powerful.

• Nikaylah Gavin, cut and donated hair

Danny Scarbrough

Year 11 Coordinator