A wide range of subjects and courses can contribute credits to a QCE.
Most students will study six subjects/courses in Years 11 and 12. Many choose to include VET courses as part of their QCE pathway and some choose to extend their learning with university subjects or other recognised courses.
The flexibility of the QCE means that students can choose a pathway to suit their goals.
Within the set pattern requirement, there are three categories of learning — Core, Preparatory and Complementary. When the set standard is met, credit will accrue in a student's learning account.
QCAA General subjects — Core category of learning
General subjects prepare students for tertiary study, further education and training and work. They contribute up to four credits per subject to a QCE and also contribute to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Examples include English, General Mathematics, Ancient History, Biology and Music Extension.
QCAA Applied subjects — Core category of learning
Applied subjects focus on practical skills and prepare students for further education and training and work. They may contribute up to four credits per subject to a QCE, and one Applied subject may also contribute
to an ATAR when combined with four General subjects. Examples include Essential English, Essential Mathematics, Business Studies, Industrial Technology Skills and Tourism.
QCAA Short Courses — Preparatory or Complementary category of learning, depending on course
Short Courses are suited to students interested in pathways to vocational education and training or further education and employment. They may contribute one credit to a QCE, but do not contribute to an ATAR. Examples include Short Course in Literacy, Short Course in Numeracy and Short Course in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Languages.
Vocational education and training (VET) — Core, Preparatory or Complementary category of learning, depending on course
VET prepares students for work through practical learning and is an important part of senior schooling for many students. Approximately 60% of Queensland senior students achieve VET qualifications. In recent years the most popular courses have been in business, information & communication technology (ICT), hospitality, construction, fitness, and sport and recreation.
VET can also lead to further education and training and may contribute up to eight credits per course to a QCE. The amount of credit will vary, depending on the type of qualification. One VET qualification at Certificate III or above may also contribute to an ATAR.
Other courses — Core, Preparatory or Complementary category of learning, depending on course
Other courses allow students to study a particular area of interest, through recognised certificates and awards, or university subjects studied while at school. QCE credit and ATAR eligibility will vary, depending on the course. Non-Queensland studies such as the International Baccalaureate or courses completed interstate are also included in this category.