Senior School
The TAS Academic Program addresses the needs of students who will continue to live their lives in the 21st Century. The interconnectedness of the global networks require a special skillset.
TAS nurtures and grows the capabilities that students need to give them an edge in what will be a dynamic and challenging future environment. This approach fosters an innovative spirit and entrepreneurial capacity which prepares students for the future world and employment landscape.
Passionate, committed and caring teachers create paths for students as global citizens in the future. Such paths are not found, they are made.
The Academic Program emphasises the capabilities for global citizens:
- Ways of Thinking– critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, curiosity, imagination, how to learn
- Ways of Working– communication and collaboration, adaptability, leadership, initiative, entrepreneurship
- Tools for Working– analysing information, digital literacies, programs and coding
- Living in the World– personal well-being and social capability, intercultural and ethical understanding
Of these, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication are particularly acknowledged.
The flexibility and innovation of the curriculum enables these capabilities to be the focus of the TAS Academic Program against the framework of subject disciplines. This presents a most exciting opportunity for students at TAS.
The information below is a summary of the more significant areas of the TAS Academic Program. If you would like to obtain more detail regarding the subjects offered, please contact the school and we would be happy to arrange a meeting to discuss your questions with you.
Academic Results
|
|
#OP |
#students |
% |
#OP1 |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
|
|
State average |
|
|
|
|
11.6 |
21.8 |
33.8 |
54 |
82.7 |
|
|
TAS 2016 |
63 |
64 |
98.4% |
1 |
15.9 |
27 |
36.5 |
57 |
92 |
|
|
TAS 2017 |
63 |
65 |
97% |
6 |
22.2 |
33.3 |
47.6 |
54 |
81 |
|
|
TAS 2018 |
63 |
65 |
97% |
5 |
22.2 |
28.6 |
49.2 |
61.9 |
85.7 |
|
NAPLAN Student Gain Analysis | 2016 – 2018 data
One way of measuring the quality of teaching and learning at a school is to compare student gain in NAPLAN.
Data from the Myschool website was analysed to measure student gain between 2016 and 2018 (the most recent available data) in selected Cairns schools. Growth between 2016 and 2018 was analysed between Year 3 to 5 and Year 7 to 9. The Year 5 to 7 data was not analysed due to the large number of students who change schools at the beginning of Year 7, which makes the data non-indicative.
2 measurements were created. The starting mean score across the 3 main strands in Year 3, 2016 gives a starting score. Then the student gain over 2 years was measured as a comparison to the national mean gain across Australia to give a gain score. Student gain is a useful tool as per the ACARA website: “Student gain is a way to measure the impact the school has had on student progress. That is, … it is more likely that any differences in gain made by schools are related to the teaching and learning capabilities of the school”. We use the gain measured between students at the same starting score across Australia which minimizes the impact of socioeconomic background as a variable. This then leads to a total score. It should be noted that the higher the starting score the more difficult it is to create student gain. In addition, it is not possible to analyse the reasons for Year 3 NAPLAN outcomes (high achieving enrolments or effective teaching and learning)
NB: the 3 main strands analysed are Reading, Writing and Numeracy (as per the My School website data availability)
Summary of student gain scores for Cairns area schools
Academic Program - Year 7 and Year 8
Students enter an exhilarating new phase of their learning journey which is a two-year study pathway during Year 7 and Year 8. This program offers a vigorous and engaging course of study in core areas combined with diverse complementary courses to refine students’ interests and talents.
These areas include:
- A full year of study in the core areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (including History and Geography, Business and Civics & Citizenship) and Health & Physical Education
- A change in complementary subjects at the end of the first semester which facilitates the process of experiencing a new course of study within the school year. Complementary subjects include:
- The Arts – Music, Drama, Visual Art
- Technologies – Design Technology, Food Technology, Digital Technology
- Languages – French and Japanese – a semester of study for each language in Years 7 & Year 8.
- A Pastoral Care course that supports the transition phase for Year 7 and 8 students, addresses student well-being, social capability, Christian and spiritual development and values.
Academic Program – Year 9
The Curriculum offered in Year 9 provides a strong foundation to enable students to explore their interests as they participate in the decision-making process concerning their selection of four elective subjects.
This consists of two major components:
Core Curriculum
- A full year of study in the core course: English, Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education, Pastoral Care
- Semester study of core Humanities: History and Geography, which incorporates Civics and Citizenship
- The Pastoral Care course: Supports students and addresses student well-being, social capability, Christian and spiritual development and values
Elective Curriculum
- Students make a selection of four elective subjects, each for a semester of study, from a range of subjects drawn from the Arts, Languages, Technologies and Business
- Extension opportunities in Literature and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Academic Program – Year 10
Recognising the needs of young adults, this vital educational year is designated as Senior Preparation when Year 10 students will commence planning their intended senior phase of learning and/or training options.
Students are asked to make important decisions about study for Year 11 and Year 12, achieving a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), aiming for a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate, seeking employment, or pursuing further education by gaining tertiary entrance.
This consists of two major components:
Core Curriculum
- A full year of study: English, Senior Mathematics Preparation, Senior Science Preparation, Health and Physical Education, Pathways Education.
- Semester study of core Humanities: History and Geography, which incorporates Civics and Citizenship
- Pathways Education Course: Supports students as they consider their future aspirations and career path. Work experience is an integral part of this course.
Elective Curriculum
- Students make a selection of four elective subjects, each for a semester of study, from a range of subjects drawn from the Arts, Languages, Technologies and Business.
- Extension opportunities are offered in Literature and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- The curriculum for these electives are structured to prepare students for possible entry into related subjects in the Senior Phase of Learning.
Academic Program – Year 11 and Year 12
The Senior Phase of Learning prepares students for accreditation and subsequent career pathways – students will receive a Senior Statement and may qualify for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and the Student Education Profile.
Year 11 and Year 12 are very important years, as the achievements of these two years contribute a great deal to the range of choices available to students at the completion of Year 12. The course chosen should prepare students to achieve their personal best results post-graduation. During the Senior Phase of Learning, students are well supported as they journey to become the outstanding graduates which characterise TAS.
In Year 11, the program consists of Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) subjects which prepare students for tertiary entry. There are also opportunities for students to undertake Vocational Education and Training (VET), school based traineeships and external studies in subjects not offered at TAS. Where possible, programs are structured to facilitate the particular needs of each student.
The Year 11 and Year 12 Program
Each student selects a course for the two years of senior study. All subjects offered are defined by the requisite QCAA Syllabi.
- All students study an English course (in Year 11 this may be English, English as an Additional Language and/or Literature)
- All students study either Mathematical Methods or General Mathematics in Year 11 or Mathematics B or Mathematics A in Year 12
- All students select four elective subjects, chosen from the disciplines of: Humanities, Business, Mathematics, Science, The Arts, Technologies/Practical Arts and Languages
- All students participate in Christian and Values Education, QCS Training (Year 12 only) and senior study lessons
Senior Phase of Learning – Elective Subjects
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Year 11 |
Year 12 |
|
Business Humanities Science Technologies Mathematics The Arts Languages English |
Business Humanities Science Practical Arts Mathematics The Arts Languages English
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