Senior School
The TAS Academic Program addresses the needs of students whose lives will be touched by the 22nd 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.
The Middle Phase - Year 7 to Year 9
Students enter an exhilarating new phase of their learning journey which is a two-year study pathway during Year 7 and Year 8. This journey offers:
- A vigorous and engaging course of core study combined with diverse complementary courses to refine students’ interests and talents.
- All students within a core class to follow the same program of study.
- 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.
- A Pastoral Care course that supports the transition phase for Year 7 students, addresses student well-being, social capability, Christian and spiritual development and values.
Academic Course – Year 7 and Year 8
- A full year of study in the core course: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (including History and Geography, Business and Civics & Citizenship), Health & Physical Education, and Pastoral Care
- Semester study of complementary subjects:
- The Arts – Music, Drama, Visual Art
- Technologies – Design Technology, Food Technology, Digital Technology
- Languages: French and Japanese – a progression from a semester of study for each language in Year 7 to a full year of study of either French or Japanese in Year 8.
Academic Course – 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.
The course 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, Practical Arts, Business, and Information Technology.
- Extension opportunities are offered in Literature and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Senior Preparation - Year 10
Recognising the needs of young adults, this vital educational year is designated as Senior Preparation as in this year, Year 10 students will commence planning their intended senior phase of learning education and/or training options.
Academic Course – Year 10
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 III, seeking employment, or pursuing further education by gaining tertiary entrance.
The course consists of two major components:
Core Curriculum
- A full year of study in the core course: 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, Practical Arts, Business, and Information Technology.
- Extension opportunities are offered in Literature and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- The curriculum for these electives is structured to prepare students for possible entry into related subjects in the Senior Phase of Learning.
Senior Phase Of Learning - Year 11 and Year 12
The Senior Phase of Learning prepares students for accreditation and subsequent career pathways – students may qualify for The Senior Statement, Queensland Certificate of Education and the Student Education Profile.
Academic Course – Year 11 and Year 12
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 prepares students to achieve their personal best results at accreditation and post-graduation. During the Senior Phase of Learning, students are well supported as they journey to become the outstanding graduates which characterise TAS.
The Senior Course at TAS is a strong academic program consisting of Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) subjects which prepare students for tertiary entry. The flexibility of the course also allows opportunities for students to undertake a diverse range of academic pathways linked to Vocational Education and Training (VET), school based traineeships and external studies. Where possible, such pathways are structured to facilitate the particular needs of each student.
The Year 11 and Year 12 Course
Each student selects a course for the two years of senior study. All subjects offered are defined by the requisite QCAA Syllabus.
- All students study English.
- All students study either Mathematics B or Mathematics A.
- All students select four elective subjects, chosen from the disciplines of: Humanities, Business, Mathematics, Science, Performing Arts, Technology, Practical Arts and Languages.
- All students participate in Christian Values Education, QCS Training and senior study lessons.
Senior Phase of Learning – Elective Subjects
Business
Accounting
Business Management
Legal Studies
Humanities
Geography
Modern History
Ancient History
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Practical Arts
Physical Education
Technical Studies
Graphics
Hospitality Studies
Mathematics
Mathematics C
Arts
Visual Art
Music, Music Extension
Drama
Languages
Japanese
French
English
English Extension
