School - Programs

As of 2008 all young people are required to participate in senior schooling, meaningful training (such as TAFE, apprenticeships or traineeships) or meaningful employment until the end of the year they turn 17. If students choose to remain at Busselton Senior High School and continue into Years 11 and 12 they will be exposed to knowledge, skills and values that will assist them in pursuing employment or further training. Students are taught to become lifelong learners and to achieve their potential in their personal and working lives.

As of 2008 all young people are required to participate in senior schooling, meaningful training (such as TAFE, apprenticeships or traineeships) or meaningful employment until the end of the year they turn 17. If students choose to remain at Busselton Senior High School and continue into Years 11 and 12 they will be exposed to knowledge, skills and values that will assist them in pursuing employment or further training. Students are taught to become lifelong learners and to achieve their potential in their personal and working lives.

This booklet is designed to assist students and their families in their selection of an appropriate upper school study pathway, it will be given to all Year 10 students along with a subject selection sheet. When choosing a Senior School Study Pathway it is important to consider a student's abilities, future goals and interests. Subject and course selection can be discussed in detail at the subject selection interviews which are held early in term 3.  

When choosing subjects parents and students need to be mindful of the following points:

•    The cost of a subject.  Costs are included in the subject or course description.  
In order that courses can run effectively, parents are required to submit a 50% deposit towards 2008 school charges at the same time Selection Forms are processed.
•    A minimum number of students will need to select a subject in order for it to be viable to run.
•    The Year 12 timetable does not duplicate the previous Year 11 timetable since many students make subject changes or leave school. Students least inconvenienced tend to be those who select subjects with multiple classes running in Year 11.  See your advisor for more information.
•    There are prerequisites to participate in Tertiary Entrance subjects.  See page 17.  Appropriate course selection prior to the commencement of the school year is advantageous to the student.

(A)    WHY ENROL IN SENIOR SCHOOL?

Senior School students are encouraged to think about where they are heading with regard to their personal and career goals prior to choosing a study pathway. It is important that students understand why they are continuing school and what they want to get out of Senior Schooling.

Most students will be able to match their personal educational goals with the following aims and endeavours of Senior School:-

*    Broadening a person's education.

*    Increasing knowledge and skill in a variety of academic and practical areas.

*    Preparation to enter the world outside school.

*    Developing skills to enter the workforce.

*    Gaining qualifications to further education including TAFE and tertiary institutions.

*    Shortening the time required to complete a TAFE course.

It is quite acceptable for a student to extend his or her Senior School program beyond the usual two years, in order to meet his or her specific goals.

STUDY REQUIREMENTS

Students and parents need to be mindful that Year 11 and 12 courses require additional study after school hours.  Recommended homework and study hours for courses are:-

•    Target Pathway – sustained concentration and application during school time would require minimal supporting homework and study hours.

•    Tertiary Entrance Pathway – 3 hours per subject per week.

•    VET Pathway – sustained concentration and application during school time would require minimal supporting homework and study hours.

Students and parents should consider these requirements when planning part time work and sporting commitments.

(B)    THE NEW WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
    (WACE)
At the successful completion of their senior secondary studies all students enrolled will receive a Folio of achievement containing:

•    A Western Australian Certificate of Education
•    A Record of Achievement
•    A Record of Community Service
•    Acknowledgement of English Language  competency
•    A course of study report for each course studied, and/or
VET Units of Competency and/or qualifications if attained.

(C)    THE NEW WACE AND COURSES OF STUDY

The new Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) includes new courses of study and a new system for assessing and recognising achievement in Years 11 and 12 for university and TAFE selection.

The new courses of study:
•    Can be used for a TER and can count towards selection for university, TAFE and other providers
•    Provide students with more choice

In 2008 the new WACE will continue to be phased in for students. Busselton Senior High School Year 11 and 12 students can enrol in a number of Courses of Study in the English, Society and Environment, Physical Education, Arts, Business and Technology and Enterprise Learning Areas.


(D)    YEAR 12  2008 - WACE REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for a WACE in 2008 a student must:
a    Course Completion:    
•    Complete at least 10 full-year subjects (or equivalent)
•    2 units = 1 subject

b    Course Achievement:
•    C grade average over at least 8 full-year subjects (or equivalent)
•    Minimum of 4 at Year 12 level (E code or course units)

c    English Language Competence:
•    Complete 2 units of English in Year 12
•    Meet English language competence standard (work samples), or
•    Pass the English Language Competency Test.


(E)     YEAR 11  2008 - WACE REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for a WACE in 2009 a student must:
a    Course Completion:    
•    Complete at least 10 full-year subjects (or equivalent)
•    2 units = 1 subject
•    For every 6 units studied, one 2 – unit combination must be included

b    Course Achievement:
•    C grade average over at least 8 full-year subjects (or equivalent)
•    Minimum of 4 at Year 12 level (E code or course units)

c    English Language Competence:
•    Complete 4 units of an English Course, and
•    2 of these units must be in Year 12 and
•    Meet English language competence standard (work samples), or
•    Pass the English Language Competency Test.

d    Overarching Learning Outcomes
•    Include all 13 overarching learning outcomes in an overall program of study

e      Community Service
•    Complete 20 hours

f    Examinations
•    Compulsory for students enrolled in Stage 2 or 3  (unless exempted)
•    Separate Exams for Stage 2 and 3
•    Tertiary Entrance Subjects: optional exam


(F)    HOW TO GET INTO UNIVERSITY

The requirements listed below are a guide based on information contained in the University Admission booklet produced by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC).  All decisions regarding requirements should be based on information contained in the TISC booklet.  The booklet is coloured purple and orange and titled University Admission 2009 for Year 12 students in 2008 and University Admission 2010 for Year 11 students in 2008.


To be considered for university admission, a school leaver normally must

1.    Achieve competence in English as prescribed by the individual universities;

2.    Obtain a sufficiently high Tertiary Entrance Rank for entry to a particular university and/or course;

The Tertiary Entrance Examination results and the School Assessment will be used to calculate the Tertiary Entrance Score (TES).

3.    Satisfy any prerequisites or special requirements for entry to particular courses, and

4.    For entrance to the University of Western Australia only – meet the Secondary Graduation requirements by the Curriculum Council. Secondary Graduation is not required for entry to Curtin University of Technology, Edith Cowan University or Murdoch University.

For more specific information with regard to the above refer to the University Admission booklet.  Further information regarding university entrance procedures will be distributed as it becomes available.

(G)     HOW TO GET INTO TAFE

Parents and students may be interested to know that new TAFEWA entry requirements and selection criteria for full-time TAFE will be introduced from second semester 2007. The changes will integrate the assessment procedures used in the new WACE. The new entry requirements and selection criteria will be included in the 2007 and 2008 TAFEWA Full-time Studies Guide.

Some features of the new entry system are:
•    It is based on a National Reporting System
•    Selection is mapped to an “evidence guide” e.g. School Reports and Portfolios
•    All applications must meet entry requirements
•    Courses will be split into competitive and non competitive for entry purposes
•    About 30% of courses are competitive and will need to meet selection criteria

A student must

1.    Meet the minimum entrance requirements of the course.  These requirements depend on the level of the TAFE course.

2.    When there are more students eligible for courses than there are places available, students are selected on the basis of points allocated to Selection Criteria.  Selection Criteria includes academic achievement (higher grades, preferred subjects), work experience (paid and unpaid), a folio of work where relevant and in some cases, an interview and a medical test.

Further information on TAFE requirements is available from the Senior School Coordinator (TEE/Target), VET Coordinator, Careers and Vocational Education teachers, literature in the library, booklets distributed to students and of course, TAFE direct.  You can also check the website www.vetinfonet.det.wa.edu.au for more information.

(H)    CLASSIFICATION OF STUDY PATHWAYS AVAILABLE AT BSHS    

The Curriculum Council has the responsibility to approve all subjects for study in Senior School.  It is convenient to classify these approved subjects / courses into three groups (pathways):

1.    Vocational Education and Training Pathway:
Comprise of Wholly School Assessed Subjects and Units of Competency.  (Refer to Section 2).

2.    Target Pathway:
Consisting of subjects / courses that satisfy WACE and TAFE entry requirements. (Refer to Section 3)

3.    Tertiary Entrance Pathway:
These subjects / courses can be used to gain a Tertiary Entrance Rank for entry to a university. (Refer to Section 4).

(I)    FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The school attempts to meet the needs of all students. Year 11 students who have difficulty settling into the school setting may be able to enter a flexible learning opportunity which suits their individual situation. Limited opportunities are available.

Flexible study pathways may include features such as:
•    A special selection of subjects
•    A combination of school-based, work-based and home-based study

To apply, a student must have medical or personal reasons not to participate in general school programs. If you are interested you should still select a course from this handbook and submit your selection sheet. Applications to participate in a flexible course of study are made to the Associate Principal, Senior School during November.

(J)    ALTERNATIVES TO SCHOOL

Alternatively, a student wishing to leave school to attend TAFE or gain employment should contact the relevant Senior School Coordinator to make arrangements. Gaining exemption from school requires legal paperwork which can be done through the school.

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