Learning and Teaching - Secondary

Secondary education provides a platform for the future by combining academic and vocational studies with the development of skills and attitudes essential for life beyond school.

Our experienced and dedicated staff nurture and challenge students to perform to the best of their ability. Students are supported and encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop a self-regulated approach to study. Our excellent facilities and disciplined environment enable students to reach their full potential.

Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 10)

In junior secondary, students experience a diverse range of subjects, allowing them to discover new talents and build on their strengths. Aligned with Australian and Queensland curriculum standards, the subjects on offer in junior secondary include:

• RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
• ENGLISH
• MATHEMATICS
• SCIENCE
• HUMANITIES (History, Geography, Economics, Business)
• HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• LANGUAGES (Japanese)
• THE ARTS (Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts)
• TECHNOLOGIES (Industrial Technology, Design, Digital Technologies, Food Technology, Textiles Technology)

A distinctive part of our Year 9 & 10 curriculum is the school-based subject Futures.  

Senior Secondary (Years 11 & 12)

In senior secondary at Southern Cross Catholic College, students choose subjects in one of three pathways. Successful completion of a program of study in any of the three pathways leads students to qualify for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

• Pathway 1 (ATAR Pathway) equips students with six subjects to qualify for an ATAR and apply to university directly from school. Successful completion of a program of study in this pathway also leads to attainment of the QCE.
  
  
• Pathway 2 (Portfolio Pathway) enables students to qualify for the QCE by completing a broad-based portfolio of applied, vocational and general subjects.  After school, students may enter the workforce directly, undertake further vocational study, or apply to some universities through alternative entry pathways (providing university prerequisite subjects are met).
  
  
• Pathway 3 (Vocational Pathway) enables students to qualify for the QCE through completing study which equips them for direct entry to the workforce, a traineeship or apprenticeship, or further vocational education and training. Students may also undertake school-based apprenticeships or traineeships as part of this pathway.  

Subjects on offer in senior secondary at Southern Cross Catholic College include the following:

GENERAL SUBJECTS:

• Accounting
• Biology 
• Business
• Chemistry
• Design
• Digital Solutions
• Drama
• English
• English & Literature Extension
• General Mathematics
• Geography
• Health
• Japanese
• Legal Studies
• Mathematical Methods
• Modern History
• Music
• Music Extension - Composition
• Music Extension - Performance
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Specialist Mathematics
• Visual Art

VET & APPLIED SUBJECTS:

• Certificate I in Construction
• Certificate II in Hospitality
• Certificate III in Business
• Certificate III in Fitness + Certificate II in Sport and Recreation
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
• Certificate III in School Based Education Support Services
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Essential English
• Essential Mathematics
• Furnishing Skills
• Information & Communication Technology
• Industrial Technology Skills
• Media Arts in Practice
• Religion & Ethics
• Visual Arts in Practice

Students with inclusive learning needs who are working on individualised learning programs may work towards the Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) in lieu of the QCE.  The QCIA is an official record that students have completed at least 12 years of education. It provides students with a summary of their skills and knowledge that they can present to employers and training providers.  A decision to undertake a QCIA program of study in lieu of the QCE is made following close consultation between the student, parents, and the college’s Program Leader - Inclusive Education.

Curriculum Handbooks

The College's curriculum handbooks are available for download for current and prospective parents, staff, and students.

New editions of the curriculum handbooks are published each year.