How is the junior secondary curriculum structured in Queensland?

The Queensland junior secondary curriculum (Years 8-10) forms part of the continuum of learning within Years 1-10.

The continuum of learning for Years 1-10 is presented in levels of increasing complexity and sophistication, from Level 1 to Level 6. This framework helps students to develop to their potential, at a rate appropriate to them, by developing and demonstrating learning at one level before working towards the next level, rather than moving through expected learnings at a year specific rate.

Typically students in Year 10 work towards demonstrating their learning at Level 6.

What subjects and courses are available in the junior secondary curriculum in Queensland?

Learning in Queensland schools is based around the eight key learning areas (KLAs) of:

• English
• Health and Physical Education
• Languages other than English
• Mathematics
• Studies of Society and the Environment
• Science
• Technology
• The Arts.

School curriculum programs in Years 1 to 10 are based on the KLAs. The syllabuses and support materials for each KLA can be found on the Queensland Studies Authority website: http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/syllabus/574.

Government schools base their school curriculum plans on the KLA syllabuses. Catholic and Independent schools generally base their curriculum on the eight KLA syllabuses but there are also a variety of locally developed courses. Schools and school authorities should be contacted for specific details on school-based curriculum offerings.

Are there mandatory junior secondary curriculum requirements in Queensland?

Government schools are required to implement the KLA syllabuses through legislated and regulatory requirements. The mandatory requirements for Catholic and Independent schools are determined by schooling authority policies and the non-state schooling legislation. Curriculum is required to be comparable to KLA based curriculum offerings.