QCAA reports and papers

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) was established on 1 July 2014, replacing the Queensland Studies Authority.

This page lists QCAA reports and papers. New reports and papers will be published as they become available.

Mathematics and Science enrolments: A research review and analysis of recent Queensland data

In 2019, Queensland introduced a new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system for Year 11 students. This included new senior secondary mathematics and science subjects based on the equivalent senior secondary Australian Curriculum subjects.

In 2021, QCAA established a working party and research team to investigate enrolment trends in Mathematics and Science subjects.

This report presents their findings and includes 2022 data where available.

• Mathematics and Science enrolments: A research review and analysis of recent Queensland data (PDF, 1.9 MB)

Developing, maintaining and revising senior syllabuses: Criteria for decision making

This document explains the criteria used for making decisions about the development, maintenance and revision of senior syllabuses for Years 11–12.

• Developing, maintaining and revising senior syllabuses: Criteria for decision making (PDF, 178.6 KB)

International testing: Mathematics and science paper

This presents the main arguments and interpretations of international testing data. It focuses on Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) within the Australian context.

The paper and resources support school leaders and stakeholders to understand:

• international assessment
• Queensland and Australian students' performance
• actions that may positively impact student learning in Queensland schools.

• International testing: Mathematics and science paper (PDF, 536.7 KB)
• Student achievement in mathematics and science (PDF, 2.8 MB)
• Activity 1: Data for discussion (PDF, 342.8 KB)
• Activity 2: Within-school variations (PDF, 482.3 KB)
• Activity 3: Australian jurisdictional data (PDF, 291.0 KB)
• Activity 4: Discussion (PDF, 244.8 KB)

Flexibility in senior secondary schooling: Flexible Curriculum Delivery Working Group findings

This report discusses strategies used in Queensland and around Australia that provide flexibility in senior curriculum and assessment systems. Case studies provide examples of each strategy.

• Flexibility in senior secondary schooling: Flexible Curriculum Delivery Working Group findings (PDF, 308.9 KB)

Core P–10 Australian Curriculum — A report to the Minister for Education from the Board of the QCAA

This report was informed by research and extensive consultation with education stakeholders. It proposes strategies for reducing overcrowding in the Australian Curriculum. It also includes recommendations to support implementation.

• Core P–10 Australian Curriculum — A report to the Minister of Education (PDF, 172.6 KB)

21st century skills for senior education: An analysis of educational trends

Students need a broad set of skills during senior schooling to succeed in further education and life. This paper summarises national and international research on 21st century skills.

It classifies and groups the skills that will assist students to live and work successfully in the 21st century, identifying commonalities across educational jurisdictions. The paper also proposes that these skills form part of the underpinning framework for the development of future Queensland senior syllabuses.

• 21st century skills for senior education (PDF, 252.9 KB)

Syllabuses, assessment and certification in the senior phase of learning:
A comparison between Queensland and Australian and selected international jurisdictions and curriculums

This paper provides a snapshot of the senior secondary landscape. It compares syllabuses, assessment and certification in the senior phase of learning across:

• Australian jurisdictions
• selected international educational jurisdictions (Hong Kong, Singapore, England and Ontario)
• the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

• Syllabuses, assessment and certification in the senior phase of learning (PDF, 502.0 KB)

Senior Assessment: Comparison of requirements of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

Across Australia, each state and territory education authority determines the assessment requirements for certification of senior secondary school students. This comparison outlines the assessment requirements of 3 states: Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Students in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory are required to complete state-wide external examinations at the completion of the course.

• Senior Assessment: Comparison of requirements of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PDF, 65.4 KB)