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Research reports & papers

QCAA reports and papers

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) was established on 1 July 2014, replacing the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA). QCAA reports and papers will be published on this page as they become available.

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

In 2019, a new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system was implemented for Year 11 students, including new senior secondary mathematics and science subjects based on the equivalent senior secondary Australian Curriculum subjects. Some initial feedback about student enrolments led QCAA to establish a working party and engage a research team in 2021 to investigate enrolment trends in Mathematics and Science subjects. This report presents their findings and more recent (2022) data where available.

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

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

International testing: Mathematics and science paper

The QCAA paper 'International testing: Mathematics and science' presents the main arguments and interpretations of international testing data (specifically PISA and TIMSS) within the Australian context. The paper and accompanying resources are provided to support school leaders and other interested stakeholders in strengthening their understandings of:

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

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

This report discusses the range of strategies used in Queensland and around Australia that provide flexibility for school communities in senior curriculum and assessment systems. Examples of each strategy are provided through case studies.

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 multiple strategies for reducing overcrowding in the Australian Curriculum and recommendations to support the implementation of the proposal.

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

Acquiring a broad set of skills during senior schooling is critical to students' success in further education and life. These skills have been widely researched and identified, and over time have been refined and updated to reflect the changing world.

This paper summarises national and international research surrounding 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.

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, providing key information and points of comparison on syllabuses, assessment and certification in the senior phase of learning. It examines the ways in which Australian, selected international educational jurisdictions (Hong Kong, Singapore, England and Ontario) and a prominent curriculum provider, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, shape syllabuses and stipulate certification requirements.

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 three 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.

Last updated:
16 March 2023

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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