About the new senior assessment and tertiary entrance systems
New senior assessment and tertiary entrance systems begin in Queensland with students entering Year 11 in 2019.
The new systems include:
- a model that uses school-based assessment and external assessment
- processes that strengthen the quality and comparability of school-based assessment
- introducing the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
QCAA leading the change
QCAA leads the change by delivering information, guidance, training and resources that provide school communities with a conceptual and operational understanding of the new senior curriculum and assessment processes. QCAA values of trust, partnership, service and innovation underpin the transition process.
What's new?
Information for school communities
QCAA provides a range of online resources that explain the transition to the new systems.
New and redeveloped syllabuses
New syllabuses will ensure school leavers have the 21st century skills they require to be lifelong learners, valued employees, innovators, entrepreneurs, and responsible global citizens.
School-based assessment
New processes and resources are being developed to strengthen the quality and comparability of school-based assessment.
External assessment
Common external assessment set and marked by the QCAA will increase public confidence in the comparability of student results.
New tertiary entrance rank
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) will replace the OP rank from 2020.
Training and professional learning for the new QCE
QCAA is offering a range of online and in-person opportunities for teachers and curriculum leaders to prepare for the new QCE system.
Trained assessors
QCAA will train assessors to lead the quality assurance of school-based assessment, and to contribute to the reliability and validity of external assessment in the new system.
Governance
QCAA provides responsible and accountable leadership of the change management process and is the key point of authority on the new systems.
Drivers of the change
The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) recommended changes to the current system.
The Queensland Government released its final position paper and related factsheets in October 2016.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the new systems.
Get involved
QCAA will provide training, professional learning, and consultation opportunities to support teachers to understand and operate in the new systems.
