Pathways to Success: QCE, ATAR, and the Power of Preparation

As Term 4 progresses, our Year 12 students have now entered their final week of personal study before the commencement of external examinations next week. This marks a pivotal moment in their senior schooling journey, and the atmosphere at Girls Grammar is one of focused preparation and quiet determination. Teachers, support staff, and families have all played a role in guiding students to this point, and now the responsibility shifts to the students themselves as they consolidate their learning and prepare to demonstrate their understanding.

While the external exams are often viewed as the culmination of Year 12, it’s important to remember that they are part of a broader framework designed to support student achievement. These exams contribute to two key outcomes: the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and, for many students, the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

The QCE is Queensland’s senior secondary schooling qualification, recognised both nationally and internationally. It provides formal evidence of a student’s learning achievements across a range of subjects and learning experiences. To be awarded a QCE, students must meet specific requirements in terms of the amount of learning completed, the standard achieved, the pattern of learning, and literacy and numeracy benchmarks. Most students receive their QCE at the end of Year 12 as part of their Senior Education Profile. However, for those who do not meet the requirements immediately, there are pathways to continue working toward the certificate through vocational education and training (VET), apprenticeships, or other recognised learning. Once eligibility is met, the QCE is issued in either July or December of the following year.

The ATAR is the national standard used for tertiary admissions and reflects a student’s academic achievement relative to their peers. It allows universities to compare students who have studied different subject combinations by providing a single ranking number. The ATAR is expressed on a scale from 99.95 down to 0.00 in increments of 0.05. Scores of 30.00 or below are reported as ‘30.00 or less’. This system ensures fairness and consistency across the country and is a key factor in university entry decisions.

At Girls Grammar, we are proud of the academic culture that supports students to achieve their personal best. The 2024 cohort set a high benchmark, with students attaining results that opened doors to their chosen pathways. This year’s seniors have continued that tradition, with a number of students entering the external exam period with confirmed internal results that reflect excellence. Their commitment, resilience, and hard work have been evident throughout the year.

As we approach the final stretch, I extend my best wishes to all Year 12 students. May their efforts be rewarded, and may they approach each exam with confidence and clarity. We look forward to celebrating their achievements in the weeks to come.

Dr John Fry

Deputy