Year 7 to 12 Learning

At a time of major individual physical and intellectual development, the Secondary Campus places a strong emphasis on Christian values as well as recognising the diverse pursuits of academic excellence, creative expression and physical achievement.

2012 is promising to be an exciting year on the learning front.  Not only are we be introducing the Australian Curriculum, but every student from Year 7 to 11 will have an individual laptop for their learning benefit. 

BAC has strong curriculum pathways leading students from Year 7 through to Year 12, preparing them for life beyond school and service to their community.  Students are guided through three basic stages in their Secondary years:

Year 7 and 8

Year 7 provides students with a smooth transition into secondary, expanding their exposure to specialist subjects and teachers.  This is further expanded on in Year 8 as students participate in a wide range of subjects giving them a ‘taste’ and solid foundation in a variety of fields.  Subjects experienced include all of those offered in Year 9 and 10.

Year 9 and 10

Year 9 and 10 students are further challenged in the core subject areas, but are also able to select from a range of elective subjects.  Our Junior programme includes the study of the following curriculum areas.

Core subjects:

• Biblical Studies (Encounter)
• English (transitioning to Australian Curriculum in 2012)
• Mathematics (transitioning to Australian Curriculum in 2012)
• Science (transitioning to Australian Curriculum in 2012)
• Studies of Society and the Environment (SOSE)

Elective lines in Year 9 and 10:

• Graphics, Drama, Information and Communications Technology
• Home Economics, Music, Health and Physical Education
• Visual Arts, Business Education, Industrial Technology and Design

Year 11 and 12

Year 11 and 12 students enjoy the greatest flexibility in subject selections leading to exciting career pathways.  For students certain that university is part of their career plan, up to seven (but not less than five) Authority (OP) subjects can be chosen.  For those not planning on university, BAC has partnerships with a number of organisations, including TAFE, where students can reduce their academic load at BAC and attend the TAFE or traineeship for one or more days per week.  These programs include certificate courses through to diplomas.  All course offered at BAC contribute towards a student attaining a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).  See further below for more information on this.

Our Senior programme includes the study of the following curriculum areas (in elective lines):

• Study of Religion, Religion and Ethics
• English, English Communication
• Mathematics A, Mathematics B, Prevocational Maths
• Accounting, Biology, Graphics, Information Technology Systems (ITS online)
• Legal Studies, Chemistry, Technology Studies, Visual Art, ITS (online)
• Ancient History, Mathematics C, Health and Physical Education, Music, ITS (online)
• Economics, Physics, Home Economics,  Drama, ITS (online)

Italicised subjects are Authority registered subjects that contribute to a QCE but not an OP.

Distinctive offerings in Secondary at BAC
As part of our regular programme, our students participate in the following:

• STARS Peer Mentoring (Year 8 and Year 11)
• Week of Worship
• ‘Lifeskills’ lessons
• QCS preparation (Year 11 and 12)
• Subject specific excursions
• Weekly Chapel programs

BAC students are encouraged at all times to use their talents and enjoy learning new things. Students are given the opportunity to participate in a range of other challenging and rewarding activities aimed at growing them more as a person:

• Academic Competitions
• Chess competitions
• NAPLAN and QCAT assessments (Year 7 and 9)
• Musical Productions (alternate years)
• District Sport and Training
• Ensemble
• Choir
• Private Music Lessons
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• StormCo – local (QLD) service trip
• Sonship – overseas service trip
• Sydney trip (Year 12)
• Study Skills Seminars
• Acro team

Alternative Vocational Pathway options while at school (during Year 11 and 12)

BAC works collaboratively with other educational providers that allows students to be enrolled in both institutions.  Students may be at the alternate provider one or two days per week.  Oportunities exist for students with the following providers:

• Traineeships – e.g. retail (Big W, Woolworths, Coles, Kmart)
• Skills Tech Australia – trade based. Cert I – one year, Cert III two years. 
  e.g. construction, electro technology, plumbing, cabinet making.  May involve trade placements so make contacts.
• Metropolitan South Institute of Technology – Mt Gravatt, Logan, Alex Hills  e.g. Cert III media, children’s services, hospitality, hairdressing
• South Bank Institute of Technology – STEP – diploma level courses – direct links to university at end of diploma.  e.g. Diploma fitness, graphic design

NOTE:  Most of these options need to be arranged during Year 10 for commencement in Year 11.  Placing can be competitive.  See Mr Peters for more information.

Familiarise yourself with:

• Careers Expo
• University  and TAFE open days – go and visit
• TS Expo

In conclusion:

• Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 matters – it’s all preparation for Senior.
• University is great but not for everyone - TAFE is a viable pathway!
• Be prepared to work hard!  Success rarely comes without effort.
• Find enjoyment in learning – you’ll do it for the rest of your life.

As your child transitions through the Secondary Campus they will take with them an array of skills, attitudes and values that result from belonging to the BAC community, while being well prepared for the next step in their life post school.