Senior School Teaching and Learning
At Fairholme College, we aim to make learning relevant and meaningful to our students so they may develop into lifelong learners and thinkers. For that reason Fairholme College provides students in their later years at school with a wide range of academic and co-curricular options, and emphasises career development, vocational guidance and student support. This process is integral to the structure of the whole school and it becomes an explicit part of the curriculum from Year 10.
We celebrate both participation and excellence, individual achievement of the highest calibre and standard, and all that can be achieved through the joy and collaboration of team work. The academic reputation of the College goes from strength to strength, with our students continuing to achieve outstanding results each year.
High Academic Standards
- QCS and OP results for Year 12 are of an appreciably higher level than State counterparts.
- Results from the University of New South Wales English, Mathematics and Science
- Competitions are consistently strong, with many students achieving Distinctions.
- Deliberate Professional Learning Focus for staff.
- Strong student Exchange Program – England, France, Germany, New Zealand.
- Student Tours to France, Maison de St Clair, Germany, Japan, Vanuatu and New Zealand.
Year 12 outcomes
Below are two sets of data that reflect on their academic performance for 2011. These figures do not capture other important features about each of these school-leavers. They do not reflect persistence, resilience, compassion, commitment or humility – or myriad other traits that will affect the quality of their life and their ability to achieve success in the future.
| OP Range 2011 | Fairholme College | State-Wide Results Female | State-Wide Results All Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 5 | 24% | 18.6% | 19% |
| 1 - 10 | 58% | 47.5% | 46.4% |
| 1 - 15 | 92% | 77% | 75.7% |
| QCS Results 2011 | Fairholme College | State-Wide Results Female | State-Wide Results All Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 23% | 14% | 17.66% |
| B | 26% | 27.5% | 30.07% |
| C | 45% | 38.7% | 35.33% |
| D | 6% | 19% | 16.62% |
| E | 0% | 3.5% | 3.2% |
Australian Curriculum
Information for parents from the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
Download document (850KB PDF)
Senior Curriculum Overview
Download document (4.9MB PDF)
Year 10 academic offering
All students entering Year 10 will study the key Learning Areas outlined below:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science - a term each of: Chemistry, Biology, Physics Science 21.
- Christian Education
- Health & Physical Education
- Humanities: students will study a term each of Ancient History, Economics, Geography and Modern History.
- Life Skills
- The Arts
Key Learning Areas Years 1-10
The role of the common curriculum for the College is to provide a comprehensive education for all students. It consists of eight key learning areas:
- English
- Health and Physical Education
- Languages other than English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities
- Technology (Business IT, Food & Textiles)
- The Arts
These are the key learning areas shaped and agreed to by all Australian States and Territories. It has generally been accepted that students throughout Queensland - and Australia - will receive a balanced and comprehensive schooling through studies in these areas.
Years 11 & 12
All students in Year 11 study nine subjects. This comprises five core subjects and four electives.
English, Mathematics A or Mathematics B, Christian Education, Physical Education and Life Skills are compulsory core subjects. Moreover, in Years 11 & 12, students will also be involved in the Queensland Core Skills Test practice and Careers Education.
The College believes a balanced selection of subjects better prepares students for future studies and employment. All students are encouraged to choose English, Mathematics, a Science (one from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Multistrand Science), a Humanities (one from Ancient History, Economics, Geography and Modern History) and two other subjects. Students who believe they have special circumstances should consult the Deputy Principal. See Subjects Years 10 for Subject Choice details.
Particularly talented students may be invited to join the Excellence in Music programmes at Years 11 and 12.
Special Consideration: What is it? (180KB PDF)
Please contact the Head of Teaching and Learning, Mr Stewart Peacock via stewart.peacock@fairholme.qld.edu.au with any questions.