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The QCAA develops four types of senior subject syllabuses — General, Applied, Senior External Examinations and Short Courses. Results in General and Applied subjects contribute to the award of a QCE and may contribute to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) calculation, although no more than one result in an Applied subject can be used in the calculation of a student's ATAR.

*Applied subjects have replaced what were previously known as Authority Registered subjects in Year 11 & 12. These subjects are predominately vocational in nature, generally leading to vocational education and training or work. One of these subjects can contribute to ATAR calculation if studied in combination with at least four General subjects.

Extension subjects are extensions of the related General subjects and are studied either concurrently with, or after, Units 3 and 4 of the General course.

Typically, it is expected that most students will complete these courses across Years 11 and 12. All subjects build on the P–10 Australian Curriculum.

Applied subjects are suited to students who are primarily interested in pathways beyond senior secondary schooling that lead to vocational education and training or work.

Results in Applied subjects contribute to the award of a QCE and one Applied subject result may contribute to an ATAR.

Underpinning factors

Applied syllabuses are underpinned by:

•literacy skills — the set of knowledge and skills about language and texts essential for understanding and conveying content

•numeracy skills — the knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions that students need to use mathematics in a wide range of situations, to recognise and understand the role of mathematics in the world, and to develop the dispositions and capacities to use mathematical knowledge and skills purposefully

•applied learning — the acquisition and application of knowledge, understanding and skills in real-world or lifelike contexts

•community connections — the awareness and understanding of life beyond school through authentic, real-world interactions by connecting classroom experience with the world outside the classroom

•core skills for work — the set of knowledge, understanding and non-technical skills that underpin successful participation in work.