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30 May 2012 Number: 037/12
Years 10 – 12
2012 Queensland Core Skills Test: Data submission 2 and administration advice
Purpose
To remind principals to ensure that all OP-eligible students sitting the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test are accurately recorded in the Student Data Capture System (SDCS) data submission 2, and to draw attention to a letter being mailed to all OP-eligible students about the benefits of sitting the test.
Background
In March 2012, chief supervisors of QCS Test centres were required to provide the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) with the approximate number of students intending to sit the test (Memo 018/12, dated 29 February). This information is used to calculate the quantity of test materials we send to each test centre.
Information
As a part of SDCS data submission 2, due on 4 June 2012, schools provide current student enrolment data including subjects selected and proposed semester units of study. The number of OP-eligible students for each school is calculated from the student enrolment data supplied with this submission. It is expected that every student who is recorded as OP-eligible based on SDCS data submission 2 will sit the test.
To further assist with this process, the QSA is writing to all current OP-eligible students to remind them of the requirements for maintaining their OP-eligibility and the benefits of sitting the test. A copy of this letter is attached.
What you need to do
Remind all students, whether they are OP-eligible or not, of the importance and benefits of sitting the QCS Test, and ensure that the number intending to do so is reflected in SDCS data submission 2.
Attachments
Letter to Year 12 students about sitting the QCS Test and remaining OP-eligible.
More information
If you would like more information, please email [email protected].
Paul Herschell Acting Director
QSA ref: 12/06094 (800/1/8/0008)
<TITLE> <FIRST_NAME> <SURNAME>
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Dear <TITLE> <SURNAME>
By now you’re well on your way to completing your secondary schooling and, hopefully, achieving a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
The next major milestone on your journey through Year 12 is to sit the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test.
That’s why it’s important you consider the benefits of sitting the test and staying on track to receive an Overall Position (OP) and Field Positions (FPs) for tertiary entrance. You should also consider the consequences of not sitting the test.
In brief, to receive an OP and FPs you must:
• complete 20 semester units of credit in Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) subjects
• study at least three of your subjects for four semesters
• sit the QCS Test
• attend school until the final day of Year 12 on 16 November.
While your achievement in Authority subjects is the greatest factor in determining your OP, you still need to sit the QCS Test to receive one, and QSA policy is that all OP-eligible students must sit this test.
There is a common myth that some students’ interests can be better served by obtaining a rank other than the OP. In fact, becoming OP-ineligible limits the tertiary courses you can apply for in Queensland, interstate and overseas.
QSA has been working closely with the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) to ensure that tertiary entrance ranks are calculated with as much rigour as OPs to genuinely reflect students’ achievements.
Sitting the QCS Test can maximise post-school opportunities in further education and training for all students, not just those seeking an OP.
Achieving a grade of ‘C’ or better on the QCS Test will ensure you meet the minimum literacy and numeracy requirement to be eligible for a QCE. A grade of ‘D’ or above will boost your tertiary selection rank should you request one through QTAC.
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Remember, only the QSA has all the necessary data to calculate OPs. Any prediction a school provides is a very approximate guide. We have also reminded all schools that withdrawing lower-performing students from the QCS Test will not affect the OPs of students who have remained OP-eligible.
With the end of Year 12 in sight, stay focused on your learning and assessments so you can look forward with confidence to receiving your final results in the post and online at the end of December.
Your learning account at <www.studentconnect.qsa.qld.edu.au> is the best way to track your progress towards a QCE. Log in now to check your OP-eligibility and update your personal details. Activating your account early will make it easier to obtain your final results and OP online.
You’ll need your Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) and password to access your account. If you don’t know your LUI, ask your school for it.
Graduating from Year 12 is a stepping stone to a future that offers many exciting possibilities. I wish you well in your studies.
I invite you to contact our Student Connect team on 1800 804 991 or by email at [email protected] should you wish to discuss this matter further.
Yours sincerely
Peter Luxton Acting Director 28 / 5 / 2012
