This path is for students who wish to earn an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for admission into universities across Australia directly out of school.

ATAR courses are examined in November of Year 12 via external exams set by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).

Each ATAR course consists of two units;

Year 11 ATAR Courses - Units 1 and 2

Year 12 ATAR Courses - Units 3 and 4

Students who intend to enrol in university will need to study at least four ATAR courses in Year 12 in order to be eligible for an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). This is used by universities around Australia to rank applicants and hence select students for entry into their courses.

Although university bound students are only required to enrol in four ATAR courses from Group 1 to obtain an ATAR, it is recommended that most students with a definitive university bound pathway enrol in five ATAR courses for Year 11.

This is a Year 12 only pathway for students to gain entry to Curtin University through a program of study that includes a university preparation course alongside a Certificate IV in Business and General/ATAR subjects.

Students who are able to show evidence of learning in a variety of ways other than through exams may take this path. The course prepares students for university studies with a focus on the critical thinking process, research skills and university writing.

Students who are offered a place in this program will study two units from the UniReady Program and a Certificate IV in Business.

This path is for students who wish to enter the workforce, gain an apprenticeship or undertake further study at TAFE. Students who follow this path study fewer than four ATAR subjects and are typically enrolled in General and VET courses.

General courses are designed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. These courses are not examined by the Authority. They are designed for students who are typically aiming to enter further training or the workforce directly from school.

Each General course consists of two units;

Year 11 General Courses - Units 1 and 2

Year 12 General Courses - Units 3 and 4

Students in this pathway often study VET Certificate courses either at school or through an external provider. These VET courses include a full, nationally recognised AQF qualification and mandatory industry-related workplace learning. Two VET courses are offered. Many students also attend TAFE once a week to earn qualifications while they study in Year 11 or 12.

All students enrolled in four or more General courses will be required to enrol in the endorsed program, Workplace Learning. In this program, students complete a minimum of 55 hours of workplace learning each semester. After successful completion of this program, students receive credit which counts towards the WACE requirements and points can be accumulated for TAFE entry. Completion of Workplace Learning is equivalent to two Year 11 units and two Year 12 units in both the “Achievement” and “Breadth and Depth” requirements of the WACE.

For some students, a General pathway may not meet their learning needs. For these students, the Transition to Work program provides support for students to complete their secondary education and be equipped for the world of work.