Countdown to the QCS Test

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek has wished Year 12 students well as they prepare to sit the annual Queensland Core Skills Test (QCS) on 3 and 4 September.

Mr Langbroek said about 30,000 students from all Queensland secondary schools will take the test which starts today.

“This test is an important education milestone for students because it contributes information for the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) and Field Positions (FPs) which rank students for tertiary entrance,” Mr Langbroek said.

“The Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) uses the test to fairly compare the achievements of students studying different subjects at different schools.

“While achievement in QSA subjects is the most important factor in determining a student’s OP, they still need to sit the QCS Test to receive one.”

Students will sit a writing task and multiple-choice paper on Tuesday and a short response and multiple-choice paper on Wednesday.

Mr Langbroek said the test assessed student achievement in 49 common curriculum elements.

“These are generic skills that students work with across subjects and include using correct spelling, punctuation and grammar, calculating, analysing and hypothesising to name a few,” he said.

“The Newman Government recently appointed the Australian Council for Educational Research to carry out an independent review of the state’s senior assessment and tertiary entrance processes.

“However, I want to reassure families that any potential changes to the current system will be phased in over several years and will not affect students currently in their senior years of high school.

“The government is committed to providing quality education for Queensland students and ensuring post-schooling opportunities are available to meet the needs of everyone.

“Although sitting the QCS Test is essential for students seeking an OP, other students benefit from sitting it too.

“A grade of ‘C’ or above will ensure that a student meets the minimum literacy and numeracy requirements to achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education.

"I know sitting tests can be stressful but, with the right preparation, students should be well placed to achieve to the best of their ability. I wish students all the best.”

Student results on the QCS Test are graded from A to E and reported on their Senior Statement in December.


Audio grabs available to download here: http://snd.sc/19ZQcdH

[ENDS] 3 September 2013

Media contact: Danyelle Nolan 0408 410 930