Sample exam papers to get schools test ready

Queensland Year 11 students can get a taste of the subject-based external exams they will sit next year with the release today of sample exam papers for more than 50 senior subjects.

Education Minister Grace Grace said next year’s Year 12s would be the first in Queensland in nearly 50 years to sit subject-based external exams.

External exams are part of the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system which started with current Year 11 students and also includes:

• replacing the OP tertiary entrance rank with the ATAR
• new and redeveloped syllabuses, and
• new processes for quality assuring school-based assessments

“Students sitting external exams will be a major change in Queensland, so we’re putting a lot of effort into helping schools get ready,” Ms Grace said.

“The exams will contribute 25% to a student’s result in most subjects. The exceptions are maths and science subjects where the exams will contribute 50%. Three school-based assessments will make up the balance.

“The public release of sample exam papers is the latest milestone in our preparation effort.”

Ms Grace said the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) had developed the samples with teachers and academics and consulted with interstate curriculum authorities.

“The samples have the same purpose as past exam papers used in states such as New South Wales and Victoria,” she said. “They are about helping schools and students prepare for the real thing.

“Samples familiarise students with the type of questions that might be asked and the expected length of responses.

“I’m confident that teachers and students have all the resources and support they need to thrive in the new QCE system.”

The external exam period will run for about four weeks during October and November 2020.

“Queensland’s new assessment and tertiary entrance system for senior students is the culmination of more than three years of research, trials, and training for nearly 17,000 teachers,” Ms Grace said.

“Students and parents seeking more information should visit the QCAA website, which hosts a wide range of information about the new system as well as frequently asked questions.”

The sample exam papers can be viewed on the QCAA website: https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/senior-subjects

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Media contact: Scott Chandler - 0439 578 472