QCE Vs ATAR – What’s the Difference Between QCE and ATAR?

Trying to get your head around QCE and ATAR? You’re not alone! To summarise, QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) is a qualification/certificate received for successfully completing high school level education in Queensland. The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is the score or ranking from 99.95 down to <30.00 that is used for admission to university.

What is QCE?

The Queensland Certificate of Education (“QCE”) is the qualification students get for completing senior school education.
Most students will get the QCE at the end of Year 12, along with their Senior Statement which shows all their studies and results that contributed to their QCE.
If students don’t meet all the requirements for a QCE by the end of Year 12, there are options to finalise their learning and obtain the QCE beyond Year 11 and 12. At A Team Tuition, our aim is to help your child get their QCE and their desired ATAR score for university admission by the end of Year 12, rather than extending their time in high school.

How do I get a QCE?

● First, students need to be registered with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (“QCAA”).
Schools will have helped students through the QCAA registration process in Year 10. Your school should also have developed a SET plan with your child to help them achieve their QCE over the next two years.

● Second, students need to obtain 20 credits in the required pattern of subjects AND fulfill certain literacy and numeracy requirements. All 20 credits must be of a Sound Achievement (SA) or better – there being five levels of achievement, from Very High Achievement (VHA) to Very Limited Achievement (VLA).
To get a QCE, a minimum of 12 credits have to come from Core studies. The remaining 8 credits can come from a combination of Core, Preparatory or Complementary Course subjects/studies.

Does Year 11 count for QCE? What about ATAR?

Year 11 does count towards the QCE. The 12 credits from “Core” subjects are studied over Year 11 (Units 1 and 2) and Year 12 (Units 3 and 4). And those credits need to be of “Sound Achievement” or better to obtain the QCE.
Year 11 (Units 1 and 2) do not count towards the ATAR score. However, as the level of achievement attained in the Year 11 subjects are often prerequisite to the subjects chosen for Year 12, they can indirectly affect the ATAR achievable.
The planning for senior schooling starts in Year 10 and the process for achievement is begun in Year 11. A poor result in Year 11 could leave your child floundering and altering their expectations for Year 12 and tertiary education beyond high school.

How is the difference between QCE and ATAR relevant?

Every pass and fail from Year 11 and Year 12 counts towards the QCE and is recorded on the Senior Statement. The QCE is awarded for successfully completing senior schooling at a “passing grade” or above, in at least the 20 credits required. While the Senior Statement will show the level of achievement on a scale of Very High Achievement to Very Limited Achievement, it will not determine entry to tertiary education.
The ATAR score determines entry to university. The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (“QTAC”) will calculate the ATAR score based on the results achieved in the summative assessments and exams from a student’s five best General subjects (certain subjects are not counted for ATAR). The highest ATAR achievable is 99.95
Units 1 and 2 completed in Year 11 do not count towards the ATAR score. However, Year 11 is more than just a “dress rehearsal” for Year 12. Units 1 and 2 completed in Year 11 are the foundation blocks for Units 3 and 4 completed in Year 12.

How do QCE points work?

Students must achieve 20 total credits to receive their QCE. At least 12 credits must be achieved through Core courses. The remaining 8 credits can also be obtained through successful completion of Core courses, or alternatively, those 8 credits may be achieved through a combination of preparatory and VET qualifications and other modes of accepted learning.
Each unit of study (semester) in Core courses (for general and applied subjects) accrues a credit each to the QCE. Year 11 students will generally complete Unit 1 and 2 for each core course subject and will receive 1 credit for each Sound Achievement or better. In Year 12, the students must achieve a C Grade or better for Units 3 and 4 of the core courses to receive 2 credits. Students need to achieve at least 12 SA credits in the Core subjects.
A great visual of how the QCE credit combinations can work is given on pages 3 and 4 of this QCAA fact sheet. Year 11 consists of Units 1 and 2. Year 12 is the completion of Units 3 and 4. The fact sheet also provides a great demonstration of how success or lack of it in Year 11 can determine the subject studied the following year. Bearing in mind that the subject choice in Year 12 can have an effect on the ATAR achievable, you can see how important Year 11 is in relation to the QCE and ATAR.

How are points calculated for ATAR?

The ATAR score is not a “mark”, it is a percentile ranking against all other students in Queensland. So an ATAR of 85.00 does not mean a student achieved 85%, it actually means they are in the top 15% (or they beat 84.99999%) of Queensland students. Bonuses are applied after the ATAR is calculated and does not change the ATAR.

The ATAR is calculated from a student’s five best Year 12 (Units 3 and 4 of the QCE) General Subject results OR their 4 best Unit 3 and 4 General Subject results and 1 Applied, Cert III or Higher VET qualification completed in their QCE studies. Each of these results go through a detailed scaling process which adjusts for things like the level of difficulty in getting a higher result in a subject. Eventually a mark is determined and further scaled and ranked to give an ATAR. There is a complex set of calculations that is performed by QTAC in determining the ATAR.

Core General subjects in Units 3 and 4 have their grades based on 3 Internal Assessments and 1 External Assessment. The External assessment is the same assessment (exam) for every student completing that subject. For General Mathematics and Science subjects, the external assessment represents 50% of the grade for that subject. For all other subjects, the exam represents 25% of the grade for that subject.
As a general rule the very high ATARs are only possible from those based on 5 General subjects (rather than the 4 General/1 Applied, Cert or VET combination) as a result of the scaling applied. However, certain subjects (like physics or mathematics) won’t increase a student’s ATAR. Good performance in a student’s chosen subjects will increase the ATAR, which is why it is so important to plan for success in the subjects chosen.

How do we arrive at an ATAR?

This is an example of the process used to produce the ATAR, remembering that any 5 General Subjects can be used. In this example, General Science and General Mathematics are used for two of the subjects to show how a student’s final grade may be highly dependent upon performance in the final external assessment (or exam). It is important to remember that the ATAR is a rankings system, not a grade.

More information about calculating the ATAR can be found here or here.

What are Core, Preparatory and Complementary Subjects?

The 20 credits required for the QCE can be achieved through a wide range of learning options. The courses of study are divided into 3 categories – Core, Preparatory and Complementary courses.

Core Courses

The QCE must have at least 12 credits from Core studies. These studies include the Applied and General subjects in Year 11 and 12 (Units 1, 2, 3 and 4), VET qualifications of Certificate II or higher, school based apprenticeships and school based traineeships. The maximum credits available for each of these will vary. As a guide, a Sound Achievement on one semester or unit of learning will equate to 1 credit.

Learn More About How to Get A Grades in Core Subjects

Preparatory Courses

Preparatory courses can contribute up to a maximum of 4 credits to the QCE, are of less depth and complexity than Core subjects, and provide foundational learning. They include QCAA short courses, VET Cert I and other recognized study. As a guide, one short course with a C Grade or better would equate to 1 credit.

Complementary Courses

Complementary courses can contribute up to a maximum of 8 credits to the QCE and are most often of greater depth or complexity than Core courses. University subjects, Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications completed while a student is enrolled at school can contribute to the QCE. As a guide, a passing grade in one semester of a university subject would be worth 2 credits in the QCE.

How do I improve my QCE Points and ATAR rank?

Successful completion of the QCE is the culmination of results from both Year 11 and Year 12. If students have their heart set on a particular university degree, then it is critical that the necessary ATAR is achieved (along with completing any pre-requisite subjects).
Crucially, student planning for the QCE and ATAR starts in Year 10, and is steadily built upon through Year 11 and 12. Failure in subjects in Year 11 can drastically alter the direction of study required in Year 12 in order to achieve the QCE, and it can potentially crush dreams of tertiary study. A Team Tuition is focused on giving students the tools for success and helping them reach their full potential – a plan for achievement in high school and beyond.
The ATAR is wholly dependent on the level of success your student achieves in their Unit 3 and 4 (Year 12) components of their 5 best General subjects. The key to a great ATAR is ensuring the highest possible achievement in your child’s 5 best subjects undertaken in Year 12. And that journey for success starts in Year 11. Remember, it is the results from the 5 General subjects or 4 General+1 Applied completed in Year 12 that is going to count to the ATAR – however, the ability to choose the subject they need will depend on the student’s successes in Year 11. Directing the maximum effort on the 5 subjects your child is going to rely on for the ATAR is what is going to make the difference and will pay dividends in the long run.

Planning for QCE and ATAR

Ultimately, achieving the QCE and a high ATAR score at the end of Year 12 are the fruition of solid early planning and consistent implementation throughout Years 11 and 12. A Team Tuition firmly believes in planning for success and this is where our strength lies in our approach to tuition. A solid foundation in Year 11 drives the outcome in Year 12.

Could a tutor help your child with QCE and ATAR? Get in touch here!

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How ATAR Tutoring Can Help Slipping Grades

HELP! My Year Twelve’s Grades are Slipping! How ATAR Tutoring Can Help

COVID-19 and national lockdown laws impacted us all greatly, but for the students who are completing their final year of high school in the midst of a pandemic, the situation for some has been nothing short of disastrous. 

Students were sent home to undertake home learning, with digital learning becoming a part of their new everyday life. Study groups were no more, in fact, contact with anyone outside their own household was off the cards. 

On top of navigating the education obstacles, there were also emotional challenges to deal with, such as the loss of regular physical and extracurricular activities, and mental health strain.

Here are three integral steps you can take now to help your student go from struggle and stress, to straight As in time for the QCE.

1) Determine the cause for the grade slip

There could be many reasons your child has seen their results go backwards. The first step is to determine what could have caused the decline in the first place. For example – is your child overwhelmed with all of the changes and the rapid rate at which their educational goal posts are moving? Did the change in their daily routine leave them with feelings of anxiety or simply struggling to get back into the daily grind of being back in the classroom with assessments coming at them thick and fast? Have they experienced social issues with changed friendships since they were last in the classroom? 

Whatever the cause, it is important to address the reason behind the results. Ask them how they are feeling about all of the recent changes in their life, and see if you can get to the root of the problem. If you are having trouble – it might be worthwhile seeking professional assistance such as an appointment with the school counsellor who can help you in facilitating a meaningful conversation with your teen. 

2) Did their time management and goals change?

Without the need to rise early in the morning and get themselves into the classroom, did your child struggle to get up and get moving in the mornings? Has this impacted them greatly with fatigue issues now that they have returned back to their school campus? A shift in a young adult’s energy levels could be part of the reason they are finding school a little more difficult post-lockdown. 

It is also possible that the career goals of your child have changed since being in lockdown, meaning particular subjects have become less appealing to them and the focus has been shifted. 

It can be tough to rally the enthusiasm for that last push after twelve and a half years of schooling, but it is really important to help your young person find that motivation to get across the finish line and get the ATAR score they have been striving for. If you need to implement structure and routine back into their day, the school holidays are a great time to hit the reset button and help them to hit the ground running for the start of their final term at school. 

Help them to define what their goals are, and clarify the steps they need to take to get them back on track to success. They may need help structuring a new routine to help them with their study goals – whatever it is they need, your support is going to be key in the last few months of their school career. 

3) Did the mid-term assessments reflect their learning preferences or is this an anomaly?

Did your child see a dip in grades in the first semester of Year 12? Did the absence from the physical classroom mean that they missed the push from their teachers to knuckle down and treat their mid-year exams like a trial run for the QCEs? It could be really easy to blame COVID and assume that all other students across the state were similarly impacted, but it’s time to bring the focus back onto your child and what went wrong for them.

Was the learning language unfamiliar to them? Could a tutor be the answer to sharpening your student’s study skills leading up to their final exams? 

A Team Tuition helps students – particularly those in their final stages of learning – to reach their full potential, and it’s not too late to enlist our help for your child. Learn more about how we helped some kids change their results from Cs to As in less than six months. 

Turning it around is about diagnosing the setback and putting real, actionable strategies in place to overcome the poor grades. As a parent, you’ve probably had just about enough of this whole “educator” thing.  That’s okay, we offer intensive ATAR tutoring blocks that all start with overcoming everything above. This is your last chance to help your child kick academic goals when it counts the most. 

 

Could ATAR tutoring be the answer for your child? Contact A Team Tuition today!

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Boarder Prep Time Tutoring

”Boarder prep is my favourite time of day”

– No Student Ever

Boarder Prep – it’s those two excruciating hours spent largely in silence, doing whatever you can to keep the supervising teacher happy. It doesn’t matter how much homework you have left to complete, it’s mandatory. Boarder prep is by far the least loved aspect of boarding school and one that can leave you feeling like you’re wasting precious time. If it’s done wrong.

What makes good boarder prep time?

Two words: Study strategy.

Wow, just when boring couldn’t sound any more boring right?
Hear us out.

A well-devised study strategy actually helps you to study less. It helps you identify how to study smarter and get better grades without putting in extra hours. Instead of watching the clock for the last hour of boarder prep, you’ll find yourself getting ahead of all your work, freeing up more time outside of mandatory study hours.

Boarder prep big picture

From the school’s perspective, Prep is where you can get that one-on-one help you need to complete assignments and study for upcoming assessments. It is, in theory an essential part of your education, one that your parents would oversee at home.

In practice, many boarders complete the day’s homework and then focus on doing whatever they can get away with while supervisors are helping other kids. If you’ve never sent under the desk text messages or watched YouTube with your hair over your earbuds, are you even a boarder?

The downside of this system is that when exams roll around, your precious free time ends up taken up with mad cramming. All that time spent, and at the end, you might just have a C to show for it. No wonder you can’t stand prep!

How boarder prep is changing

If you’ve been sent this link, there’s a pretty good chance your school is about to introduce A Team Tuition’s Boarding School Tutoring. They’ve engaged us to provide one on one and group tutoring to you and your peers during boarder prep time.

Here’s what’s going to change:

• Your tutors will have a big chat with you in the first few weeks. We’ll also be chatting to your teachers, your parents and your principal.
• We’re going to be talking to you not just about where you’re struggling in class but also about life in general. Why? Because we want to know when you’re stressed about an upcoming event or if you’ve plans to return home for a family event or even if some boy or girl is messing with your head. We believe that your life outside of school is just as important as your life in school and we structure your study strategy around it.
• We talk to you about what you love, and dislike at school, what makes you anxious, and what gives you a buzz. We get to know how your “mindset” is impacting your study habits. If you really, really hate maths, chances are you’re an A-grade procrastinator when it comes to maths homework. We get it.
• Next we look at how you learn and if there’s a better way to learn than you’re currently using. Maybe you’d be better listening to podcasts instead of pouring over books? Perhaps that YouTube video is actually of more value because you’re all about visual learning!
• Finally, we look at your upcoming assessments and anything that will cause timetable clashes. So, you’ve got a game on the weekend before that essay is due? We help you to plan your workload so that you can spend the week before the game focused on training.

Then we create a strategy that introduces more fun ways to learn. Prefer group activities? Let’s hook you up. Itching to hand in something creative? Let’s brainstorm it. Our boarder prep sessions are designed to be more fun. More productive. More useful. Doesn’t that sound more interesting already?

What do students say about this new way to do boarder prep?

With the right tutor and a proper study strategy, you have MORE time in your day. Boarder prep flies by because you’ve got a list and you’re working it hard. When you’ve got a question or need help, you’ve got more tutors there, on the floor to answer your questions – so you get through your work quicker and with a better understanding. And wouldn’t you know it, your grades improve. Maybe, mum is so excited she puts an extra fifty in your account (maybe, but you know #notallmums).

All is well. Well, it is what you make it. Our approach is about helping you to embrace study and study smart. But it’s not on us. It’s on you. To make this work, you need an open mind and commitment to ‘working the program’. Are you ready for the new ‘boarder prep’?  Talk to your school or your parents about A Team’s Boarder Prep Tutoring or check out our blog for more info on what to expect!

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Queensland Boarding Schools Tutoring Service – For Parents

Queensland Boarding School Tutors – Information For Parents

 

There are two calls every parent of a boarder expect, and dread.  The first is the teary “I miss you” call (usually early in the semester) and the second is the call from the house master reporting some kind of tomfoolery.  It’s almost a rite of passage for parents of boarding school students.  It can leave parents feeling guilt and concern.  You’ve chosen one of Queensland’s boarding schools because they offer world class education.  Children flock to your school from across Queensland, Australia and the world.  You’re giving your child the best possible educational experience.  They’re just asking for a little extra help to get on track.

 

That’s where A Team Tuition can change everything.

 

 

 

“We Believe That Any Student, Anywhere Can Achieve “A” Grades With
The Right Support, Strategies and Mindset”

 

 

Our team of specially recruited and extensively trained boarding school tutors don’t just help your child improve grades.  Our program is developed in consultation with academics, coaches and child psychologists to help your child overcome the emotional challenges of boarding school life, while reaching new academic heights.

 

 

Why we’re the preferred tutoring service for the Australian Boarding Schools Association

 

For over a decade, we’ve been proving that simple tutoring isn’t enough to create elite academic performance.  For boarding school students, the additional emotional and mindset challenges can impact not only their wellbeing but their futures.  We are the only Australian tutoring firm implementing an “emotional wellbeing” approach to academia.  And it works.  87% of our students go from C/D grades to A/B grades, often within an single semester.

 

 

 

We “get” your challenges

 

All of our tutoring programs have been developed in conjunction with educators, coaches and child psychologists.  That’s why we can help students overcome the additional psychological barriers to learning, that absence from family can create.

 

Whether the child is “embracing parent-free freedom” at the cost of their grades, or missing home too much to focus, our team is carefully trained to identify psychological barriers and overcome them.

 

We then roll out a study strategy for your child that includes time spent on attitude, mindset and emotional wellbeing.

 

Constant Communication, Constant Support

 

One of the fundamental principles of our approach to tutoring is the “child’s support network”.  Your child needs the support and influence of the school, teachers, peers, parents and tutors to thrive.  In a boarding house, this means additional support from tutors to support the parent’s key roles:

 

• Overseeing homework and study at home
• Acting as a cheerleader
• Providing positive influence
• Providing mentoring
• Assisting in navigating social and emotional situations

 

We liase with your child’s support network to ensure there are no gaps and provide feedback and communication with the whole network – so your child’s educational needs are seamlessly met.

 

 

Queensland Boarding Schools

 

Our tutors visit students in house in South East Queensland boarding schools and provide online tutoring to boarders across Australia.   There are two ways to engage A Team Tuition to assist your boarder.

Work directly with A Team Tuition

 

We provide a direct service to parents on campus in South East Queensland boarding schools or online across Australia.  You must speak to your school about our tutors visiting campus.  (Note that all our tutors are fully insured, blue carded and trained in child safety as well as COVID-19 best practices)

 

Talk to your boarding school

 

As the exclusive supplier of tutors through the Australian Boarding Schools Association, we partner directly with schools to manage their Boarder Prep sessions.  These two hour daily sessions are designed to give students time to do study and exam preparation.  Our tutors attend these sessions and offer both one on one customised help, and group assistance where needed.

 

Not sure which service suits your child best?

Talk to us now.  We’ll help your child to thrive.

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Setting Goals and Time Management – Different Strategies for Different Students

As your students are looking to achieve that A grade, it is important to remember that both goal setting and time management are critical skills that create the base for success.  For some students, the lack of these skills is the only thing standing in the way of becoming an A Student.

Goal setting allows students to truly visualise where they are going and motivate them to get there. Without these goals in place they may feel lost, or lack motivation when engaging in the classroom or doing homework. Once goals are set, time management helps your student plan exactly how they are going to achieve their goals and stay on track with not just school, but also work and social commitments.

Goal setting and time management are important to every student. There are many different strategies that can be implemented depending on what your child is trying to achieve and how long they have to get there. There are also many different methods our A grade students use to effectively manage their time and prioritise successfully.

Personal Goal Setting

The problem with goal setting, is that many students don’t consider that they are actually working towards something while at school. It is so beneficial when students consider what really matters to them and work towards something they want and feel passionate about.

For your student, it may be something like a career choice, but also considering what kind of person they want to be or strengths they wish to cultivate.

Think about it… If your student can associate what they are learning in school with their long-term goals and something that is important to them, they will be more motivated to work towards that goal. The achievement motivation that is created by goal setting, causes your student to strive for success. A grade students understand the importance of goal setting and primarily use three different strategies to set and achieve these goals

 

1. The Staircase Model

A grade Students are able to use the staircase model to really focus on those long-term goals by creating smaller goals that build up to where they want to be. Big dreams can be very daunting. A student in Year 9 that dreams of becoming a doctor may see that goal as far away, intimidating, and frightening. However, if they break up that big goal into smaller short-term goals it will make that big dream of becoming a doctor seem much more achievable. Using the staircase model also gives students something to work for, which adds both motivation and excitement.

So, if you had that Year 9 student that wanted to be a doctor, that would be their big, long term-goal. Then you can work backwards with them to set those smaller goals that will help them get there. Some of those short-term goals may be getting an A in just 1-2 classes, then getting an A in all of their classes, and eventually getting a great mark on ATAR.

 

2. SMART Goal Setting

 

SMART Goals are not just used by students, but in all different professions and business. Your child can use this strategy to make sure they have significant goals they feel are achievable. Using the Smart goals strategy, your student will be able to write GOALS that are well-structured, clear, and carefully planned.

Each goal that students create should contain all five elements of a ‘SMART’ goal. ‘SMART’ is an acronym for the following aspects of an excellent goal.

 

S: Specific

In order for your student’s goal to be specific, they must clearly identify an action; whether that be finishing an essay or reading a certain number of pages. Being specific makes student think about what needs to be achieved.

M: Measurable

When students set goals, being measurable is important for both their motivation and feeling of accomplishment. A Students make sure that their goal can clearly be logged, measured, and evaluated. This allows students to check in and evaluate how they are progressing with their goal and be proud of what they have achieved.

A: Achievable

We often assume that goals need to be something we need to struggle for. Whilst goals should be moderately difficult, A Students make sure that these goals are realistic enough to achieve. This enables your child to develop that achievement motivation and remain feeling empowered.

R: Relevant

When setting goals, A grade students always keep in mind why they want to achieve them and what they will accomplish when the goal is complete . Doing this keeps the goal relevant to their own passion and also contributes to their enthusiasm.

T: Timely

This part of ‘SMART ’goals ties into the time management that comes after the goal setting. All goals should have some sort of deadline, especially with students. The time limit gives your student a challenge, but also provides a feeling of accomplishment once they complete the goal on time.

A grade students use the SMART goal strategy in many different ways. Some students may set one smart goal for every class, others may group them together into one goal for the term, and some may even set specific smart goals for a certain assessment. The thing to keep in mind is that students use this strategy in all different ways, a goal being ‘SMART’ just allows students to actually think about their goals and ensure that they are effective, regardless of what the goal is about.

 

3. Areas for Change Model

While the other two tactics for goal setting revolve around creating the goals, the Areas for Change Model allows your student to see what areas they may want to change and set goals for.

The Areas for Change Model shows there are three different areas of a student that can be transformed. They include academic skills, psychological skills, and interpersonal skills. All students have strengths and weaknesses in different areas. This can be based off of their learning language, confidence levels, or personality. The model can allow students to think about where they are able to improve and what may be stopping them from achieving their goals.

One students may look at this model and  believe they have superb academic and interpersonal skills; they may choose to set goals revolving around their psychological skills such as increasing confidence or stress management. Another student may look at this and see that they are lacking in academic skills. This can be improved by setting goals around study techniques and exam preparation. Whatever area your student chooses to work on, this model can help them visualise what areas they want to focus on when setting their goals.

Once your student has a good system for goal setting, they can move on to improving their skills in time management which allows dedicated time to work on those goals.

Effective Time Management 

Particularly in high school, A grade students need to understand the balance between school, work, extracurricular activities and their social life. It definitely doesn’t come naturally or easy, but once your child is able to gain this routine and have tactics that help them manage their time, they will be able to achieve more in school and reduce unnecessary stress.

The key with time management is that students have many different time management skills and approaches. Some students are great with daily time management and making sure that they are actually productive with their time throughout the day, but don’t really know what is going on at the end of the week or the term. Other students may have a good long-term time management strategy but have a hard time finishing their homework or knowing what classes they have during the week.

Because all students have strengths and weaknesses in different timeframes of time management, there are different strategies that can be used to ensure that your student is successful throughout the term, on a weekly basis, and on a daily basis. Your student may use just one strategy or all three depending on their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to time management.

 

1. The Term Assessment Planner

Having a diary that that shows your student what is coming up throughout the entire term is effective for planning ahead and making sure they are able to complete all of their tasks in advance.  A grade students will write down all of their assessments and exams at the beginning of the term so they know exactly what is coming up for each class.

Personally, I advise all of my students to have a term planner so there are no surprises throughout the semester and the student knows exactly what is coming up.

2. The Traffic Light System

The traffic light system creates a weekly or monthly planner where the student identifies all the tasks that are coming up and allocates them with a specific colour that mean different things.

GREEN: This task is still about 3-4 weeks away and should be in the initial stages.

YELLOW: This task is 1-2 weeks away and I should finish brainstorming and start drafting.

RED: This task needs to be completely finished this coming week

 

As time progresses, students will move their assignments from green, yellow, to red until they’re able to cross them out.

This time management system is perfect for visual learners and allows your student to create a weekly or monthly planner that helps them prioritise their upcoming tasks. Based on my experience, this strategy is extremely useful during exam periods or busy times. There is also a massive sense of accomplishment when your student is finally able to cross something off of that list.

3. Weekly Management Plan

This time management schedule is perfect for those students who feel like they just can’t get a hold of their homework and designated study times. Using a weekly planner creates an overview of what they should be doing at every hour of a busy period of the day.

It should include:

• Study Time
• Study Breaks
• Homework Time
• Family Time
• Extra-curriculars
• Any other important activity

A grade students realise that a weekly time management plan can allow them to have a good balance between all of their commitments and study times. It also helps your student plan in advance how they’re going to fit homework and studying into a busy schedule.

4. Daily Time Management Strategy

Another strategy that your student can utilise is a daily strategy. This helps students who are easily distracted or have trouble with procrastination. It is also perfect for a designated “focus day” where your student may choose to do work for a specific subject or assignment.

In this time management plan, they should outline at least four tasks they are going to try to complete, how much time is required to complete the task, and what time they will be working on it. It is also very important that students reflect on how their daily time management strategy went by reading their own performance and raining down any follow-up tasks that need to be completed after the day is over.

When it comes to goal setting and time management, the important thing is that you and your student understand that everyone is different. These are just some of the strategies and tactics that can be used for both setting goals and managing time, which are both very important aspects of being academically successful. Some students may use all of them, and some students may just use one or two. The important thing is that your student recognises which ones they can use and why it’s beneficial to use them.

Does your child need help setting goals and managing their time effectively? BOOK A TUTOR NOW!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What is the Cost of Tutoring?

If you’re considering hiring a tutor for your child, you’ve probably wondered – what is the cost of tutoring, and is it worth it? 

At A Team Tuition, we pride ourselves on being the highest performing tutoring company in Australia. Our tutors are the most elite educators in the country, and undergo rigorous training and regular professional development. Our tutors offer a wide range of skills and qualifications, and our tutoring techniques are based on a holistic psychological focus and with the incredibly successful European models that dominate the world platform in terms of results. It might be an expensive undertaking, but tutoring your child and helping them to reach their potential is not just worth every penny – it’s an investment in their future. 

Download our information pack with tutor pricing here

What we offer

A Team Tuition helps to break down the psychological barriers to studying through one-on-one sessions with your child. We develop relationships with the children we tutor, and connect with them, to help transform their approach to study and learning. We aren’t just helping with their homework like other tutoring organisations – we’re actively working to change their educational outlook. We work with your child to help them develop positive study habits and effective learning techniques that encourage students to change the way they approach learning and studying. This is how we get significant results and transform our students’ lives. 

Our aim is to successfully teach your child lifelong learning techniques to help them become independent thinkers and to take control of their learning. All of these techniques will be incredibly important to them throughout their lives, particularly at a university level. 

Why we’re worth the cost

 At A Team Tuition, you’re paying for quality. Our lessons are delivered at a very high standard, and are tailor-made for each individual student. We’ve developed our unique educational hybrid of tutoring, mentoring and academic strategy to support our students. We devote our time towards understanding, designing, and planning the overall program for each individual student while taking their specific goals into account, as well as supporting and encouraging students and parents. It’s this kind of special insight into children’s education that has enabled A Team Tuition to stand out from the crowd in what is a hugely competitive industry. 

Book your child in for a tutoring session with A Team Tuition today, and watch them grow into confident, successful scholars!

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What is the ATAR for Nursing?

Across Australia, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is now the standard to measure one student’s academic achievement in relation to that of their peers. As Queensland transitions from the former Overall Position (OP) system to ATAR, Year 12 students and parents alike will need to learn how to navigate this new ranking criteria and do what they can to prepare for admission to their desired post-secondary program.

The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) has been tasked with calculating and assigning ATARs and is responsible for administering the application and offer process for all tertiary institutions in Queensland. If your child has their sights set on studying nursing in Queensland, they will need to know the required ATAR for nursing at each of the universities offering this program.

What ATAR is Needed for Nursing?

Last year, the successful ATAR score for nursing in Queensland averaged about 76. However, adjusted ranks ranged from 60 all the way up to 96. Luckily, most of the universities in Queensland do offer a Bachelor of Nursing program and some offer dual degree programs combining nursing with midwifery, public health, paramedic science and behavioural science. Generally, the required ATAR score for nursing combined with another degree program is higher than the ATAR score for nursing alone. The entrance requirements will vary from year to year based on the number of applicants. Most universities will have additional selection criteria that must be met outside of a student’s ATAR score, while others offer pathways that don’t require an initial ATAR score at all. However, as a general guideline, the following provides details on what ATAR for nursing your child will need to aim for.

Are you concerned that your child won’t be able to meet the academic requirements they need to become a nurse in Queensland?

A Team Tuition Can Help

What is the Required ATAR for Nursing at Queensland Universities?

Bachelor of Nursing University of Queensland

• The Bachelor of Nursing program at UQ is a 3-year program which includes practical experience starting in your first semester, so students can gain experience in clinical settings right from the get go.

• • The ATAR for Nursing requirements at The University of Queensland in 2019 were an ATAR of 87 (OP 7).
  • UQ also offers a combined Bachelor of Nursing/ Midwifery degree which required an ATAR of 96 (OP 3) in recent years.

Bachelor of Nursing Griffith University

• Ranked number one in Queensland for nursing and as one of the country’s leading research universities, Griffith offers a Bachelor of Nursing program at their Logan, Nathan and Gold Coast campuses – with ATAR requirements as follows:
  • Gold Coast – ATAR 81.45 (OP 9)
  • Nathan – ATAR 78.10 (OP 10)
  • Logan – ATAR 78.10 (OP 10)

Bachelor of Nursing Queensland University of Technology

• The Bachelor of Nursing program at QUT requires a minimum ATAR of 79 (OP 10). 
• Guaranteed placement if you achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 93.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and meet all of the other admission requirements.
• QUT also offers the following 4-year double degree nursing programs with required ATARs noted:
  • Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Public Health (ATAR 79, OP 10)
  • Bachelor of Nursing/ Bachelor of Behavioural Science (ATAR 79, OP 10)
  • Bachelor of Nursing/ Bachelor of Paramedic Science (ATAR 92, OP 5)

Bachelor of Nursing University of Southern Queensland

• USQ’s 3-year Bachelor of Nursing degree requires an ATAR of 68 (OP 15)
• Nearly 50% of the program is dedicated to clinical practice through simulated on-campus labs or in health care settings

Bachelor of Nursing Central Queensland University

• CQU’s Bachelor of Nursing program requires an ATAR score of 59.9 (OP 17) 

Bachelor of Nursing Science University of the Sunshine Coast

• USC offers the following study locations (with corresponding course codes and ATAR requirements noted) for their Bachelor of Nursing Science degree program: 
  • Sunshine Coast    013401 ATAR – 73.30 / OP – 12
  • Moreton Bay     014021 ATAR – 59.40 / OP – 16
  • Caboolture    018601 ATAR – 59.40 / OP – 16
  • Fraser Coast    019101 ATAR – 59.40 / OP – 16
  • Gympie    013501 ATAR – 59.40 / OP – 16

Bachelor of Nursing Science– James Cook University

• Bachelor of Nursing Science at JCU requires a minimum ATAR of 59.4 (OP 16)
• You can study your entire degree with JCU in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Mount Isa or study externally. Have the opportunity to go on an overseas student exchange or an international placement experience. Australian clinical placement is provided in a range of contemporary health settings. 

JCU also offers a combined Bachelor of Nursing Science/ Bachelor of Midwifery degree at their Townsville location and requires an ATAR of 78.1 (OP 9).

How to achieve the ATAR for Nursing in Queensland

High school graduates will need Year 12 or equivalent English as well as one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics for most nursing programs in Queensland. If your child needs a little extra help meeting their academic goals, A Team Tuition can assist. Employing some of the most elite educators in Australia, we know just the right way to inspire and help children to meet their goals. 

With communication being a key component to a successful career in nursing, achieving a high mark in English will definitely be advantageous when applying to universities. Likewise, biology and chemistry are the most relevant sciences to the field of nursing so it is beneficial for aspiring nursing students to aim for top grades in these two areas of study as well. If your child is aiming for an A in English, Biology or Chemistry and needs an extra boost of confidence or a little additional help getting motivated, our team can work with your family to create a customised program perfectly suited to your child. Achieving the best grades possible in these key subjects will help your child have the highest chance at acquiring the ATAR they need to pursue post-secondary studies in Nursing.

Calculating your ATAR Score for a Nursing Degree

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is calculated using a complex system of a student’s assessment and exam marks, school rankings and scaling. This is all based on the performance of students in each particular year – meaning that ATAR requirements are continuously changing and so can be challenging to predict. English is a key player when calculating an ATAR score as are maths and science courses. For nursing, these are the subjects that should be focused on and given the most attention during a student’s high school years. Our beginner’s guide to understanding ATAR is an excellent starting point for understanding how these calculations work. For a more in-depth explanation, see QTAC’s detailed ATAR guide.

How to get into Nursing without an ATAR

To become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Queensland, you typically need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent – and to do so, you must achieve the required ATAR for nursing for the university you choose to go to. However, many universities offer options for getting into nursing without having an ATAR and instead allow the required prerequisites to be met via bridging courses or bridging programs. 

Nursing hopefuls can also choose to register to become an Enrolled Nurse (EN) which is typically an 18-month diploma course. Enrolled nurses usually work under the supervision of an RN and also undertake clinical placements in a variety of healthcare settings. Often studying to become an enrolled nurse can be a pathway option to becoming an RN. 

However, If your child’s goal is to go straight into an RN program, they will need to achieve the required ATAR score for nursing – and our team of high school tutors can help.  By teaching strategies for motivation, time management and problem solving, your child will find increased confidence, reduced stress and anxiety, and be well on their way to achieving top grades.

Additional qualifications required to become a Nurse in Queensland

As being a nurse requires working with the public, having good communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, respect for patient safety and confidentiality, and a high regard for professional ethics are critical. Therefore, in addition to having the right ATAR score for nursing, most universities require many of the following – particularly before any clinical work is allowed to take place: 

• A working with children Blue Card
• A national criminal history check
• Up to date vaccination requirements 
• A current Senior First Aid certificate
• A current CPR certificate
• Completion of cultural sensitivity training to be able to provide culturally safe care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
• A medical questionnaire

What ATAR is needed for Nursing?

As the exact ATAR for nursing is nearly impossible to predict from one year to the next, the best you can do is to aim for your very best. Nursing can be a highly rewarding career with endless possibilities both in Australia and beyond so the best programs can be competitive. The last few years of high school can put a great deal of pressure on young students so sometimes a little extra boost is just what they need to excel. 

If your child would benefit from additional outside support, A Team Tuition can help. With the right mindset and strategies in place, they’ll be looking at a bright career in nursing ahead.

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