The senior curriculum allows students at Beerwah High to pursue multiple pathways including a rigorous academic program, a contemporary arts program, a skills based vocational program or a combination of these.

Senior Schooling begins with Year 10, which is a transition year from middle schooling and where there is an emphasis on developing rigour and independent learning. Year 10 students attend school five days a week, beginning at 9.10 a.m. and studying 4 x 70-minute lessons in a day.

Developing a Student Education and Training Plan is also an integral component of Year 10 and a vital link to Years 11 and 12.

A pre-vocational Trade Skills Acquisition program based around the manufacturing and construction industries is also offered to some students in Year 10. During Year 10, 11 and 12 students may also be able to participate in short-term vocational courses, usually accessed through the Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE.

Year 11 and 12 students attend school four days a week, beginning at 8.00am and studying 5 x 70-minute lessons in a day. In 2006, Thursday is the non-timetable day for Year 12 and Wednesday for Year 11.

On the non-timetabled day, students have a range of options. They are encouraged to participate in school based traineeships or work placement. In 2005, 35% of the total senior cohort were engaged in school based traineeships. As one of the learning outcomes all students are expected to achieve by the end of Year 12 is experience in, and understanding of the world of work, students are also encouraged to find paid part-time employment. This day also provides an opportunity to revise, study and to do assignments. At certain times during the year, the school holds tutorials of workshops and extension activities.

Beerwah High has an integrated, total school community approach to Vocational Education and Training that actually engages 100% of senior students at Beerwah State High School. It is a collaborative partnership between Beerwah State High School, our local community, local industry and business and training providers.

Vocational Education and Training at Beerwah High sets the benchmark for innovation and excellence by fostering vocational education and training for all students, thus creating pathways to employment and further education for young people assisting them to break the unemployment cycle.

Our goal is that all students graduating from Beerwah High School, will have at least one vocational education qualification.

The Beerwah High School community identified early the importance of education that prepares young people for the world of work. Through a general commitment to continually improve the range and number of opportunities young people have to gain vocational knowledge, skills and nationally recognised qualifications, Beerwah High School has successfully built an educational structure which meets the needs of all students.

On-the-Job Training

• Nationally recognised structured training through School-Based Apprenticeships/ Traineeships (SATs).
• Structured work placement aligned to accredited Queensland Studies Authority subjects.
• Access to flexible learning day as a result of 4-day senior timetable.
• Identification of skills and competencies to be covered in the workplace.
• Needs analysis of student and host trainer/employer.
• Development of a comprehensive delivery training plan.
• Signed Training Agreement by all stakeholders.
• Development of assessment strategies.
• Workplace visits.
• Continual liaison and collaboration with all stakeholders.
• Progress evaluation and assessment.

Off-the-Job Training

• Successful negotiation between TAFE or Private Registered Training Organisations to ensure flexibility in delivery mode and timing for SATs.
• Intensive short block training in school holidays where appropriate.
• Access to extension courses e.g. Bar Course.
• No interruption to mainstream schooling.
• Multiple pathways and multiple apprenticeships and traineeship programs available.
• Productive partnerships to coordinate delivery of training through credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning.
• Shared information and communication between stakeholders.

School Projects

• Comprehensive career education and future options planning program embedded into the school curriculum.
• Future Options Expo.
• Sunskills Expo.
• Senior Education and Training Plan interviews with school/student and teacher.
• Trade Skills Acquisition Program.

Thus, vocational education and training is embedded as an integral part of school culture and has led to greater student engagement, a high proportion of students completing Year 11 and 12 graduate with a VET qualification and most importantly, Individual pathways that enable students to transition to employment or further study at university a TAFE College or a registered training organisation.