What does ATAR and QCE mean (the Year 12 result ranking and certification)?
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is Queensland’s senior school qualification, which is awarded to eligible students at the end of Year 12. An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is internationally recognised, allowing direct entry into Australian universities and universities worldwide including New Zealand, Malaysia, Canada, United Kingdom, USA and many other European countries. The ATAR is a ranking, not a score. There is no pass or fail ATAR. The ATAR is used by universities to select students and is calculated by state authorities. ATARs are calculated from five subjects, and the student must pass English to get an ATAR.
What sort of food do Australians typically eat?
- We have a varied diet ranging from cereals, toast, juice and fresh fruits/yoghurts or eggs for breakfast.
- Lunch may take the form of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, sushi or meats/salads.
- Dinners are very international, with families enjoying anything from a BBQ to Schnitzels, Pies with vegetables and salad to Mexican (Tacos, Burritos, Nachos), Italian (Pastas and Pizzas), Asian (stir fries, curries etc) and more.
What happens on a typical school day before and after school?
- Depending on the host family’s location, students may typically have breakfast around 7am and arrive at school around 8.15am. School hours are from 8.25am to 3.05pm each day.
- After school, students may choose to participate in a co-curricular activity – either sport, music or a club (chess, debating, robotics, etc).
- Students would be home by approximately 5.30pm and can study or have their own time.
- Australian families tend to have evening meals together and after dinner, students can again study, have their own time or watch television/play games with their host family.
What are some activities my child may do on the weekend with their host family?
- Travel to nearby theme parks (Australia Zoo or Wildlife HQ) or attractions (Thrill Hill Waterslide Park, Aqua Parks at Bli Bli and Coolum Beach, Sea Life at Mooloolaba)
- Go to the beach
- Visit a national park and do a bushwalk
- Go shopping at a shopping centre or go to the cinema to watch a movie
- Go out to a meal at a café or restaurant
- Do classes such as arts and craft, visit markets and more
