 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
AQF & the Schools Sector
AQF and Schools
The Australian Qualifications Framework and Pathways
What is the AQF?The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national system endorsed by the Australian Government and therefore an AQF qualification is recognised all around Australia and by other countries. AQF qualifications link with each other, creating learning pathways between school, vocational education and training and university as your education and career ambitions change or develop. |
Why should I get AQF qualifications?
In the world of the third millennium, most jobs will require a nationally-recognised qualification for entry, most careers will involve continuous upgrading of skills and knowledge, and most people will be engaged in lifelong learning.
AQF qualifications are a nationally recognised currency and facilitate access to employment, helping you to accommodate learning and earning. Under the AQF, you can start at the level that suits you and then build up as your needs and interests develop and change over time.
In this way, AQF qualifications are a form of accrued personal power for everyone.
Why is the AQF important for me?
The Australian Qualifications Framework is an important resource for students planning their future learning and career pathways because the qualifications are designed in a flexible interlinking sequence, allowing you to move from one qualification to the next.
It is can also assist you to navigate between a variety of different pathways, taking academic and vocational courses as you need and providing credit and recognition for the knowledge and skills you already have. Whether you want to win that new job, get a promotion, work interstate or overseas, change career or upgrade your skills, the AQF helps you make the most of your qualifications.
VET in SchoolsSchools across Australia are increasingly offering a greater number of industry-based units of competency within the school curriculum which allows you to combine general and vocational studies and to gain practical business and industry experience which will help you get a job. Undertaking industry-based training while at school can also help you to gain a dual qualification, your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and credits towards a Vocational Certificate, Diploma or Degree qualification if you decide to go on to study at a TAFE, a university or with another private provider. Here are some examples of the VET in Schools pathways from school to work, to TAFE or other VET providers and to Higher Education institutions. |
|
Graduates of traineeships and apprenticeships will receive an AQF qualification enabling entry to a range of occupations, as listed in the Commonwealth Government's Jobguide. The training and skills you gain through a traineeship or apprenticeship can also be built upon by further education, allowing you to advance your career or change occupations. For further information on Traineeships and Australian Apprenticeships, check out the Commonwealth Government's Australian Apprenticeship website. |
|
Statements of Attainment: Recognition Even if you don't Finish a Course or Qualification
A Statement of Attainment is a formal record which gives you credit for the work you have done towards a qualification or other forms of recognised training, even if you don’t finish. A Statement of Attainment will identify the subjects or units of competency you have achieved through partial completion of the qualification, or a nationally accredited short course. You can use your Statement of Attainment for employment purposes, or for entry or credit into further study.
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
Guideline (Revised November 2004)
- Purpose
- Context
- Learning Outcomes
- Authority
- Characteristics
- Responsibility for Assessment
- Pathways to, through and from the Qualification
Full-Time School Study
A two-year post Year 10 Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education program.Schools/TAFE Programs
A Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education program incorporating units of competency from a National Training Package or recognising other community based learning.A combination of an accredited course of study and credit for prior learning which may include a formally recognised program or other learning achieved by an individual, meeting the quality assurance requirements of the senior secondary certificate.
- Authority to Issue the Qualification
- Certification Issued
To assist employers, employees, professional associations, unions, curriculum developers, accrediting bodies and the wider public, including students, parents, and education and training bodies, to understand factors determining the level of the qualification.
Senior Secondary Certificates of Education (local titles are used at State/Territory level) certify the completion of secondary education.
At a State/Territory level, requirements for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education are set by statutory authorities which are responsible for the development and accreditation of courses of study, assessment, issuance of the qualification and associated quality assurance and consultative processes.
The characteristics of learning outcomes at this level include the knowledge, skills and understandings, both generic and subject-specific, required as a basic preparation for civic life, work and life long learning. These are developed through studies that may include academic disciplines, vocational education and training, and community based learning.
In each State/Territory, statutory authorities are responsible for determining assessment requirements and ensuring that assessment standards are maintained through appropriate quality assurance processes. The work of the statutory authorities is underpinned by nationally agreed principles of integrity and quality in assessment and certification.
Entry to this qualification normally requires the equivalent of Year 10. Adult students may undertake the qualification without necessarily having completed Year 10 and in most States/Territories may receive recognition for prior learning.
Pathways through the qualification may include
These examples suggest only some of a wide range of possible programs of study. They are not intended to be prescriptive, nor are they limited to this particular qualification.
Time taken to gain the qualification will vary according to the pathway taken but typically requires two years of full-time study (normally Years 11 and 12) although students who are able to meet the requirements may commence studies in earlier years. Longer part-time programs are available in most States. Some States specify a limit of 5 years for the completion of the certificate requirements; others have no limits.
Pathways for students who complete the requirements of the Certificate can include higher education, vocational education and training and direct entry to the workforce or a combination thereof.
The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is issued in each State/Territory by a statutory authority.
A qualification is:
formal certification, issued by a relevant approved body, in recognition that a person has achieved learning outcomes relevant to identified individual, professional, industry or community needs.
Each State/Territory has legislative responsibility for authorising the issue of the Certificate. These qualifications may be referred to using a number of local titles at State/Territory level.
Individuals who complete some of the requirements for the Certificate will receive a record of their achievements.
The State/Territory statutory authorities are responsible for providing and maintaining records in relation to the above.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |