Queensland Academies Review

Queensland Academies (QA) are co-educational selective entry independent state schools for Years 10 to 12. Launched in 2007, this innovative educational program bridges high school and tertiary study while maximising high achieving students potential. There are three Queensland Academies campuses, each specialising in a different field. The Queensland Academies Science, Mathematics and Technology Campus is located in Toowong and focuses on non-core subjects in Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics and Mathematical studies. The Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus in Kelvin Grove is dedicated to the creative arts including Music, Film, Theatre, Design Technology and Visual Arts. The Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus in Southport focuses on Health Sciences subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Students at Queensland Academies study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) – a highly respected, internationally recognised pre-university qualification that prepares students not only for university but life beyond the classroom.

Queensland Academies Philosophy and Values

Queensland Academies Mission Statement:

“We are dedicated to empowering Queensland’s brightest students in a collaborative, supportive educational environment to realise their potential through a world class curriculum and facilities.” (Source: Queensland Academies)

International Baccalaureate® Mission Statement:

“The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” (Source: International Baccalaureate®)

Facilities at Queensland Academies

With state-of-the-art facilities, Queensland Academies deliver world-class education to students across three campuses. To enhance the specialised learning offered, each QA campus has specific resources and facilities that include lecture theatres, science laboratories, studios, galleries and performance theatres. Queensland Academies benefit from strong partnerships with universities that provide access to additional resources and facilities. All campuses are wireless with modern libraries and outdoor spaces. Queensland Academies operates the ICT platform, which enables students 24/7 access to lesson content and specialised interactive tools that give them the ability to control their learning.

Queensland Academies Co-Curricula Activities and Other Programs

The aim of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is “to enable students to become globally engaged and develop their thinking, communication, self-management, teamwork and research skills.” (Source: Queensland Academies) The accelerated academic subjects and the format in which IBDP curriculum is delivered better prepares students for university study.

Part of the IBDP philosophy is the holistic education of individuals by fostering compassionate and active global citizens. To support this philosophy, Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) is a mandatory part of the IB Diploma. By participating in CAS activities, students have opportunities to work cooperatively with others and gain self-awareness. Programs available include art, theatre, dance, music, debating and mooting as well as community focused activities and various individual and team sports. Through the CAS program, students gain a Certificate II in Active Volunteering giving them access to Gap year Volunteering projects.

Brilliant Futures program:

Open to talented Year 5 and 6 students, the Queensland Academies Brilliant Futures Program offers a pathway into the Queensland Academies campuses in Year 10. This program has a rigorous selective entry process and once accepted, students participate in an ambitious preparation program where they will build a portfolio through online courses and face-to-face workshops. The Brilliant Futures program prepares students for the academically demanding IB Diploma course.

Young Scholars program:

The Young Scholars Program provides highly capable Years 5 to 9 students with challenging learning opportunities outside of their regular schooling. The workshop and online program provide students with the chance to be involved in a variety of enriching learning experiences across a diverse range of subjects.

Enrolment at Queensland Academies Campus

Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus is a selective entry school where acceptance is based on academic merit; therefore entry is not automatic or based on a catchment area. The admissions process at Queensland Academies is a personalised service that ensures students are prepared for the rewarding challenges that lie ahead. Students applying to one of the Queensland Academies are required to submit an application form, sit an entrance exam, and take part in an interview. An information pack detailing the admissions process is available and applications can be submitted online via the Queensland Academies website.

Each of the Academies offers a number of scholarships for students entering Year 10. Scholarships are valid for three years and cover 100% of the annual International Baccalaureate fee as well as the student resource scheme, providing the student upholds the terms of the scholarship. To learn more about Queensland Academies and tour the individual campuses you can join one of the Open Days in July. Members of the Admissions team will be there to guide future students through the admission process.

Queensland Academies at a Glance

• Address: Education House, Level 18, 30 Mary Street, Brisbane QLD Australia 4000
• Phone: 07 3377 9366
• Enrolment capacity:
  • Creative Industries Campus – 450 students in Years 10, 11 and 12
  • Health Sciences Campus – 450 students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
  • Science, Mathematics and Technology Campus – 711 students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
• Years 10 – 12
• Co-educational
• Open Day: Each campus hosts an open day in July
• Three Specialised campuses: Creative Industries, Health Sciences and Science, Mathematics and Technology.
• Students study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)
• Flexible curriculum allowing accelerated studies
• Range of entry processes offered to IB graduates at Universities including: full scholarships, second year entry credit for IB subjects studied and automatic entry
• Technology-rich facilities
• Language programs: French, Mandarin, Spanish and German
• Mentor program
• Homestay program
• Co-curricular activities:
  • School-based creativity, action and service (CAS) activities
  • Arts
  • Dance
  • Theatre
  • Debating
  • Music
  • Community focused activities
  • Individual and team sports
• Brilliant Futures Program for students in Year 5 and 6
• Young Scholars Program for students in Year 5 and 9

Why Choose Queensland Academies

If your child is a high achiever in need of an engaging and challenging school environment, then Queensland Academies could be the right fit. With three specialised campuses, students can focus on their preferred professional pathway before they commence university. Students are supported by teachers and support staff who work closely with small groups of students to develop one on one mentoring roles that ensure students thrive as members of the Queensland Academies community.

The accelerated academic subjects and the format in which IB curriculum is delivered along with unique University partnerships prepare students for university study. This style of learning also encourages students to be socially responsible, critically thinking leaders with an enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and lifelong learning. The recognition of IBDP at Universities both in Australia and overseas gives graduates the opportunity to study at some the world’s most prestigious universities.

For further information about Queensland Academies, please visit www.qa.eq.edu.au or call 07 3377 9366.

To learn more about each Queensland Academies Campus, you can read our reviews here:

Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus Review

Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus Review

Queensland Academies Science, Mathematics and Technology Campus Review