Why study Head Start?  

Students choose to study a Head Start program because it provides:

• a taste of university

• credit towards a related UniSQ degree

• entry into a related UniSQ Degree (as long as prerequisites are met)

• 2 Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) points per unit

• the first course free of charge (and additional courses discounted)

• a large range of courses to choose from.

For more information about Head Start please visit UniSQ Head Start 

It is essential that students and their families understand the commitment they are undertaking before the commencement of any course. Students partaking in a Head Start course will be responsible for completing the necessary learning and assessment required. UniSQ expects 10-15 hours of work a week during the semester. It is a school expectation that students maintain passing grades for all other school subjects and remain on track to complete their QCE. 

Springfield Central State High supports students throughout their course by utilising the Pathways staff. It is a requirement that upon commencement of an external course, students reduce their school subject load by one subject. It is suggested that this “dropped” subject be an elective subject that falls on the day of the course. Students will be granted an Independent Study Line (ISL) to catch up on missed class work or to complete coursework. All students are expected to self-regulate and manage their time efficiently during these lessons. Students failing to meet these expectations may be returned to a structured class environment and possibly removed from their course. 

Students undertaking a Head Start course are representing themselves and our school and must demonstrate our school’s core values (Respect, Responsibility, Relationships and Resilience) at all times. 

This includes:

• completing course work on time

• communicating with staff when help is needed

• arriving to class on time

• wearing correct attire

• reporting absences to the Pathways office via pathways@springfieldcentralshs.eq.edu.au

Eligibility

Students must supply their most recent graded report card. The report card must feature a minimum of three (3) senior school subjects and students must have maintained a minimum B average (or 70% or higher). Acceptance into the course is determined by UniSQ. 

Students choosing to participate in Head Start in Year 11 and 12 are classified as being in the “Ranking” Pathway and may choose up to 3 General subjects (including General English). The Ranking Pathway is an alternate way for students to gain entry to university and an ATAR will not be needed. Students doing the Head Start Ranking pathway will have entry to UniSQ upon successful completion not other universities. 

How to Apply 

To start the application process please complete the details below:

I have read the above information about participating in an external pathways course and would support my child to pursue this pathway.

In particular I understand that:

• this is a university course and the workload can be up to 15 hours a week

• transport to and from the course is a family responsibility

• absences must be reported to the course provider and Pathways office

• course day conflicts (eg. school exam or excursion) need to be reported as soon as known so alternate arrangements can be negotiated