Senior Secondary Education provides the basis for further study in both higher education and vocational education and training, and for entry to the workforce.

The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

Entry to this level is by various pathways and may include the completion of Year 10 or equivalent.

This narrow level comprises the following detailed levels:

611  Year 12
612  Bridging and Enabling Course at Senior Secondary Level
613  Year 11

Year 12 provides the basis for further study in both higher education and vocational education and training, and for entry to the workforce. Year 12 marks the completion of secondary education.

The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

Entry to this level is usually the completion of Year 11 or equivalent.

The duration is usually one year of full-time study although this may vary according to the pathway taken.

Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is included in this category; local titles are used by States and Territories.

Bridging and Enabling Course at Senior Secondary Level provides specific background knowledge to allow further detailed study at a level higher than Senior Secondary Level for students who do not have the pre-requisite subject matter knowledge or who have not studied for some time.

The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

Entry to this level is by various pathways which may include the completion of Year 10 or equivalent, or completion of a recognised programme and/or recognition of prior learning.

Duration of education at this level may vary.

Year 11 provides the basis for further study in both higher education and vocational education and training, and for entry to the workforce. Year 11 is the first year of a two year programme usually needed to complete senior secondary education.

The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

Entry to this level is usually the completion of Year 10 or equivalent.

The duration is usually one year of full-time study although this may vary according to the pathway taken.

Junior Secondary Education develops knowledge of specific subjects by expanding on learning from the Primary Education level. It also provides a foundation for lifelong learning by preparing students for further study and enabling them to acquire work-related skills necessary for entry to the workforce.

The focus is on the further development of the eight key learning areas: the arts; English; health and physical education; languages other than English; mathematics; science; studies of society and environment; and technology. The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

The minimum entry requirement is usually the completion of Year 6 for NSW, Vic., QLD, WA, Tas., NT, ACT and Year 7 for SA.

This narrow level comprises the following detailed levels:

621  Year 10
622  Year 9
623  Year 8
624  Year 7 (excluding SA)

Year 10 develops knowledge of specific subjects by expanding on Year 9 education. It also provides a foundation for lifelong learning by preparing students for further study and enabling them to acquire work-related skills necessary for entry to the workforce.

The focus is on the further development of the eight key learning areas: the arts; English; health and physical education; languages other than English; mathematics; science; studies of society and environment; and technology. The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

Entry to this level is usually the completion of Year 9.

The duration is usually one year of full-time study.

Year 9 develops knowledge of specific subjects by expanding on Year 8 education. It also provides a foundation for lifelong learning by preparing students for further study and enabling them to acquire work-related skills necessary for entry to the workforce.

The focus is on the further development of the eight key learning areas: the arts; English; health and physical education; languages other than English; mathematics; science; studies of society and environment; and technology. The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

Entry to this level is usually the completion of Year 8.

The duration is usually one year of full-time study.

Year 8 develops knowledge of specific subjects by expanding on Year 7 education. It also provides a foundation for lifelong learning by preparing students for further study.

The focus is on the further development of the eight key learning areas: the arts; English; health and physical education; languages other than English; mathematics; science; studies of society and environment; and technology. The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

Entry to this level is usually the completion of Year 7.

The duration is usually one year of full-time study.

Year 7 (excluding SA) develops knowledge of specific subjects by expanding on the learning from Primary Education level. It also provides a foundation for lifelong learning by preparing students for further study.

The focus is on the further development of the eight key learning areas: the arts; English; health and physical education; languages other than English; mathematics; science; studies of society and environment; and technology. The balance between breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and between academic disciplines and applied and work-related courses may vary.

Entry to this level is usually the completion of Year 6.

The duration is usually one year of full-time study.