Senior Showcase stars
24 August 2009
Three schools contesting the RACQ Showcase Award for Excellence in the Senior Phase of Learning are linking students with life beyond school, Rebecca Perry writes.
Alexandra Hills State High School
Year 12 students assist Year 8 students with their literacy skills as part of the many leadership roles on offer at Alexandra Hills State High School.
Last year, Year 12 students from Alexandra Hills State High in Brisbane became the district's highest achievers, with 81 per cent of students receiving a Queensland Certificate of Education, which is above the state average.
Head of senior schooling Terri Saunders said the results were largely because of a positive intervention program.
The program included more than 150 student leadership positions to encourage pride and discipline, regular meetings with students who were experiencing difficulties and partnerships with neighbouring Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE.
'Even though we are a large school, education has become more personalised whereby staff are more aware of the needs of students and the issues impacting on their success,' Ms Saunders said.
Academic achievement has improved significantly with 75 per cent of the school's OP eligible students last year achieving an OP 1 to 15.
The number of certificate qualifications achieved by students has also risen from 94 in 2006 to 219 in 2008.Alexandra Hills State High School website 
Centenary Heights State High School
Retention rates and academic results are among the benefits of Centenary Heights State High's Flexi School but one of its greatest achievements has been the tangible difference it has made to young lives over the past six years.
The flexible facility uses intensive case management strategies to support students who have become alienated from mainstream schools while battling a range of serious issues.
Head of department Jo Brennan said it took the right people to make the facility work.
'We look at what we can see but also what we can't see such as the social and emotional needs of young people,' Ms Brennan said.
'The students' transition to become responsible citizens is extraordinary.
'The community also has a significant role in supporting the students.'
Through the Changing Lives by Breaking the Cycle program, 95 per cent of last year's graduates have jobs or are enrolled in further study.
Centenary Heights State High School website
Tagai State College
School's out ... Tagai State College's 2008 Year 12 students celebrate their successful graduation last year.
Tagai State College's efforts to promote post-school options for students are working wonders.
Over the past two years, the number of students going onto university has doubled and more students are gaining full-time work.
With 18 campuses covering 48,000 square kilometres, the college operates a 'service guarantee' that every Year 12 graduating student must be employed, or in university or a vocational and training program within six months of finishing school.
Executive officer Kate Denzin said staff were looking at student outcomes as opposed to just teaching.
'Families are very pleased that the school is meeting the demands of the community,' Ms Denzin said.
Other languages