How to Choose the Right Year 11 and 12 Subjects | 2026 QCE Edition

Choosing the right subjects for Year 11 and 12 in Queensland is crucial for your success in the QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) and for keeping future study and career options open. With over 100 subjects and multiple pathways, it can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through a step-by-step approach to make confident, informed decisions.

Table of Contents

• Start with Your Interests and Strengths
• Consider Future Pathways and Prerequisites
• QCE Subjects and University Degree Requirements
• Manage Your Workload
• Understand Scaling and ATAR Impact
• Build a Balanced Subject Combination
• Make an Informed Decision

Step 1: Start with Your Interests and Strengths

The first step is to identify subjects you are passionate about and capable of succeeding in. You’ll spend hundreds of hours across Year 11 and 12 studying each subject, including class time, homework, assignments, and exam preparation.

For example:

• Maths Methods: ~120 hours in class across 2 years + additional weekly study
• Biology: ~120 hours in class + extra study time for practicals and assessments

Step 2: Consider Future Pathways and Prerequisites

Even if you aren’t sure about university yet, think about the options you want to keep open. Many courses have prerequisite subjects or recommended preparation:

• Medicine / Health Sciences: Chemistry, Biology, Mathematical Methods recommended
• Engineering / IT: Mathematics, Physics recommended
• Commerce / Business: Mathematical Methods recommended
• Law / Humanities: English recommended, Literature can boost analytical skills
• Psychology: Mathematical Methods and English recommended for statistics and research

QCE Subjects and University Degree Requirements | Year 11 & 12 Subject Guide

If you’re uncertain about your future, choose subjects that keep multiple pathways open. For example, a combination of Maths, Chemistry, English, and a Humanities or Arts subject preserves options for STEM, health, or commerce degrees.

Step 3: Manage Your Workload

QCE subjects vary in workload. Some include internal assessments (IA), practicals, or major projects:

• Limit yourself to 1–2 subjects with heavy project work to avoid burnout.
• Balance high-demand subjects (e.g., Maths Methods, Physics) with moderate-demand subjects (e.g., Humanities or Arts).
• Remember: you can drop a subject if needed, but moving up a level is not usually possible after Year 11.

Step 4: Understand Scaling and ATAR Impact

Some QCE subjects naturally scale higher for ATAR calculation. High-scaling subjects often include:

• Mathematical Methods / Specialist Maths
• Physics / Chemistry
• English / Literature

However, scaling should never be the main reason to pick a subject. Doing well in a subject you enjoy usually results in a better ATAR than struggling in a high-scaling subject you dislike.

Step 5: Build a Balanced Subject Combination

A good QCE subject combination balances:

• Strengths and interests to keep motivation high
• Prerequisites to keep post-school options open
• Workload to avoid overcommitment

Example balanced QCE selection (Year 11–12):

1. English (General or ATAR)
2. Mathematical Methods (ATAR)
3. Chemistry (ATAR)
4. Economics (ATAR)
5. Visual Arts (ATAR or General)

This mix covers STEM, Humanities, and Arts while managing workload and keeping future pathways open.

Step 6: Make an Informed Decision

Remember, choosing QCE subjects is about preparing yourself for success:

1. Prioritise subjects you enjoy and are good at.
2. Check prerequisites for potential university courses.
3. Manage workload carefully, especially for project-heavy subjects.
4. Consider scaling as a bonus, not the primary factor.
5. Aim for a balanced mix to maximise both your enjoyment and ATAR potential.

With careful planning, you can approach Year 11 and 12 with confidence, focus, and motivation—setting yourself up to achieve your best results.

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