Queensland Academy for Health Sciences

Southport, Gold Coast. QAHS opened in 2008 at Southport, enrolling highly-capable secondary students in Years 10 to 12. QAHS is co-located with Griffith University on the Gold Coast.

Years 10–12

Selective state high school

Monday–Friday; Lesson 1 8:30–9:30, Lesson 2 9:30–10:30, Break 10:30–11:10, Lesson 3 11:10–12:10, Lesson 4 12:10–1:05, Lesson 5 1:05–2:00.

Year 10 curriculum – preparation for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The objectives are to prepare students for the IB DP in Year 11; expose students to each subject so they can make principled subject selections; provide insight into real-world applications of the subjects; and inspire continued study in these fields. A comprehensive overview of course content and assessment is published on the Academy e-learning site. The Senior IB curriculum follows the Diploma Programme model, with six subject groups surrounding a core; students study these subjects concurrently and may choose an additional subject from Group 3 (humanities) or Group 4 (sciences) instead of Group 6 (arts). The Diploma carries a maximum of 45 points, with up to 3 extra points available via Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, and a minimum of 24 required to be awarded the Diploma. The Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups plus the core.

In 2025 QAHS IB results: mean IB Diploma score 37; mean ATAR equivalent 91; 4 x IB45 top scores, 7 x IB44, 10 x IB43, 11 x IB42, 7 x IB41, 13 x IB40. Equivalence is based on the IB Australasian base conversion. University outcomes show course credits achieved by QAHS students: 288 at Griffith University, 408 at The University of Queensland, and 568 at Queensland University of Technology.

QAHS graduates progress to tertiary study at Griffith University, The University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology.

QAHS offers opt-in enrichment experiences through the QAHS Enrichment Hub on MyQA, with enrichment across science, languages, arts and competitions; in 2025 there were over 1,200 enrichment engagements; the Languages and Cultural Enrichment portfolio includes Group 2 French, Mandarin and Spanish, and QAHS students participated in language competitions and other enrichment activities.

The QAHS wellbeing framework is based on a Positive Psychology approach that grounds all health and wellbeing initiatives to help staff and students thrive. The Wellbeing Mission Statement commits to the health and wellbeing of the QAHS community, guiding members to develop strengths, positive relationships, resilience and optimistic dispositions so they can bounce forward and live the IB Learner Profile. The QAHS Three Year Plan for Wellbeing aligns the five core elements of wellbeing with PERMA+ across staff, students and the broader community. The environment fosters belonging and supports strategies that help individuals grow personally and socially. This wellbeing focus underpins learning and participation in the IB Diploma program.

English is the language of instruction at QAHS. The language policy recognises multilingualism and provides access for students learning in languages other than English, including options for Language B and a school-supported self-taught language program (SSSTL) to foster multilingual development. Students with an English as an Additional Language (EAL) background receive appropriate second-language support in English, which may include in-class support or withdrawal classes. If a student is less proficient in English than in their mother tongue, appropriate language support is provided to assist language development and academic success. Fluency in English is expected for academic purposes, and the policy supports bilingual approaches to maintain linguistic and cultural diversity.

The Inclusion Policy recognises mental health as a key element of student support and outlines procedures to identify and respond to mental health needs. The Student Services Team, including the Guidance Officer, coordinates identification, planning and delivery of wellbeing supports and may involve external providers when required. On-campus resources include access to a Guidance Officer and, as needed, a School Based Youth Health Nurse (SBYHN) to support student health and wellbeing. The policy emphasizes case-managed support and ongoing monitoring of student wellbeing and coping strategies.

The Complaints Management Policy requires harm or risk of harm to a student to be dealt with under the Student Protection procedure. The Inclusion Policy sets out identification, support and safeguarding processes, with the Guidance Officer and Student Services Team coordinating responses to ensure safety, belonging and rights for all students. On-campus health and wellbeing supports, including the SBYHN, may be involved, and external providers can be engaged when necessary to safeguard students. Staff and parents collaborate to address concerns and protect student welfare in line with Education Queensland guidelines.

1. Entry point and eligibility. The Queensland Academies have a single entry point into the senior years program at the start of Year 10. There are no mid-course entries into the Academy program unless the specified conditions apply. Acceleration requests require evidence of giftedness; if appropriate evidence is provided with the application, applicants may be invited to a pre-admissions interview with the Principal or delegate, the Guidance Officer and the student's parents to evaluate readiness. 2. Acceleration and mid-course entry. Acceleration may be used for entry into Year 10, with appropriate evidence of giftedness provided with the application. Mid-course entry may be considered for students entering Year 10 from another school or in extenuating circumstances, and is assessed by the Principal considering entry point, prior program, availability of places, and suitability against selection criteria. Mid-course entry cannot be sought if the student has previously had an unsuccessful application in that year. 3. Eligibility and application overview. The process focuses on eligibility for enrolment and the Academy's selection criteria as outlined in the Enrolment Eligibility Plan. The Principal may cease processing an application for a future student if it is found that the entitlement to enrolment was obtained through false or misleading statements. 4. Application and information collection. A student can submit one application per year and commits to a particular campus when applying. The application collects contact details, medical history, educational history, accommodation requirements, achievements and aspirations. All information relevant to the assessment must be disclosed at submission, and if information becomes available later, it must be provided to Queensland Academies as soon as possible and prior to acceptance. 5. Documents to prepare. A recent photograph of the applicant, birth certificate or passport, visa evidence for international students, a medical diagnosis letter if applicable, evidence of giftedness, two most recent semester reports, and NAPLAN results for relevant years. Incomplete information will not progress to the interview stage. 6. Year 10 application submission. Year 10 applications are submitted via the dedicated Queensland Academies portal. An offer is not guaranteed and vacancies may not exist; successful enrolment depends on meeting eligibility criteria and achieving a competitive selection outcome. 7. Entrance test. The Entrance Test is a series of tests lasting about three hours and is conducted by Edutest. Tests assess both ability (reasoning and problem solving) and achievement (academic performance). 8. Interview. Applicants invited to interview must bring a sample of academic work that demonstrates their reasoning and communication abilities. A one-page A4 statement of academic journey may be requested to accompany the work sample, and a portfolio is not required. 9. Selection process. The selection assesses demonstrated academic ability, commitment, work ethic, organisation, personal behaviour, and suitability for a rigorous program. The process includes the entrance test, analysis of school reports, and an interview. 10. Final decisions and conduct. The Principal makes all selective-entry enrolment decisions, which are final with no internal appeal and no routine feedback of test results. 11. Re-interview arrangements. If justifiable circumstances exist, a student may be re-interviewed to provide further information or clarity before a final decision is made. 12. Re-applying and inter-academy transfers. Students seeking to re-apply should seek advice from the Queensland Academies Admissions Office before submitting a new application. Transfers between Academies or changes of campus preference prior to commencement require written reasons and are decided by the relevant Principals. 13. Homestay and international arrangements. Queensland Academies facilitate homestay arrangements for international students under stringently enforced standards, including coordination with providers and health and safety checks. Applications for homestay are managed through the Admissions Office, and the Queensland Government requires appropriate oversight of accommodation. 14. Brilliant Futures Gold Coast program. Brilliant Futures Gold Coast offers a preparation enrichment program for students wishing to commence Year 10 at QAHS on the Gold Coast and is limited to QAHS Gold Coast. Year 6 students may apply, and involvement includes engagement with enrichment activities and testing requirements, subject to campus-specific rules and availability.