This page provides support to all Year 10 students in making suitable decisions around subject selection as they move into Stage 6 in 2026. If you have any questions about anything on this site, please don't hesitate to contact Delvene Ahn on the school phone number or by email via delvene.soon@det.nsw.edu.au

Students will be provided with multiple opportunities for information that will benefit their SMART choices for Year 11 subjects. These include: 

• QHHS Senior Subject Expo (Term 1, Week 10 - Thursday 3rd April 2025)

• QHHS Stage 6 Subject Selection Information evening (Open Night) - (Term 2, Week 2 - Tuesday 6th May 2025)

• QHHS Stage 6 Information Handbook issued on QHHS Year 10 Subject Information Evening (to be used in tandem with the Senior Course Guide from Nirimba College)

• Subject flyers & videos 

• Subject Selection interviews (Term 2, Week 7 from 10th June)

See more information on these processes below.

Subject selection information
(for Year 10, 2025 / Year 11, 2026)

Stage 6 Subject selection Information Presentation

This year's Stage 6 Subject Selection information will be presented on the evening of the 6th May 2025. Please find the recorded version of the presentation below for students and families to refer back to. 

Subject Flyers and videos

Each subject being offered at QHHS has a flyer and/or video that includes important information about the course and should be a first point of reference for students and parents when researching potential subjects for Stage 6. A copy of all flyers are provided through a link once available.

Subject Selection student Interviews - term 2 week 7 - 10th june

Every student will have a one on one interview with a member of the Collegiate Subject Selection Team at QHHS to discuss their subject choices and to select their final subjects for Year 11. At this meeting students will be able to view information subjects being offered at the school they identified in the survey as the one they intend on attending and make their final selections. 

Students will also have the opportunity to view the subjects that are being offered on the "travel line" and may select to study one of these subjects.

Students will also be able to discuss and choose an option to study an eVET or external language course.

Parents are welcome to attend these interviews to assist their child in making their subject choices. Interview times can be organised after school hours if it assists parents attending their child's interview.

These interviews are currently planned to occur in Term 2 Week 7 (commencing the 10th June).

WHAT IF I still DON'T KNOW WHAT TO CHOOSE?

Speak to: 

• Your classroom teachers - they can answer your questions and make some recommendations based on their knowledge of your learning strengths and opportunities

• Faculty Head Teachers - as above

• Deputy Principal - Ms Maricic has conducted extensive interviews of Year 10 and has a lot of experience and knowledge in providing excellent guidance

• Careers Adviser - as above with Mr Hutton.

• Take a look at some resources below: 

Subjects with major projects

Design and Technology

In Design and Technology, the Major Design Project is externally assessed and contributes 60% of the final examination HSC mark, with 40% of the final exam mark coming from a 1.5-hour written exam. The Major Project includes an 80-page folio that details the proposal to find an innovative solution to a genuine problem, project management, evidence of creativity, design development, construction of prototypes, models and experimentation before an extensive evaluation of the project is provided. ​ Students are required to manage the whole process of their Major Project from start to finish. Students can start working on their project from Term 4 (Year 11). It is marked externally by NESA representatives.

Drama

In Drama, students have to produce an Individual Project (IP) where they choose one of the following: Monologue, Poster and Promotion, Lighting Design, Set Design, Costume Design, Script writing, Theatre Criticism, Applied Research task, Director's Folio or Video Drama. This is worth 30% of their HSC mark. Depending on the chosen project, students may have to purchase their own supplies to help them complete their IP. Students can start working on their IP during Term 4 of Year 11.

Students will also develop a group-devised performance (GP) from a list of topics that is worth 30% of their HSC mark. Students can work on their GP from Term 2 of Year 12. Both the IP and GP require a logbook to document the processes of each and are marked by external NESA representatives who either attend the school on a designated day during Term 3 to watch the performances or work at a marking centre where projects are sent.

The remaining 40% of the student's HSC mark is for their HSC Written Examination which is based on two topics: Contemporary Australian Theatre, and Studies in Drama and Theatre, that consist of two plays each.

Industrial Technology Multimedia

In Industrial Technology Multimedia, students have to produce a Major Project. The Major Project is externally marked by NESA representatives. The Major Project consists of making a multimedia related product using a program(s) of their choosing and documenting this process through a folio. The Practical project is worth 40% and the folio is worth 20% of the HSC mark. The remaining 40% is based on the HSC examination.

Students are required to manage the whole process of their Major Project from start to finish. Students can start making their project from Term 4 (Year 11). Students receive free access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite through the DET Portal and it can be renewed every 12 months.

Industrial Technology Timber

In Industrial Technology Timber, students have to produce a Major Project. The Major Project is externally marked by NESA representatives. The Major Project consists of making a furniture related product out of timber and documenting this process through a portfolio. The Practical project is worth 40% and the portfolio is worth 20% of the HSC mark. The remaining 40% is based on the HSC exam.

Students are required to manage the whole process of their Major Project from start to finish. This includes sourcing their own timber to produce their project. It is essential students source their timber as soon as possible, as they are on a strict time line to complete their projects. Students can start making their project from Term 4 (Year 11). Timber should be purchased no later than Week 5 of Term 4.

Music 1

In Music 1, students have to prepare for a practical examination. This is externally marked by NESA representatives. The following components are included in the practical exam:

1. Core Performance (20 marks)

2. Electives - You may choose any combination of three electives to the value of (60 marks). A student could choose 3x performances for electives, or a combination that includes composition and/or musicology. 

   • 1. Performance (20 marks) - Candidates will perform one piece on an instrument or voice. Maximum performance time will be 5 minutes.

     2. Composition (20 marks) - Candidates will compose and submit one original composition. Maximum composition length will be 4 minutes.

     3. Musicology (20 marks) - Candidates will prepare and present one Viva Voce. The length of Viva Voce will be 10 minutes.

Society and Culture

In Year 12 Society and Culture, students complete a major research project called the Personal Interest Project (PIP). The PIP is an opportunity for students to investigate any topic of their own choice which has relevance to human behaviour. In this project, the students focus on first-hand, primary research to explore their ideas and back this up with secondary research. The PIP gives the students 40% of their HSC mark, the other 60% coming from a two-hour exam. They will have three terms to complete the 4,000 to 5,500-word task. It is marked externally by NESA representatives.

Textiles and Design

Textiles and Design includes a Major Textiles Project or MTP which makes up 50% of your HSC mark and which is marked externally. Students must complete this project along with a folio that documents how the MTP was created. Students are required to manage the whole process of their Major Project from start to finish. You need to be organised and self-disciplined to stay on track with the completion of your Major Textiles Project over a number of months. Students can start working on their project from Term 4 (Year 11). It is marked externally by NESA representatives.

Visual Arts

In Visual Arts, students have to produce a Major Project (Body of Work). This is externally marked by NESA representatives. The Body of Work consists of developing and making an artwork or series of works in a material choice to the student. It should demonstrate the understanding of art making as a practice and represent the student's ideas and interests through the interpretation of subject matter and use of expressive forms. The Practical project is worth 50%. The remaining 50% is based on the HSC exam.

ATAR - Australian tertiary admissions rank

For more information on ATAR click here