ACT Senior Secondary Curriculum
The ACT senior secondary system recognises a range of university, vocational or life skills pathways.
A defining feature of the system is school-based curriculum. School-based curriculum provides flexibility for teachers to address students’ needs and interests. College teachers have an opportunity to develop courses for implementation across ACT schools. Based on the courses that have been accredited by the BSSS, college teachers are responsible for developing programs of learning. A program of learning is developed by individual colleges to implement the courses and units they are delivering.
Teachers must deliver all content descriptions; however, they do have flexibility to emphasise some content descriptions over others. It is at the discretion of the teacher to select the texts or materials to demonstrate the content descriptions. Teachers can choose to deliver course units in any order and teach additional (not listed) content provided it meets the specific unit goals.
Senior secondary curriculum makes provision for student-centred teaching approaches, integrated and project-based learning inquiry, formative assessment and teacher autonomy. ACT Senior Secondary Curriculum makes provision for diverse learners and students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, so that all students can achieve an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate.
A Courses
These courses have been deemed by the Board to be educationally sound and appropriate for students in Years 11 and 12.
T Courses
These courses have been deemed by the Board to prepare students for higher education.
M Courses
M classification is given to an accredited course which is considered by the Board to provide appropriate educational experiences for students who satisfy specific intellectual disability criteria.
V Courses
These courses may lead to the award of a Vocational Certificate or Statement of Attainment.
C Courses
These courses are accredited vocational education and training programs appropriate for students in Year 11 and 12, which are delivered and assessed by Registered Training Organisations.
H Courses
H classification is given to a year 11 and 12 course which is designed and accredited by an Australian higher education provider and the ACT BSSS. Successful completion of the course can be recognised towards an undergraduate degree with that provider.
R Courses
These courses are appropriate for students in Years 11 and 12 and are usually designed to provide personal development, recreational or community services activities.
E Courses
E courses are vocational programs registered with the BSSS which lead to a nationally recognised vocational qualification (Certificate or Statement of Attainment) and are delivered by an external Registered Training Organisation.
Design Specifications for ACT Senior Secondary Courses 
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