Secondary Senior Yrs 11-12 Boys & Girls (CRICOS 004847J) at Blackheath and Thornburgh College

Course Overview

Secondary Senior Yrs 11-12 Boys & Girls is a full-time, 104-week (2-year) course leading to a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. It is designed for students typically aged 15–18 who wish to complete Years 11 and 12 in Australia. The course is delivered in English at Blackheath and Thornburgh College's campus in Charters Towers, Queensland. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include a foundation studies or work component. As a CRICOS-registered course (004847J), it adheres to Australian Government standards for international education. Students will follow a curriculum covering general education subjects such as English, mathematics, science, humanities, and electives, tailored to meet QCE requirements. The provider, Blackheath and Thornburgh College, has been a private institution since 1976 and offers a supportive boarding environment. Charters Towers is home to a small but dedicated international student community, with public transport connecting to nearby Townsville. The College's website (www.btc.qld.edu.au) provides the most current information on curriculum and facilities.

What You'll Study

This course belongs to the broad field of Mixed Field Programmes, specifically General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes. At this level, students study a comprehensive curriculum that builds on earlier schooling and prepares them for post-secondary pathways. Typical learning areas include: English (or ESL support), Mathematics (including general mathematics or mathematical methods), Science (biology, chemistry, physics), Humanities (history, geography, business), and elective subjects such as arts, technology, or health. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and collaborative learning. Assessment includes written exams, assignments, and practical projects. Graduates typically achieve the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), which is recognized for university entry in Australia and overseas. While the exact syllabus is set by Blackheath and Thornburgh College in accordance with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), the course is designed to meet Australian education standards. For detailed subject offerings, refer to the College's course handbook.

Duration and Study Mode

The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time, on-campus program conducted in English. This is a single qualification, meaning students receive one certificate upon completion (the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education/QCE). There is no dual qualification or embedded VET component. The language of instruction is English, and students must be proficient to engage with the curriculum. The academic year typically runs from late January to early December, with four terms and holiday breaks. Attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to participate fully in classes and assessments. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government requirements for international student programs.

Fees (Indicative)

The total indicative fee for this course is A$108,620, broken down as tuition fees of A$70,556 and non-tuition fees of A$38,064. Please note: these are indicative amounts sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by Blackheath and Thornburgh College and may change. The non-tuition fees include accommodation (boarding), materials, and other administrative costs. Not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., food, transport, personal items), and the student visa application charge (currently A$710 for the main applicant). For international students, OSHC is mandatory and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Charters Towers are lower than in major cities—indicative weekly rent for shared accommodation is A$150–A$250, groceries A$60–A$80, and public transport (to school) is often included with boarding. Always confirm current fees directly with the College at www.btc.qld.edu.au before applying.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

To enter this course, students typically need to have completed Year 10 or equivalent in their home country. English proficiency is required, with an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent such as TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge). Some students may be offered English language support if their score is lower. No foundation or pathway studies are required for this course, but Blackheath and Thornburgh College may offer a High School Preparation (HSP) program for students needing additional English or academic skills. Academic transcripts, references, and a visa to study in Australia are also necessary. For students under 18, guardianship arrangements must be in place—this can be provided by the College (boarding) or a parent/guardian. Entry requirements are ultimately determined by the College; contact them directly for the most accurate information.

Work Component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake work placement, internships, or work experience as part of the curriculum. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work: up to 48 hours per fortnight during school terms and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Work must not interfere with studies. It is also important to note that while work is optional, students should be aware of visa conditions and tax obligations. If you wish to gain work experience, the College may offer voluntary opportunities or career counselling.

Delivery Locations

The course is delivered exclusively at Blackheath and Thornburgh College, located at 34-48 Abbott Street, Charters Towers, Queensland 4820. Charters Towers is a regional city approximately 130 km southwest of Townsville, with a population of around 12,000. It is known for its gold rush history and heritage buildings. The College is a boarding school offering a safe, rural environment. Students can access public transport to Townsville, where the nearest international airport and major services are located. With only a handful of CRICOS-registered providers in Charters Towers (around 2–3), this College is a key option for international students seeking a regional Australian high school experience. The campus provides modern facilities including science labs, a library, sports fields, and boarding houses. For city-based students, the quiet, supportive atmosphere of Charters Towers can be a major advantage.

Student Visa Information

International students who enroll in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study full-time in Australia. If the student is under 18 and an accompanying parent or guardian wishes to stay in Australia, that person typically applies for a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating an intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity is key: you must show you can cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year for a single student), OSHC, and travel. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for the duration of the visa. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks. Visa applications are lodged online with the Department of Home Affairs. For personalized advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department directly at homeaffairs.gov.au.

How to Apply for Secondary Senior Yrs 11-12 Boys & Girls at Blackheath and Thornburgh College

Applying to study this course is straightforward with HeadStart Academy's guidance. Follow these three steps:

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider is registered—Blackheath and Thornburgh College holds CRICOS code 00488D. Compare this course with other Senior Secondary programs in Queensland.

2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Contact Blackheath and Thornburgh College via www.btc.qld.edu.au. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent), and a completed application form. Check application deadlines (usually several months before term start). The College may require an interview or additional documentation for under-18 applicants.

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application online. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a valid passport. The visa processing time varies; apply 6–8 weeks in advance. For visa help, consult a MARA agent.

HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not process applications—we provide free information to help you navigate the process.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Senior Secondary Course in Queensland

Queensland offers a diverse range of Senior Secondary Certificate of Education programs, from schools in Brisbane to regional towns like Charters Towers. Here are some factors to weigh:

• **Location and lifestyle**: Charters Towers provides a close-knit community with a lower cost of living (indicative weekly rent A$150–A$250) compared to Brisbane (A$300–A$450). However, access to international airports and entertainment may require travel to Townsville (1.5 hours by car).
• **School type**: Blackheath and Thornburgh College is a private boarding school, offering a structured environment with pastoral care. Public schools may have lower fees but fewer support services for international students.
• **Curriculum outcomes**: This course leads to the QCE, which is accepted by Australian universities. If you plan to continue to university, check whether your intended university recognizes the QCE for entry.
• **Support for international students**: The College has dedicated international student coordinators, ESL support, and guardianship arrangements for under-18s. The regional setting can offer a more immersive English-speaking environment.
• **ESOS protections**: All CRICOS-registered providers must comply with the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance, refund policies, and student welfare. You can verify a provider's registration at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.

Take time to research and visit the school (online or in person) to ensure it matches your educational goals and personal preferences.

Take the next step towards your Australian education. Apply for Secondary Senior Yrs 11-12 Boys & Girls at Blackheath and Thornburgh College today. Visit www.btc.qld.edu.au for application forms and deadlines.

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