Choice day is an innovative program, which was introduced at Cairns State High School to provide year eleven and twelve students with the opportunity to pursue alternative learning pathways. The program operates each Thursday and senior students have the choice of participating in a wide range of alternative pathways. The CHOICE program stands for:
Cairns High Opportunities for Individual Career Enhancement

CHOICE Day Brochure (2.6 MB): click here

Philosophy & Objectives

The program is based on the belief that each individual is unique with individual needs, strengths and aspirations and that in the twenty-first century a ‘one-size’ fits all approach to student learning is outmoded.

The program aims to provide students with the flexibility to build alternative pathways and learning experiences that better suit their individual needs into their senior phase of learning access to additional tuition to support and build on their current capabilities
the ability to pursue excellence in a particular field of their choice the opportunity to gain access to employment, vocational education and training while still at school.

General Information

Senior students are not required to attend regular classes each Thursday but must select from a range of alternative programs and activities designed to assist them with finding their own pathways to their future. Some of the programs students are able choose include:

• Work Experience
• School-Based Traineeships & Apprenticeships
• TAFE-SEC programs offered by the Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE and by on-line modes
• Tuition programs held at school each Thursday for Mathematics & Science subjects
• University programs
• Excellence programs in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Sport
• Paid employment
• Individual study
• Human Relationships Education Programs
• SET Planning
• QCS Test Preparation

Special features

The program offers students the flexibility to combine their mainstream schooling with other important activities which will contribute to their future success in gaining employment, entry to tertiary study and assist them in becoming well-rounded, active and informed citizens.

What makes us different

We are the only school in the district to offer students the flexibility of a program such as the CHOICE program. Many students choose to come to Cairns State High to enable them to take part in this program.

Achievements

The program has enabled more than 50 students to gain school-based apprenticeships and traineeships this year as well as over 30 students to participate in TAFE programs.

Our work experience program continues to be successful and has assisted close to 200 students to find work placements this year.

Students interested in improving their academic results also attend tutorials held at the school each Thursday.

The school’s excellence programs continue to be popular and they support events such as the school musical and other performances and exhibitions.

Past events

Choices Day is held annually to give year ten students information to help them to make decisions about the subjects and programs they will pursue during years eleven and twelve. The Choices Day is part of a series of programs including the Careers Expo, SET Planning program and Year 10-11 Subject Selection Evening which are aimed at assisting individual students to tailor the most appropriate senior schooling program to meet their individual needs.

This year the program was held on Thursday 16 August with Cairns State High School Heads of Department, TAFE, JCU and Vocational Education providers presenting subject information and program options to students as part of their overall Futures program.