Languages and specialist programs

Some schools offer excellence programs in a particular field, or you may be looking for a school that teaches a specific language or subject.

Languages other than English

Languages other than English or LOTE programs are provided to all Year 6, 7 and 8 state school students and include languages such as:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages
• Australian sign language (Auslan)
• Chinese (Mandarin)
• French
• German
• Indonesian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Spanish.

The languages offered by a school are decided by the school principal and community.

Find LOTE programs offered in Queensland schools.

Language immersion programs

There are 10 state schools that offer language immersion programs. Students advance their language skills by completing 50–60% of the curriculum in a language other than English. Schools offering language immersion programs are:

• Benowa State High School
• Crescent Lagoon State School
• Ferny Grove State High School
• Indooroopilly State High School
• Kenmore State High School 
• Mansfield State High School
• North Lakes State College
• Park Ridge State High School 
• Robina State High School 
• Varsity College.

Visit the school website for further information and contact details.

Schools offering specialist programs

Queensland academies

Queensland academies are state schools that have links to universities and target their programs to highly capable Year 10–12 students interested in specific industries.

They offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program—an internationally recognised pre-university qualification that allows subjects to be accelerated. Graduating students can study at Australian tertiary institutes as well as overseas universities.

• Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology—partnered with The University of Queensland to offer students enriched studies in areas like health, engineering, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics and the sciences.
• Queensland Academy for Creative Industries—partnered with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) for students wishing to pursue a career in design and technology, media, film, music, arts or one of the emerging creative professions.
• Queensland Academy for Health Sciences—partnered with Griffith University. This academy helps students to pursue clinical professions, including medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, optometry, as well as careers in public health, education and medical research.

Apply for entry to a Queensland academy

Gateway schools

There are more than 70 state schools that engage with industry partners, training institutes and universities to create career and educational pathways for students. These gateway schools are part of a network that offer specialist educational opportunities in areas like:

• agribusiness
• building and construction
• manufacturing and engineering
• wine tourism
• aerospace
• minerals and energy.

Read more about gateway schools.

School-based excellence programs

Many schools offer their own excellence programs in academic, sporting or performing arts streams. These are often combined with vocational education programs. Students can complete certificate level qualifications in addition to their normal school curriculum.

Find out what programs are offered at your local school by visiting the school website or contacting the school directly.