A John Paul College teacher and international students mapping out a subject-selection plan together
Year 10 Subject Planner

Your Starts in Year 10

From a career goal today to a university course tomorrow.

Tell us the career you dream of — we’ll show you the study area it belongs to and the John Paul College subjects to consider, so your senior years keep the door to university wide open

Find My Pathway How It Works
Your Guide to Year 10

Three Steps to a Confident Choice

Year 10 is where your senior pathway begins. The subjects you choose now build the foundation for the Year 11 & 12 courses that meet Queensland university entry requirements. Here’s how this planner helps.

Name Your Goal

Type in a career you’re dreaming of — like Lawyer, Engineer or Nurse. We’ll match it to the university study area (or areas) it belongs to.

See Your Subjects

We highlight the JPC Year 10 subjects that build toward the senior prerequisites for that goal. Click any subject to see what you’ll study, term by term.

Build Your Plan

Drag your compulsory and elective subjects into a practice Year 10 plan — ready to talk through with your family and our Careers team.

Step One

What Do You Want to Become?

There are no wrong answers — and you can change your mind as often as you like. This is just a place to start.

Type the career you dream of — then press Show My Pathway.

Step Two

The Subjects JPC Offers in Year 10

Everyone studies English, Mathematics and Science, then chooses electives. Once you’ve set a career goal above, the subjects that build toward its university prerequisites glow gold. Click any subject to see the course and assessment.

Compulsory English — choose one

English is the number-one prerequisite for almost every university course, so an academic English is the smart choice if you’re aiming for university.

Compulsory Mathematics — choose one

Mathematics is the second most common prerequisite. Some pathways (engineering, sciences, health) need Mathematical Methods.

Compulsory Science — choose one

Health, science and many international pathways expect a senior science, which starts with the right Year 10 course.

Electives Choose subjects you enjoy and that fit your goal

Year 10 students study three (3) elective subjects from the list below. Because it may not be possible for everyone to get their preferred subjects, each student nominates six (6) subjects in order of preference — write 1 to 6 in the “Preference” column, with 1 being your top choice and 6 your lowest priority. The half-year courses are chosen in fixed pairs — Business with Law, and Accounting with Economics. Each pair shares one preference number but counts as two of your six subjects.

Step Three

Build Your Practice Year 10 Plan

Tap a subject to add it (or drag it on a computer). Choose one English, Maths and Science, then up to six elective preferences. This is a practice plan to talk through — not your official selection.

Available Subjects

Tap to add • tap again in your plan to remove

English (pick 1)

Mathematics (pick 1)

Science (pick 1)

Electives (pick up to 6)

Compulsory Subjects

0 / 3
English
Mathematics
Science

Elective Preferences

0 / 6

Your elective choices appear here in preference order — number 1 is your top choice. A semester pair shares one preference but counts as two of your six subjects.

Talk to Our Team

This is a guide, not your final subject selection. It shows subjects that keep a university pathway open for your goal, based on JPC’s Year 10 offerings and Queensland university entry requirements. Availability of some electives depends on numbers, and every senior pathway is confirmed with our Careers team and readiness criteria. Talk it through with your family and teachers before you submit your official selection.

Real JPC Journeys

Graduates Who Started Where You Are

These John Paul College graduates once sat in Year 10 choosing subjects, just like you. Each followed a pathway you can map with the planner above — and each is a real story from our alumni.

JPC alumnus Nguyen Duc Nam, 2020 Dux of the College Vietnam Business & Economics Nguyen Duc Nam Social Entrepreneur & Economist University of Sydney · Harvard University Read full story JPC alumnus Adam Li receiving an award on stage at Speech Night China Mathematics & Physics Adam Li Mathematics & Physics ATAR 99.55 · The University of Queensland Read full story JPC alumnus Caesar Qiu, 2016 College Prefect, on the pathway to aerospace engineering China Engineering Caesar Qiu Aerospace Engineer in the Making UNSW Sydney — Engineering Read full story JPC alumnus John Song, Class of 2021, studying Mathematics and Engineering at the University of Queensland Hong Kong Maths & Engineering John Song Mathematics & Engineering (Hons) University of Queensland Read full story JPC alumna Venus Chan, Class of 2025, who graduated with an ATAR of 99.25 and studies Physiotherapy Hong Kong Health & Medicine Venus Chan Physiotherapy · ATAR 99.25 University of Queensland Read full story JPC alumna Sophia Su, Class of 2025 College Vice Captain, at her graduation Hong Kong Law & Society Sophia Su College Vice Captain, Class of 2025 Politics, Philosophy & Economics, UQ Read full story JPC alumnus Ken Kondo, 2017 College Vice Captain Japan Business & Finance Ken Kondo Global Grain Merchandiser (in training) Waseda University, Japan Read full story JPC alumnus Kris Pyun holding the Captains Cup at Speech Night 2020 Korea Creative & Music Kris Pyun Clarinettist & Big Band Soloist Griffith — Queensland Conservatorium Read full story
Meet more of our graduates
Common Questions

University Pathways FAQs

Do I have to choose a university now?

Not at all. This planner never asks for a university and never locks you in. It simply shows you the study areas and the JPC subjects that keep a university pathway open, so you can make an informed Year 10 choice.

Why does English matter so much?

In Queensland, English (Units 3 & 4, C) is the single most common prerequisite — most university courses require it. That’s why an academic English (Preparatory English or Literature) is highlighted for almost every goal. Preparatory Essential English is a workplace-focused pathway and isn’t recommended if you’re aiming for university.

What’s the difference between the Maths courses?

Preparatory General Mathematics suits business, humanities and many pathways. Preparatory Mathematical Methods is expected for engineering, the sciences and many health courses. Preparatory Specialist Mathematics is an elective for students heading into Methods who want to go further — you must also study Methods to take Specialist.

How do the Accounting, Business, Economics and Law subjects work?

These four are half-year (semester) courses and must be chosen in pairs — pick any two, or all four. Each pair is the equivalent of one elective, so give each pair the same preference number on your form.

Can I still go to university without the highlighted subjects?

Often, yes. Many courses list subjects as assumed knowledge or recommended study rather than strict prerequisites, so you can enter without them — but you’ll usually find the course easier if you’ve studied them. A small number of courses (like medicine or engineering) do have firm prerequisites. Our Careers team can talk through your specific goal.

What if my dream career isn’t listed?

Type it in anyway — the planner matches many careers automatically. If it can’t find a match, choose the closest study area from the twelve cards. Still unsure? Our Head of Careers and Pathways is here to help you plan.

Next Steps

Keep Exploring

Whatever pathway you’re dreaming of, these next steps will help you plan with confidence.

Every Great Career Starts With One Good Choice

Bring your plan to our Careers and Enrolments team and we’ll help you turn today’s dream into a step-by-step senior pathway.

Plan My Subjects Talk to Our Team