Your Pathway Starts in Year 10
From a career goal today to a university course tomorrow.
Type a career goal. The planner shows the university study area it belongs to and the Year 10 subjects that keep that door open. Students, parents and education agents can all use it.
Class of 2025: median ATAR 91.00, with 53% of students in Queensland’s top 10%. See our results
Three Steps to a Confident Choice
Year 10 is where the senior pathway begins. The subjects chosen now lead into the Year 11 and 12 courses that Queensland universities ask for. Here’s how the Year 10 Subject Planner helps.
Name Your Goal
Type in a career you’re dreaming of, such as 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. Select any subject to see what you’ll study, term by term, and what you usually need to start it.
Build Your Plan
Add compulsory and elective subjects to a practice Year 10 plan, ready to talk through with your family and our team.
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.
Study Areas for Your Goal
These are the university study areas your goal belongs to. The subjects further down are highlighted to suit them. Tap any card below to explore a different area.
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. Select any subject to see the course, the assessment and what you usually need to start it.
Year 10 subjects have “Preparatory” in their name because each one prepares for the Year 11 course with the same name. They are normal school subjects, not our High School Preparation English program.
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
Students study three electives in Year 10. They list six in order of preference, because not every student can get their first choices. Accounting, Business, Economics and Law are half-year courses, so students choose any two of them as a pair. A pair counts as one elective and shares one preference number.
Course Outline — Term by Term
JPC’s Year 10 courses run right across the year. International students can join at any of four intakes — whichever term you start, you join the year-long course and continue through the cycle.
How You’re Assessed
Talk to Our Team
Thank you — we have your details
Someone from our International team will be in touch within two business days.
Build Your Practice Year 10 Plan
Tap a subject to add it, or drag it on a computer. Choose one English, one Mathematics and one Science, then list up to six electives in order of preference. This is a practice plan to talk through. It is not the 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 / 3Elective Preferences
0 / 6Your electives appear here in order of preference. Number 1 is your first choice. A half-year pair counts as one elective.
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. Some electives run only when enough students choose them. Each subject shows the results usually needed to start it, and the College’s Careers team confirms every senior pathway. Talk it through with your family and teachers before you submit your official selection.
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.
Vietnam
Business & Economics
Nam
Social Entrepreneur & Economist
University of Sydney · Harvard University
Read full story
China
Mathematics & Physics
Adam
Mathematics & Physics
ATAR 99.55 · The University of Queensland
Read full story
China
Engineering
Caesar
Aerospace Engineer in the Making
UNSW Sydney — Engineering
Read full story
Hong Kong
Maths & Engineering
John
Mathematics & Engineering (Hons)
University of Queensland
Read full story
Hong Kong
Health & Medicine
Venus
Physiotherapy · ATAR 99.25
University of Queensland
Read full story
Hong Kong
Law & Society
Sophia
College Vice Captain, Class of 2025
Politics, Philosophy & Economics, UQ
Read full story
Japan
Business & Finance
Ken
Global Grain Merchandiser (in training)
Waseda University, Japan
Read full story
Korea
Creative & Music
Kris
Clarinettist & Big Band Soloist
Griffith — Queensland Conservatorium
Read full story
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, a pass (C or better) in Year 12 English is the most common university prerequisite: a subject you must have passed to get in. That’s why the planner highlights an academic English course for almost every goal: English as an Additional Language, English or Literature. Preparatory Essential English leads to work and training, so it isn’t the right choice for a university goal.
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, so students choose them in pairs. Pick any two, or all four. Each pair counts as one elective and shares one preference number.
What results does a student need for these subjects?
Most Year 10 courses list the results a student usually needs to start them. For example, Preparatory Mathematical Methods usually needs a B in Year 9 Mathematics, and Preparatory Chemistry and Physics usually needs a B in Year 9 Science and a B in Year 9 Mathematics. Select any subject above to see its line. If a student does not meet it, the College gives advice case by case. To start a General (ATAR) course in Year 11, students need at least a C in Year 10 English. Talk to our team about how this applies to a student joining from another school.
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. You’ll usually find the course easier if you’ve studied them, though. A small number of courses (like medicine or engineering) do have firm prerequisites. Our 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? Talk to our team and we will help you plan.
Every Great Career Starts With One Good Choice
Bring your plan to our international team. We will help you turn it into a Year 11 and 12 pathway, and once your child starts, the College’s Careers team confirms it with them.