Other Information and FAQs
You will notice many differences between Launceston College and high school. To work effectively at College, you need to accept a high level of responsibility, though there is also significant support available as you transition from Year 10 to what we refer to as a "young adult learning environment".
If you exercise maturity and self-discipline in all that you do, you will find study and learning here very enjoyable and successful.
What happens on my first day next year?
There is a modifed timetable for the first day. You will spend some with your Home Group teacher first thing before spending a short amount of time with each of your subject teachers for the rest of the day.
8:30-9:00
Students arrive. Stay outside where possible during this time.
Please use the QR code posters around campus and email information to find your Home Group room and teacher.
9:00-10:30
Extended Home Group time.
Welcome Assembly video to be watched during this time.
10:30-11:00 Recess break
11:00-11:35 Line 1
11:35-12:10 Line 2
12:10-12:45 Line 3
12:45-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:05 Line 4
2:05-2:40 Line 5
2:40-3:15 Line 6
3:15-3:30 Home Group check in
First Names
Teaching staff are all called by their first names by students. The use of first names denotes a change in emphasis and a maturity that is different from high schools.
Sirens/Bells
We do not have sirens for beginning or end of session times! In fact, we do not have any squeals, squeaks or squawks from a PA to indicate the end of a lesson, the commencement of lunch or the end of the day. We expect you to successfully manage your own time and be punctual to class. Messages on screens around the college will provide reminders - “Classes have started”.
Are there courses to suit my needs and ability?
Generally, we recommend Year 11 students enrol in five subjects. Students undertaking university entrance (pre-tertiary) subjects may be recommended to undertake only four subjects because of the additional study and assignment requirements. Our Enrolment Counsellors will meet with you at your school to discuss a suitable course.
We have a range of courses and subjects at different levels to cater for all students. Our enrolment counsellors will help you with subject selection and match your abilities, interests and career goals to find the right course for you no matter what your pathway is.
Do I have to do exams?
Most pre-tertiary subjects have an exam at the end of the year and a mid-year exam in June/ July. Other subjects have tests and assignments during the year as part of their assessment. Some subjects have folios, independent studies and practical exams. Enrolment Counsellors will be able to tell you the type of assessment required for each subject.
How many Level 3 subjects should I do in Year 11?
Only your best two scores from Year 11 will count towards your Tertiary Entrance (TE) score. The College recommends that students who are contemplating university entrance undertake two or three pre-tertiary subjects.
Students undertaking these subjects will be able to disregard the subject with the lowest score. The emphasis is on gaining high quality awards rather than a large number of awards and so it is important that you can manage your workload – quality is more important in your studies.
If university is your goal, talk with a Careers teacher about how you can optimise your score and make sure you study any prerequisite subjects required for your university degree.
What is required if I want to go to university?
To qualify for entrance to university, you must complete at least four pre-tertiary (university entrance) subjects. However, to maximise your chances of gaining entry to your desired course you should count scores from your best five pre- tertiary subjects over two years, with a maximum of two scores counting from Year 11.
How many subjects do I need to study?
Many students balance school and part time work, sport, family and other commitments. However, to be considered a full-time student you must be enrolled in at least 600 hours of scheduled classes for the year which is the equivalent to 4 full year (150 hour) subjects. Students who are not doing any Level 3 subjects should consider enrolling in 5 subjects.
What does HG mean?
You will be timetabled into Home Group (HG) for a weekly block of time on a Monday or Tuesday. This is the time each week that you will meet with your Home Group teacher. The key focus during this time will be on pastoral care, relationships and accessing learning opportunities in relation to career pathays and other issues that concern young people in our community.
What is a line?
A line is the number of time slots during the week when a particular class is scheduled.
For example, Line 1 runs Monday 8:50am–10:30am, Wednesday 2.00pm-3.30pm and Thursday 10.55am-12.05pm.
Level 2 and Level 3 courses (150 hours) occupy one line for the year. A Certificate II or III VET course will take two or more lines to complete.
ID Cards
All students will be issued with an ID card through the Library, which must be carried with you at all times. Your ID card is used to borrow resources from the Library. It is a good idea to call into the Library before College begins to have your photo taken for this card.
Out of Bounds Areas
For road safety reasons, Launceston College policy is that students enrolled at College must not use the footpaths outside the College grounds as social gathering areas. There are plenty of places to meet LC friends in the College grounds. Non-students must not be brought onto campus under any circumstances.
Is smoking allowed on campus?
Simply no, without any exception.This is a statutory regulation for all schools. Smoking on the precinct streets immediately surrounding the College is also not permitted. Our Student Support Team can provide you with assistance on how to quit smoking if you would like some support - see your HG teacher or your AP if you would like a referral for this.
What do I wear?
We expect you to wear neat casual dress appropriate for the learning activities that you will be undertaking.
Some items are not tolerated – for example lengths of chain or metal spiked dog collars or shirts with discriminatory, bad taste or bad language slogans.
You must wear suitable shoes and in some classes covered-in footwear is an OHS requirement for some learning spaces.
A change of clothes and sports shoes are required for PE classes and some classes provide protective clothing (eg lab coats in science). Check with your subject or home teacher if you require further advice.
Textbook and Stationery
Textbook and stationery requirements are available on the college’s website at the end of the year. This also contains information about suppliers.
Levies
The College General Levy is set on a statewide basis. The levy for 2024 will be confirmed later in the year.
In addition to the General Levy, other additional costs may apply to some subjects.
Additional financial information will be available with the course confirmation at the end of the year. Parents will receive an invoice for the general levy in January along with information regarding payment options. Parents can choose to pay by instalments and should contact the College Office for more information on this option. Additional course fees will be charged later in Term 1 once courses are finalized.
Student Assistance Information (STAS)
There are a range of payments, rebates and concessions available to support students. State government concessions that apply to students are included in the “Tasmanian Government Concessions” booklet available from the College social worker or from Service Tas outlets.These include STAS (Student Assistance Scheme), SAA (Student Accommodation Allowance), and bus concession passes. Please enquire at Centrelink if you are a parent or independent student on a low income for further information about possible allowances and assistance.
STAS applicants should be contacted directly by the Financial Assistance Unit, to confirm their STAS status for the following year. If students were approved for STAS this year and have not received a letter requesting confirmation of details by the end of November please contact the Financial Assistance Unit on 1800 816 057. If students are applying for STAS for the first time or are reapplying after a period of non-approval, you will need to complete a STAS Application Form and provide documentation giving proof of income. Application forms are available from Service Tasmania, Centrelink offices and Launceston College (03) 6332 7777.
