High School Preparation Program

CRICOS Code 106230E
  • Mode of Study 
  • Face-to-face delivery
  • Class hours
  • 25 hours per week
  • Duration
  • 2 - 64 weeks
  • Key Date
  • Every Monday
  • Campus
  • BNE & GC

ABOUT THE COURSE

The aim of the Shafston for Schools program is to prepare students with the necessary English language skills and confidence to pathway and complete their secondary schooling in an Australian high school, or in another English speaking country.

Ready For High School

The Shafston High School preparation program is designed to prepare international students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds as an entry pathway into mainstream study at an Australian high school.

English Immersion

All your Shafston classes will be in English. Our intensive High School preparation program is designed to help you improve the core macro skills – Speaking, Reading, Writing, Listening and Grammar.

Students will:

  • study with other students seeking to study in an Australian schools
  • follow a specially designed and tailored intensive integrated English course covering Grammar, Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing
  • study English for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
  • study CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) Intensive Reading Program
  • participate in mini class debates, discussions and oral presentations
  • develop essential academic skills to successfully study in a high school learning environment such as essay writing skills, research skills and note taking.
  • study towards an internationally recognised Cambridge Examination (Cambridge for Schools)
  • learn social language that will help them to transition to schools and make new friends in Australia
  • participate in regular sporting and art/craft activities to ensure they stay fit and creative at the same time!
  • study in a dedicated Shafston Junior Zone for under 18 students!
  • receive regular progress monitoring, weekly assessments and feedback
  • receive support from teachers and Shafston staff – and students can record progress in their Shafston COMPASS learner’s diary

Course Information

Overview
Pathway
Assessment
Timetable
Intake Dates

This program is designed to prepare international students, aged between 12-17 years old and from diverse cultural backgrounds, to enter mainstream study at an Australian high school.

Enhance your English language proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, listening, and grammar through a variety of courses, including English for STEM* and CLIL** Intensive Reading. Additionally, the program includes Independent Skills workshops, which focus on building fundamental academic skills such as note-taking, presentations, and project work, to help you achieve successful study outcomes.

 

Course Name High School Preparation (HSP)
CRICOS Code 106230E
Locations Brisbane & Gold Coast Campus
Mode of Study 25 hours per week Face-to-face classroom delivery
Key Dates Set Start Date
Entry Requirements
    • Age Range: 12 -17 years old
    • Pre-test required (Online Pre-test; Orientation Placement Test)
    • Entry level – Beginner (A1)
    • Student Visa, Vistor Visa or Dependent Visa
Duration 2 - 64 weeks, 6 levels HSP 1 to HSP 6 (Each level is 10 weeks in duration)
Course Content Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking skills development
Includes preparation for official Cambridge exam A2 Key for Schools and B1 Preliminary for Schools
Key Points
    • Cambridge Exam fee (optional extra)
    • Weekly review tests
    • Regular ‘mock’ exams / Progress Reports issued
    • After class support (During the time with Shafston)
    • After graduation support for 5 weeks (For the first 5 weeks in high school)

Queensland High Schools

High Schools in Queensland offer a wide range of subjects to students aged between 12 to 18 years, including English, mathematics, science, social sciences, languages, and vocational education and training programs.

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) provides a comprehensive curriculum to cater to different interests and career goals. The focus is on providing a well-rounded education that equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Queensland high schools have a strong reputation for academic excellence, with many schools achieving above-average results in national assessments.

HSP entry level and exit level

Level Entry Level Exit Level Remark* EQI**
HSP1 IELTS 3.0 or equiv IELTS 3.5 or equiv A successfully completed Shafston internal exam NA
HSP2 IELTS 3.5 or equiv IELTS 4.0 or equiv A successfully completed A2+ KETexam for schools at Pass A Year 7 & 8
HSP3 IELTS 4.0 or equiv IELTS 4.5 or equiv A successfully completed B1 PET exam for schools at Pass B Year 9
HSP4 IELTS 4.0 or equiv IELTS 4.5 or equiv A successfully completed B1 PET exam for schools at Pass A Year 10
HSP5 IELTS 5.0 or equiv IELTS 5.5 or equiv A successfully completed B2 FCE exam for schools at Pass C Year 11
HSP6 IELTS 5.5 or equiv IELTS 6.0+ or equiv A successfully completed B2 FCE exam for schools at Pass B for IELTS 6.0 or equiv. or B2 FCE exam for schools at Pass A for IELTS 6.5 or equiv. -

*Shafston internal exam or external Cambridge exam

** This should be used as a guide only.

Partner Schools

Shafston International College is pleased to announce the establishment of collaborative partnerships with Education Queensland International (EQI) and several distinguished private schools across Queensland. These partnerships mark a significant step towards creating a more globally connected and enriched educational experience for students.

Sample assessment schedule

 
Week Assessment Weighting Approx.Length/Time
1 Speaking 1: Individual Presentation Speaking grade: 10% 5 mins
2 Listening 1: Comprehension of an oral presentation Listening grade: 20% 5 mins
3 Writing 1: Short report Writing grade: 20% 250-300 words
4 Reading 1: Comprehension of an Academic Text Reading grade: 20% 500 words
5 Speaking 2: Group Presentation (2-3) Speaking grade: 20% 5 mins
6 Reading 2: Note-taking & comprehension of an academic text Reading grade: 40% 300 words
Listening 2: Note-taking from a short recorded lecture Listening grade: 40% 7 mins
7 Reading 3: Note-taking & summary of an academic text Reading grade: 40% 400 words
Writing 2: 3 paragraph comparative essay Writing grade: 30% 750 words
8 Speaking 3: Tutorial style Group Discussion Speaking grade: 30% 5 mins
9 Listening 3: Note-taking from a live lecture Listening grade: 40%
10 Writing 3: 5 paragraph essay Writing grade: 50% 1000 words
Speaking 4: Individual presentation Speaking grade: 40% 7 mins

2024 Sample Timetable

Time

MON

TUE

WED

THUR

FRI

8:30 - 9:45  Class Core Grammar Input - Rules and Contexts Core Core Vocabulary
Input - Rules and Contexts
Writing Input - Topic and Structure of Argumentative Essay Input and Consultation - Weekly Critical Thinking Project Social Communication Skills - Speaking Activities
9:45 - 10:00 BREAK
10:00 - 11:15  Class Core Grammar Input - Rules and Contexts Core Vocabulary - Applied Communication/ Writing Input - Plan and Research for Writing Student-Led Research - Critical Thinking Project Unit Review and Tailored Revision
11:15 - 12:00

LUNCH

10:00 - 11:15  Class Core Grammar Output - Applied Communication Listening Comprehension Writing Output - Argumentative Essay Critical Thinking Project - Student Presentations Review Test and Feedback
13:20 - 13:45

BREAK

13:45 - 14:45  Class School Vocabulary History and Society School Vocabulary - Science School Vocabulary - Mathematics School Vocabulary - Geography Social Sports in the Park

School Activities

At Shafston International College, we believe in providing a holistic educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. Our school activities program is designed to enrich students' lives, foster personal growth, and create a vibrant and inclusive community. From cultural events and sports competitions to academic clubs and volunteer initiatives, our diverse range of activities ensures that every student finds opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships.

The Shafston program offers a variety of classroom activities - participating in group work tasks as well as other activities to become successful autonomous learners. These extracurricular experiences not only contribute to a well-rounded education but also complement our academic curriculum by fostering a sense of teamwork.

STEM Courses

Student will study English for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) Intensive Reading program, and Independent Skills workshops with a special focus on learning essential foundation academic skills to help equip you to achieve successful study outcomes, such as note-taking, mini-oral presentations and individual project work.

 

2024 & 2025 Shafston Intake Dates

 

Class

Start Date

End Date

Course Duration

Pathway Course

Pathway Intake

Weekly Intake

Every Monday

Every Friday

5- 64 Weeks

Queensland High Schools

See Below

2024 Term 2 Intake Recommendation

06 Nov 2023

05 Apr 2024

20 Weeks

2024 QLD High Schools Term 2

15 Apr 2024

2024 Term 3 Intake Recommendation

12 Feb 2024

28 Jun 2024

20 Weeks

2024 QLD High Schools Term 3

08 Jul 2024

2024 Term 4 Intake Recommendation

06 May 2024

20 Sep 2024

20 Weeks

2024 QLD High Schools Term 4

30 Sep 2024

2025 Term 1 Intake Recommendation

19 Aug 2024

17 Jan 2025

20 Weeks

2025 QLD High Schools Term 1

28 Jan 2025

2025 Term 2 Intake Recommendation

11 Nov 2024

11 Apr 2025

20 Weeks

2025 QLD High Schools Term 2

22 Apr 2025

2025 Term 3 Intake Recommendation

17 Feb 2025

04 Jul 2025

20 Weeks

2025 QLD High Schools Term 3

14 Jul 2025

2025 Term 4 Intake Recommendation

12 May 2025

26 Sep 2025

20 Weeks

2025 QLD High Schools Term 4

07 Oct 2025

For more detailed intake recommendation, please visit here

2024 Queensland Term Dates

QLD Term 1 QLD Term 2 QLD Term 3 QLD Term4
  •  10 weeks
  •  Start Date: 22 January 2024
  •  End Date: 28 March 2024
  •  10 weeks
  •  Start Date: 15 April 2024
  •  End Date: 21 June 2024
  •  10 weeks
  •  Start Date: 22 July 2024
  •  End Date: 13 September 2024
  •  11 weeks
  •  Start Date: 30 September 2024
  •  End Date: 13 December 2024

Download the Brochure

Download the Brochure

Testimonial

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Yunah PARK From South Korea

I started to study at Shafston in 2022 for 6 months and I have enrolled in Calamvale Community College successfully as a Grade 10 student. There are a lot of exams and assignments in high school and it is difficult for international students to learn a new language. Shafston HSP program with doing English tests and using English textbooks is so helpful for me to adjust to high school courses. 

Martin BELLO TORRES From Colombia

I think Shafston is a great college. My teachers are very friendly. If I have any study troubles during the class, they will help me step by step to understand the knowledge smoothly. My classmates are from different nationalities. I was very nervous about this on the first day when I arrived. But after 2 weeks, I had made friends with my new classmates. 

Xurui LIU From China

I feel very happy to study at Shafston because the teachers here are very friendly to me. I enjoy the pretty campus river view at Shafston. Every Friday, we have sports activities that I can play volleyball and badminton with my classmates.  I have made many friends from different nationalities here.

Class Images