Senior School

Year 12 IB External Examinations

The final Year 12 IB External Examinations commenced on Tuesday 27 October and run through until Friday 13 November. A detailed examination guide was given to students and emailed to families at the end of last term.

• Friday 30 October (morning) - Spanish ab initio (Paper 2 - listening)

• Friday 30 October (afternoon) - Environmental Systems and Societies (Paper 1)

   

If you have any questions about the exams, please contact IB DP Coordinator Nicola Anderson. 

TCE & IB Art Exhibition Opening - Farrall Centre

Explore the creativity and talent of our Years11 and 12 Visual Arts students in an exhibition showcasing their final artworks for the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

Join us for the official opening on Thursday 5 November, 5.00–6.00pm, or visit the exhibition during school hours from Friday 6 to Friday 13 November. Please note that non-staff visitors wishing to view the exhibition between 6 and 13 November must check in at the Primary or Middle School Office before proceeding to The Farrall Centre. 

Come along and be inspired by the next generation of artists!

Information for TCE Students

Years 11 and 12 TCE students will begin their TCE exams the week starting Monday 9 November and finish Thursday 19 November. Students are finalising all assessments and ratings for subjects in the last week prior to SWOTVac. 

We encourage all families and students to check the TCE Exam Schedule carefully and set reminders for exams. We also encourage students and families to read the TCE Exam Guide carefully. TASC has also provided some very helpful links to assist students with preparation for exams. We encourage all students and families to check out the advice here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Senior School Office for assistance or Joe Cairns, TCE Coordinator.

Year 10 students enrolled in a TCE subject 

All TCE classes finish today, Thursday 29 October. We encourage Year 10 students enrolled in one or more TCE subjects to use this time to study for exams and work on other tasks once the examination period has finished. If students wish to work off campus, parent permission must be provided. All other classes will continue as normal and students are required to attend. 

For further information contact Kate Baldry or your child’s teacher. 

Year 10 exams

An early reminder that Year 10 examinations will run from the 23 to 26 November. Friday 20 November is set aside for preparation and study (SWOTVac’) and Friday 27 will be a catch up day. Students will have no timetabled classes from the 20-27 November inclusive. Further details will be provided to students in the coming weeks. Contact Kate Baldry or your child’s teacher for further information.

Year 12 References

Each year, Year 12 leaving students have the opportunity to request a reference from Friends'. A reference is an important document that can be used to support residential college, scholarship and job applications.  The reference is completed by the tutor and students can request feedback from teachers who you believe are well placed to speak to their strengths. Note that this process is the only way students are able to request an official school reference from Friends' school staff.

The form will be closed at 3.00pm on 4 November. For further information contact Kate Baldry.

Senior School ­Year 10 Science Excursions

Between 3 -12 November, Year 10 Science classes will each have a full day excursion to the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre.  Here the classes will explore ocean currents and climate change as a part of the Global Systems unit.  Students will spend two hours on a boat, conducting scientific ocean sampling and the rest of the time using the laboratory and accessing the touch tanks at the centre.

All students should meet promptly at the Weetbix at 8.30am and will return to school by 3.30pm. 

The dates for each class are as follows:

• 3 November (Tue) - Lisa A (10 Extended)
• 4 November (Wed) - Karina (10 Core)
• 5 November (Thur) - Kate B (10 Extended)
• 9 November (Mon) - Matt (10 Extended)
• 10 November (Tue) - Wade (Both classes)
• 11 November (Wed) - Lainey (10 Extended)
• 12 November (Thur) - Lisa (10 Core)

Students will need to wear sensible outdoor­-education style clothing with solid footwear that is suitable for exposure to Tasmanian winter weather on a boat. This should include a sun hat/beanie, sunscreen, polar fleece/warm jumper and warm/ waterproof jacket. 

Students should also bring a drink, morning tea and lunch and any personal medication, including travel sickness medication, if required. 

If you have any concerns or questions please contact the students' Science teacher.

UTAS High Achiever Program 2027: applications close 2 December

Students entering Year 12 (and exceptional students entering Year 11) in 2027 can apply to study University of Tasmania units alongside their TCE through the High Achiever Program (HAP). If your child is interested or would like to know more, please encourage them to speak with Kim Carrodus, Pathways Advisor, or Joe Cairns, TCE Coordinator.

Students who have already expressed an interest  and plan to apply will have received an email from Joe Cairns with full application details. Please note that applying is the student’s responsibility.

HAP is selective. Applications need a personal statement, two teacher references and school approval, so students should contact the school well before the deadline. Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 2 December 2026, and late applications are not accepted. School reports and TASC results can be uploaded until Friday 18 December.

If you require any information or have questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Joe Cairns, TCE Coordinator.

Ceramics Excursion - Raku Firing

The Year 10 Ceramics class will be visiting the Ceramics studio of artist Anna Williams to participate in a Raku firing workshop. This is the culmination of a curriculum unit that explores alternative firing techniques.

• Venue:  South Lea, 342 Proctors Road, Southern Outlet, Hobart.            
• Time/Date: 8:45am - 1:00pm, Friday 6 November
• Transport:  Bus from the Senior School campus at 8:45am returning to the Senior School by 1:00pm.
• Clothing: Please wear warm outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes and bring a raincoat and a sun hat, prepared for all weather conditions. You will be handling sooty ceramics, so do not wear anything precious. If you have long hair you will need to tie it back or wear a beanie or hat, as we will be dealing with combustible material. We will provide safety equipment and sun screen.
• Food: You will need to bring your Morning Tea and a drink bottle. 

Absentees

If your child will be absent from school for the day please advise the Senior School Office (phone: 6210 2255, or email: seniorschooloffice@friends.tas.edu.au). We appreciate your support in this process.