Careers News
Nicole WILSON
Leading Teacher - Pathways and Transitions
Classroom Teacher
Year 10 Deakin University Excursion
Last week, our Year 10 students participated in a full-day excursion to Deakin University as part of their Career and Pathways Education program. The excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore a range of post-school options and gain first-hand insight into university life.
The day began with an informative presentation from Deakin University staff, who outlined the wide range of courses available through both Deakin University and its pathway provider, Deakin College. Students also had the opportunity to hear from several Highvale alumni who are currently studying at Deakin. Our former students shared their experiences of selecting Year 11 and 12 subjects, transitioning from secondary school to tertiary education, and navigating university life. This was a particularly valuable session, allowing students to ask questions and gain authentic advice from those who were recently in their position.
Throughout the day, students participated in four interactive workshops showcasing different study and career pathways available at Deakin.
In the Psychology session, students explored the diverse career opportunities within the field and discovered that psychology extends far beyond counselling and clinical practice. They also attended a workshop run by Deakin’s renowned Sport and Exercise Science faculty, gaining an insight into one of the university’s globally recognised areas of expertise.
Students then stepped into a mock courtroom during the Law workshop, where they participated in a simulated legal case, taking on the roles of prosecution and defence. The interactive nature of the session gave students a genuine taste of the legal profession.
The final workshop took place within Deakin’s Engineering department, where students were introduced to innovative technologies and equipment used by engineering students as part of their studies.
Overall, the excursion provided students with an engaging glimpse into life as a university student while helping them explore future study and career pathways. This is now the second year that Highvale has partnered with Deakin University for this experience, and once again the feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Careers and Pathways team looks forward to continuing these opportunities throughout the year, with a Year 11 excursion to Swinburne University planned for next term and a Year 9 excursion to Holmesglen Institute scheduled for Term 4.
Careers and Pathways Education
The Careers and Pathways Team has been working extensively this year to redesign and strengthen the Careers and Pathways curriculum delivered through Connect classes across Years 7–12. Our aim is to provide students with a structured and engaging program that helps them develop a greater understanding of themselves, the world of work, and the wide range of opportunities available to them beyond school.
The refreshed program has been designed to ensure that career education is not simply something students engage with when it is time to choose subjects, but rather an ongoing journey of exploration, self-discovery, and informed decision-making. Across all year levels, students are participating in age-appropriate activities that encourage them to identify their strengths, interests, values, and aspirations while developing an understanding of the skills and qualifications required for a variety of career pathways.
Recently, our Year 7 students began their careers journey with an engaging presentation delivered by Arrive and Thrive. The session encouraged students to become curious about careers and to start thinking broadly about their future possibilities. Students explored the concept that careers are rarely linear and that the skills they are developing now—such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, resilience, organisation, and creativity—are highly transferable and valued across a wide range of industries and occupations.
A key message from the presentation was that students do not need to have their future mapped out at this stage. Instead, they were encouraged to remain open-minded, continue exploring opportunities, and recognise that the experiences they have both inside and outside the classroom contribute to their future employability and success.
Throughout the year, students across all year levels will continue to engage in a variety of careers and pathways activities, including career exploration, pathway planning, industry engagement opportunities, tertiary education information sessions, and self-reflection tasks. These experiences are carefully sequenced to build students' understanding and confidence as they progress through secondary school.
Ultimately, all of these learning experiences are designed to support students in making informed and thoughtful decisions about their future pathways. As students begin preparing for the 2027 subject selection process later this year, they will be equipped with a deeper understanding of their strengths, interests, and aspirations, enabling them to choose subjects and pathways that align with their future goals and ambitions.
We look forward to continuing to support our students as they explore the many exciting opportunities available to them and begin shaping their futures with confidence.
Parent Information Evening – Senior School Pathways 2027
The Careers and Pathways Team is excited to once again host our annual Parent Information Evening for students and families preparing for senior school pathway and subject selection decisions. This session is primarily aimed at current Year 10 students who will be entering Year 11 in 2027, as well as Year 9 students who are considering undertaking an accelerated VCE subject next year.
Choosing a senior secondary pathway is an important milestone, and this information evening is designed to help students and parents make informed decisions about the options available at Highvale Secondary College. During the session, we will provide an overview of the various pathways offered, including the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM), Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs, and School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs).
Families will gain an understanding of the structure and requirements of each pathway, the opportunities they provide, and the factors students should consider when selecting subjects and planning for their future career and post-school goals. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity about the pathway and subject selection process.
We strongly encourage all Year 10 students and their parents/carers to attend, as well as any Year 9 students considering an accelerated pathway in 2027.
Date: Tuesday 9 June
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Highvale Secondary College Theatre
We look forward to welcoming families and supporting students as they begin planning their pathway beyond Year 10.