Pathways and Transition

Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition, can be contacted on 08 9383 0416 or pathways@johnxxiii.edu.au. You can make an appointment to see Ms Hedley using this booking link (which is also on the student SEQTA Splash page) .

In this week’s Pathways and Transition newsletter read about:

• Careers resources for families 
• University news 
• Scholarships
• Australian Defence Force careers
• Medicine news
• Training and VET news
• Growth and development opportunities
• Gap year Information
• People with a disability news
• Weekly spotlight: Charles Sturt University in 2025

FOR FAMILIES

15 – 18 May Perth Careers Expo (free event)

The Careers Expo is on at the Convention Centre on Thursday, 15 and Friday, 16 May, 9am – 3pm. Saturday 10am to 4pm. Sunday 18 May 10am to 3:30pm. 

See details HERE. 

All Year 10 students at John XXIII College are scheduled to attend the Perth Careers Expo, as a whole-cohort excursion, on Friday, 16 May from 9-10:30 am.

The range of opportunities at the Expo can be bewildering. These steps might help to navigate the experience:

• Do Step 1 Pre Expo Preparation. 
• Step 2 What to do at the Expo
• Step 3 Career Expo Presentation 

19 May 5-7pm Combined Schools Future Pathways Expo at Scotch College (free event)

John XXIII College students and families are invited to visit the Combined Schools Future Pathways Expo on Monday, 19 May anytime between 5-7pm. Scan the QR code to view the full list of exhibitors. 

Offsite Study Options for John XXIII College Senior Secondary Students (Years 11 and 12)

For students who decide to pursue a senior secondary pathway other than studying 5 or 6 ATAR courses, John XXIII College partners with South and North Metropolitan TAFE Colleges as well as other private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), in order to offer Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS). Our commonly used partners include:

Co-Payment

Please note that a co-payment will be required for off-site Certificate courses with annual fees exceeding $2000 per annum.

Students and families for whom following a pathway other than studying 5 or 6 ATAR courses is of interest are strongly encouraged to meet with Ms Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition, to discuss. Here is Ms. Hedley’s booking link

2025 WACE Manual for Years 11 and 12

The WACE Manual 2025 describes policies and procedures to be followed in relation to achieving the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) in 2025. 

Schools will work to ensure that all students are enrolled in accordance with these Guidelines. Parents can download their own copy of the manual HERE.

Year 12 SCSA Information Handbook 2025, Part 1

The Year 12 handbook is provided in two parts, with Part I for all Year 12 students, including information about: 

• key dates that are important for you this year 
• what is involved in the WASSA and the WACE 
• the student portal and the WACE Checker 
• equivalences and how they can count towards your WACE 
• school-based assessment and how it works 
•  examinations (the focus of Part II, available in July) general advice on life as a Year 12 student.

Download the Handbook HERE. 

ECU Parents’ Guide to University Study

ECU’s new Parents’ Guide to University Study assists parents to understand some of the mysteries of higher education. This guide can assist parents with information including how to choose a course, how to get into university, how their child will be supported, how to apply and where they will study their course.  

The new guide also discusses how to have a great university experience, and highlights ECU’s commitment to ensuring every student has the best possible experience when they study with us. Check it out HERE. 

27 May Year 10 Parent Information Evening and Pizza Night

Are you currently in Year 10 and trying to choose subjects for next year? Well, grab your parents and come along to our Year 10 Parent Information Evening! If you don't know what subjects to pick next year or you just want to find out about uni, the courses we offer, pathways and support services, then this is a great opportunity to have a chat with our friendly Future Student Engagement Team!

6:00pm – 7.30pm Joondalup Campus

Register HERE. 

Curtin Year 10 Guide 

The Curtin Year 10 Guide identifies all of the prerequisites that are essential for Curtin undergraduate degrees. 

Science courses, for example, traditionally have a maths prerequisite and some require chemistry. 

In addition to essential prerequisites, to be accepted into a course, there may also be desirable subjects.

Environmental Science at Curtin has Maths Methods and Chemistry as prerequisites and it also has Biology as a desirable subject. 

In addition to providing the essential subjects required for each course and the subjects that are desirable the Guide also has information about equity services. 

Check it out HERE. 

There is also course selection information HERE. 

First in Family site

Students who are planning to go to uni and their families can also check out the First in Family site. 

The Morrisby Profile

All John XXIII College students in Years 10, 11 and 12 have completed their Morrisby Profile (in Years 9 or 10) and have a valuable resource to delve into for career exploration and pathway planning. Students are encouraged to log back into their Morrisby Profiles regularly to view new career matches and information. Morrisby can also be a useful tool to facilitate career discussions between young people and their parents. Troubleshooting with logins can be directed to Ms Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition.

MyFuture – your one stop shop for career information 

Do quizzes, watch career videos, check out courses, and see what happens when you get into the job. MyFuture takes you on a career exploration pathway. 

• MyFuture is thorough and delivers loads of free information.
• It is supported by ALL Australian governments. 
• The information is not biased by someone trying to sell you something. 
• They have a strong privacy policy and DO NOT share your data. 

You can register HERE.

Your Career – The home of career information

Search industries and occupations to find a career that’s right for you and what you can do to get there. Explore fee-free TAFE. Take an interactive quiz to see what literacy and numeracy skills you’ll use in your chosen industry. 

Click HERE to explore.

Jobs and Skills Centre for Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Parents, employers and students can get free, government funded information and guidance about apprenticeships and traineeships from one of the Jobs and Skills Centres.

If you think a trade or traineeship could be a good pathway for you go to a Jobs and Skills Centre. 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

WA University Offers Information

• 3 June - Early offers for university in WA for 2026 will open on 3 June. 
• 1 September - TISC will not make an offer before 1 September 2025.
• 19 December - ATAR results 
• 24 December – first round offers will be sent out. 

Early offers are NOT available for courses that have quotas.

Application Fee for 2026 Admission - $95. This allows you to apply for uni in 2026 through TISC with up to 6 preferences across 5 universities. 

TISC Education Access Scheme

If factors outside of your control have significantly impacted your education and ultimately your ability to meet university admission criteria, you may be eligible to apply for special consideration for your university application via the TISC Education Access Scheme. 

Someone in the family may have been sick, or you may have been going through a family breakup, you may have had to shift because of the housing crisis, or you may have been impacted by a health concern or disability. There are many triggers that may cause you to achieve a lower ATAR than you had hoped to achieve. 

Many students who may be eligible for special considerations don’t know about this opportunity. 

Check out the Educational Access Scheme HERE.

Go to Open Days 2025 

All students who might be interested in attending university post-school are encouraged to attend university open days this term- go to at least two, so you get a point of comparison.

University Open Day Calendar 2025

2026 Undergraduate Course Guides (WA Universities)

• Curtin Undergraduate Course Guide 2026
• Notre Dame National Undergraduate Guide 2026
• ECU Undergraduate Guide to Careers & Courses
• Murdoch Undergraduate Course Guide 2025/26
• UWA 2026 Health Admissions Guide

29 May Curtin Application Support Webinar

This webinar is split into two parts (A and B) so that you can join the session that suits you. If you have any questions that need answering along the way, pop them in our live chat during or after the session. 

Part A: Join this session if you’re in year 12 and applying through TISC, a parent or guardian, or applying for our Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery course.  

Part B: Join this session if you’re not in year 12 and will be applying directly to Curtin. For example, if you’re a TAFE student, mature age applicant, switching universities, or you’ve completed an enabling program. 

Part A: Year 12 applicants, parents and guardians 5:30pm to 6:15pm

Part B: Non-year 12 applicants 6:15pm to 7:00pm

Register HERE. 

8 May Notre Dame Online Medicine Information Session 2025 

4:30 – 6:30pm in WA

Notre Dame does not offer medicine to school leavers. You must first complete a degree and demonstrate outstanding capabilities to gain a place within the postgraduate program. 

Find out about Notre Dame's Doctor of Medicine program. Find out about the program's structure, entry pathways and exciting new developments.

Register HERE. 

Notre Dame Adjustment Factors

Notre Dame’s “Adjustment Factors” are designed to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve their goal of gaining entry to or pursuing study at Notre Dame. 

Applicants can receive up to 5 adjustment factor points from each of the categories below to a maximum of 10 points:

• Individual factors – personal qualities, work and life experience
• Equity adjustments – Apply via TISC Educational Access Scheme
• Elite athletics or artistic performance
• University priority groups – Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Defence Force personal.
• Subject performance. 
• Location – some areas have been designated as disadvantaged. 

4 June Murdoch Year 11 & 12 Parent and Supporters Information Evening

Help your child take the leap from secondary school to university!

There are hundreds of study choices for school leavers. We’re here to help you through this exciting new chapter in your teen’s life by providing all the information you need to guide them through Years 11 and 12 and beyond.

Join us for a Parent Information Evening where we'll cover:

• Course options
• Understanding ATAR
• Application processes
• Key dates
• Fees & Scholarships
• Relocation & Accommodation
• Much more!

Regional or Remote?

You can attend the presentation portion of this event online from 6pm - 7pm.

Use this link below to register for the online event:

Year 11 & 12 Parent & Supporters Information Evening (Online)

For any queries about this event, please contact engage@murdoch.edu.au.

5:30pm – 7:30pm Building 360 Murdoch University. 

Register HERE. 

Australian National University

Students can begin applying direct to the Australian National University in just a few weeks with applications opening on 3 March 2025.

Applications are free and include applying for admission, accommodation and scholarships in one application.

Offers will be initially released in September using Year 11 or equivalent results and adjustment factors to calculate their selection rank. Students who receive an offer need to complete their final year and obtain an ATAR or equivalent.

Find out more.

Direct application timeline

The University of Sydney undergraduate events

The University of Sydney will run dozens of on-campus and online events for those interested in studying at USYD. Check out their undergraduate events page to book in.

Changed timing for early university offers 

In 2025, Year 12 students can apply to Western Australian university courses via TISC from Tuesday, 3 June. Offers will not be made until later in the year, most likely from September onwards. 

Check out the TISC University Admission Guide for 2026 HERE.

University Rankings

Read about how WA universities performed, according to student satisfaction data, in the Good Universities Guide and via QILT/CompareEd.    

Pathways to University are Changing 

Harmonisation of vocational and uni qualifications happening now

There is a government strategy called the Universities Accord. One of the goals of the Accord is to ensure that qualifications earned through VET are recognised by universities. 

For example, a Diploma in Work Safety and Health may be recognised by universities that offer a degree in Occupational Health and Safety. 

Identifying these opportunities under the Accord began in late 2024 and will gain momentum in 2025. 

When thinking about your pathway to university, consider doing a VET qualification and then seeking credit for your VET qualification at university. 

Advantages of this pathway:

• Many VET qualifications that are in high demand are free or heavily subsidised. 
• Vocational education classes are usually more like school classes rather than big lectures with hundreds of students. 
• When you get your VET qualification, you can work in your field, getting paid for your qualifications, while you study for your degree. 

Case Study 

A vocational education and training Diploma of Nursing takes 18 months and is currently fee-free in Western Australia. Graduates can work as Enrolled Nurses while they undertake their Bachelor of Nursing degrees. Notre Dame already offers one year of credit towards the Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame upon completion of the diploma.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Register for Scholarship Alerts

You can create scholarship alerts through the Good Universities Guide and Curtin. They send you emails so that you get information about scholarships as they come up:

• Good Universities Guide
• Curtin

UWA Scholarships 

UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship

Open now – closes 20 May 2025

• Up to 10 scholarships for WA Year 12 students*
• Predicted ATAR of 98+ (or 95+ for Broadway UWA schools)
• $12,500 per year for undergraduate study + $10,000 per year for postgraduate study

*Be enrolled as a domestic student in Year 12 at a Western Australian secondary school at the time of application

More details here.

UWA Winthrop Scholarship

Open now – closes 20 June 2025

• Up to five scholarships available
• Domestic* Year 12 students with an ATAR of 95+
• Recognises academic excellence, leadership vision, and community involvement
• $10,000 per year for undergraduate and postgraduate study

*An Australian citizen or permanent resident or holder of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa or a New Zealand citizen.

More details here.

Curtin 2026 Excellence Scholarship

The Curtin Excellence Scholarship has been developed for students who have demonstrated academic excellence through their ATAR in 2025 and want to pursue study at Curtin University.

Application forms are not required; students apply by selecting an eligible Curtin degree through TISC as their first preference by the scholarship closing date.

Students who receive the StepUp bonus and therefore achieve the required ATAR will be eligible for this scholarship. Check the details HERE.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE CAREERS

Women in Defence Industry Scholarship

Delivered in partnership with industry, the Women in Defence Industry Scholarship provides six months of free technical engineering and electronics training, or cyber security and electronics training to prepare you for employment in WA’s booming defence industry.

There are fully funded scholarship places available for women of all ages and backgrounds who have just finished school, are returning to work, or are seeking a career change.

Find details HERE. 

Defence Force Gap Year

If you are not sure what you want to do next year, check out the Defence Force Gap Year program.

• You get paid. 
• You have somewhere to live. 
• You learn new skills. 
• You travel and you meet new people. 

The website is great, with personal stories from young people who are actually doing the Gap Year. 

There are 22 career paths to choose from. Check them out HERE.

Become a Cadet

Schools and community groups run cadet programs in the Navy, Army and Air Force. 

Join your school cadet program or go here to find a community cadet program. 

Defence Force Work Experience

Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). 

The Defence Work Experience Program is pleased to advise that Defence is offering opportunities for work experience activities. As placements are planned and confirmed, they will be advertised through the “Placements” tab. We encourage you to check the website regularly.

Immersive Days for School Students

Click here to browse face-to-face and online events from ADF Careers. Events take place every week regularly and are repeated throughout the year. Here are some happening soon:

Part Time Army for 17+ year olds

If you would like to join the army on a part-time basis, consider joining the Army Reserves.

You can choose to work from 20 – 100 days per year, in a block or on weekends. 

The hours are flexible, and training is provided. 

Check out what being a reservist involves HERE. 

Have Defence Pay For Your Degree

The ADF can pay students a salary and benefits while they study at university. 

• Aviation.
• Engineering.
• Software engineering.
• Systems engineering.
• Information technology.
• Cybersecurity.
• Space studies.
• Data science.

Find details HERE.

Australian Defence Force Academy

Have your career paid for and earn a salary while you complete your degree at the University of NSW in Canberra.

You can study lots of courses in the ADF; the video on the webpage has a medical and a dental student talking about their pathways. 

Check out the opportunities HERE. Then make an appointment to see an ADF recruitment officer. 

MEDICINE NEWS

13 May National Youth Science Forum: Exploring Careers in Medicine Online

Join the NYSF for an insightful webinar exploring the diverse career opportunities within medicine! Whether you're interested in research, public health or improving how humans operate in different environments, discover the various paths you can take in this rewarding field. 

Online. 5pm Register HERE. 

2025 Guide to Studying Medicine from Study Work Grow

Medicine Matrix 

The document below shows all Medicine study options, Australia-wide. 

Dentistry Matrix

The document below shows all Dentistry study options, Australia-wide. 

Free UCAT & Medical Entry Events from Contour MedPrep 

Contour MedPrep are hosting two free UCAT & Medical Entry Events in the upcoming April School Holidays:

• Free 3-Hour UCAT & Medical Entry Workshop
  • Date: 10am - 1pm Saturday April 19
  • Location: University of Western Australia (UWA)
  • Invitation PDF & All Details

  • Event Website & Sign-Up Form

     

• Free 4-Hour In-Person UCAT Mock & Review Session
  • Date: Saturday April 19 - Sunday April 27
  • Location: St Georges Terrace, Perth CBD
  • Invitation PDF & All Details
  • Event Website & Sign-Up Form

NIE Available programs for Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 students

• Future Doctors Program: Medicine (4-day attendance: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne).
• Academic Insights Program: Medicine, Psychology Engineering, Business Management, Creative Writing and Veterinary Studies (11-day residential summer holiday program in Sydney).
• Intensive Interview Preparation Workshop 
• UCAT Preparation Workshop - 4 UCAT sections covered + full mock exam under timed conditions + introduction to medical interviews. 
• UCAT Training Course - various levels of preparation and options available to meet individual student needs.

2025 Medicine - University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Dates 

If you want to apply for medicine in 2026, you will need to undertake a UCAT assessment. Book (when bookings open) via the UCAT ANZ website.

These are the important dates for UCAT in 2025:

St George’s University Medicine Program

Recruiters from St George’s University of Granada have recently been in Perth promoting their International School of Medicine. 

There are significant scholarships available for first-year students from Australia. 

You can find details HERE. 

Year 12 Opportunities

Curtin Entry to Medicine for 2026 

In Western Australia, only Curtin University takes students into medicine straight from school. 

Candidates from rural and regional areas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised. 

• Rural and remote applicants: TheMedicine Faculty at Curtin is keen to address the shortage of doctors in the bush in WA. Contact Associate Professor Keith McNaught - Rural Academic Lead, Curtin Medical School at Keith.Mcnaught@curtin.edu.au

Application Process

• Applicants need to have an ATAR of 95 or higher, including Chemistry with a final score of 50 or higher. (See P4 of the Admission Guide for details.)
• A competitive score on the Universal Clinical Aptitude Test. Bookings for the Test open 4 March. Testing begins 1 July. 
• Applicants then take the Casper Test which was introduced by Curtin last year. 
• Finalists then undertake Multiple Mini Interviews (See P8 of the Guide)

Please refer to the Domestic admissions guide for information. 

School leavers with an outstanding ATAR may be granted an Assured Pathway into post-graduated medicine or dentistry degrees at UWA. 

University of Notre Dame Pathways to Medicine 2025

You can find details of how to apply in the University of Notre Dame Pathways to Medicine 2025 handbook. 

8 May Notre Dame Online Medicine Information Session 2025 

Notre Dame does not offer medicine to school leavers. You must first complete a degree and demonstrate outstanding capabilities to gain a place within the postgraduate program. 

Find out about Notre Dame's Doctor of Medicine program. Find out about the program's structure, entry pathways and exciting new developments.

4:30 – 6:30pm in WA. Register HERE.

Work experience options for future medicine students

When it comes to a career in medicine, gaining first-hand experience early on can be invaluable. Work experience, including volunteering, offers you a chance to step into the shoes of medical professionals, providing insights that textbooks simply can't replicate. Read this article from Study Work Grow to gain some work experience ideas for students who are thinking of studying medicine in the future. A reminder that John XXIII College students following a Uni Direct Pathway must organise their own work experience outside of the school term.

FREE webinar: Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry 

Topics: UCAT / GAMSAT / Interviews / University Applications / University selection criteria / Gap year / Plan B, and much more...)

When?  6 May 2025,  7.00 pm – 9.00 pm (AEST)

Audience: An excellent opportunity for Year 10, 11 and 12 students, parents, and teachers. 

Presenter: Zobair Bary (Author & coordinator of the NIE Medical and Dental School UCAT and interview training programs. Founder of the Future Doctors Australia Program).

REGISTER 

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

$10,000 payment to plumbers, electricians and carpenters

Governments are making every effort to increase skilled construction workers. 

Apprentice plumbers, electricians and carpenters are to receive $10,000 payment from the Commonwealth government, spread over their 4-year apprenticeship. Apprentices will receive $2,000 at six, 12, 24, 36 months, and at the completion of their apprenticeship.

What money is already available?

The Construction Training Fund provides information on:

• The $1000 Apprentice Support Bonus
• The $1000 Apprentice Tool Allowance
• The Apprentice Travel and Accommodation Allowance
• The $500 Pre-Apprenticeship Award Payment 

Go HERE to find information on: 

• Try-a-Trade Programs
• Women in the Construction Industry 
• Apprentice support services
• Scholarships

I’ve collated information in Building apprentices‘ road to riches – What support is available for WA construction apprentices. 

Financial support for apprentices in priority occupations

Skills and qualifications that are in high demand, get extra support if you train in a priority occupation.

NEW

There is a new function on the government site that helps you explore priority occupations and find the wages, day-to-day activities and study pathways. 

Find details HERE.

New Apprentice and Trainee Connect Providers

These are the WA organisations that connect apprentices and trainees with employers, and that support them through their training.

Apprentice Connect Australia Providers formerly the Australian Apprentice Support Network.

• BUSY At Work – The Apprenticeship Community (Women in male-dominated trades specialist) 13 28 79, Perth and Surrounds
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Clean Energy specialist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (First Nations specialist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Women in male-dominated trades specialist) 1300 363 831, Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• BUSY At Work – The Apprenticeship Community (Generalist) 13 28 79, Perth and Surrounds
• Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) (Generalist) 1300 363 831 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia
• MEGT (Australia) Ltd (Generalist) 13 6963 Perth and Surrounds, Outback Western Australia

Apprenticeship Support Australia Intake Guide

The Apprenticeship Support Australia booklet is great for West Australian students thinking of an apprenticeship or traineeship. You can find it HERE.

Green Future Apprenticeships

Australia is gearing up to have skills required for green futures. Apprenticeship Support Australia has been identified to provide information and support to help West Australians to fill jobs of the future. 

You can register for information HERE.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

10 May Girls Programming Network Workshop

Have some fun and make friends as you learn how to code. Whether you are just getting started or if you have some skills, there will be groups for you. 

The event is held at UWA. 

Register HERE. 

19 May Law Week

Law Week places a spotlight on issues affecting access to justice in the community. 

See events HERE. 

Law is one of the most popular university courses in Australia. A couple of years ago I heard that there are more lawyers trained each year than the total number of practicing lawyers in Australia. 

Law Pathways to Many Careers

A law degree is a brilliant way of gaining research, analytical and thinking skills. Any job that requires you to think, is a perfect place for a law graduate. 

• Public Servant - As a public servant, I worked with many lawyers who were working on policies, legislation and problem-solving. 
• Business Managers – Every business must operate within standards. There is no one better placed to interpret standards within a business context than a lawyer. 
• Human Resource Management –Equal employment, industrial relations and safety laws govern every business. The Closing the Gap and Aboriginal Deaths in Custody strategies can be aligned with your workplace priorities by someone with a legal background. 
• Teachers – There is an increasing number of people with law degrees entering the teaching profession. Their knowledge is well-suited to HASS teaching. 

 Apply Now – 8 July Year 12 ATAR Economics Conference 

Get ready for our annual ATAR economics conference designed to elevate your revision game and prepare year 12 students for success! We’re bringing together industry leaders to share their expert insights and knowledge with you.

We have an exciting line-up of speakers, including renowned economist Paul Bloxham (Chief Economist, HSBC) and Steven Kemp (Chief WACE marker and author of your textbook). 

The conference will cover strategies for success, data interpretation, monetary and fiscal policy, tactics for section 2 of the exam, and how to master those tricky multiple-choice questions. Alongside captivating speakers and interactive workshops, your ticket includes morning tea, snacks, merchandise, and car parking.

We recommend students register as soon as possible—our event sold out last year! Register HERE.

WA Government Kickstart Program

About a third of Australia’s jobs are in government. Whether you want to work in agriculture or the arts, there could be an opportunity that will be perfect for you. 

Check out all the different government departments, just in Western Australia. 

The State government has opportunities for:

• Traineeships
• Work experience
• Internships and vacation programs
• Graduate cadetships. 

Explore opportunities to do work experience in a government office HERE. 

18 May Classical FastTRACK 1.0 

Classical FastTRACK 1.0 is WAAPA’s elite training program for young musicians.  Take your creativity and performance skills to the highest level, through a specialised program of workshops and masterclasses. It’s the fast track to musical excellence.

Preparing for a music performance, audition or exam? In this FREE workshop, you get hot tips on musicianship, stagecraft, practising, projection and performance psychology. WAAPA’s inspirational lecturers show you how to tame your nerves, bring your music to life, and perform at your very best – so that when the day comes, your inner star shines bright and strong.

Dates: Sunday, 18 May 2025

Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Age: For classical musicians in high school Years 10, 11 & 12

Register HERE

Don’t miss out on future courses. 

Check out future WAAPA music and theatre workshops and courses for school students HERE.

Wild Vets School Holiday Program

Organisation: Perth Zoo

Location: Perth Zoo

Date: July 9 to July 16, 2025

Come and learn from some of Australia's best Vets in this hands-on program.

From tiny frogs to mega rhinos, discover the diverse range of native Australian fauna and exotic wildlife and how they are care for.

Participants spend a day with an inspiring Perth Zoo veterinarian, going behind-the-scenes and gaining a unique perspective of the day-in-the-life of a Zoo Vet.

Suitable for students in Year 9 to Year 12.

Find out more and register.

Experience university with Oxford Royale Summer School

Oxford Royale is the most experienced and professional summer school in the UK and US, giving high school students from around the world the chance to experience student life at some of the world's top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial London in the UK, and Yale and Berkeley in the US.

What are the benefits of Oxford Royale Summer School? 

Their 2-week courses will allow you to:

• Get a taste of a career area
• Immerse yourself via debates, seminars, guest speakers, and site visits
• Learn about a top UK institution and get a taste of living on campus
• Have fun with students from all over the world – social activities are included
• Learn about how to craft an application to get into the best universities in the world
• Attend inspirational venues and exclusive events
• Network with students from all over the world

What courses are on offer? 

Oxford Royale offers courses in a variety of different areas, catered for students 13-15 years old and 16-18 years old, which include:

• Law and Politics
• Medicine
• Engineering and Technology
• Mathematics
• And many more - you can see their full list of courses here.

When do courses run? 

Courses are typically run 2-3 times a year in July and August and are 2 weeks in length. This makes it possible for international students to travel and attend during the school holidays.

Where can I find out more? 

Learn more about the Oxford Royal Summer School and browse upcoming courses on their website here.

Weekly WA Police Recruitment Sessions – Saturday mornings 

There is no age limit for applying for the WA Police Force. You must be 17 years and 6 months or older to apply for a Police Officer (Entry-level) and over 17 to apply for Cadet or Police Auxiliary Officer roles. 

You can register for a session HERE.

Online Campus Day AIE

Organisation: Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Location: Online

Date: June 7, 2025

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Online Campus Day. AIE will be running this event for students interested in studying online. You will be able to meet their teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, career pathways and see amazing student work.

They will be covering everything you need to know about the:

• careers in games and VFX that we train students for;
• studios and industries that we work with;
• courses we offer - from beginners to professional mastery, and;
• the software, skills and knowledge we teach.

Find out more and register

GAP YEAR INFORMATION

Defence Force Gap Year

If you are not sure what you want to do next year, check out the Defence Force Gap Year program.

• You get paid. 
• You have somewhere to live. 
• You learn new skills. 
• You travel and you meet new people. 

The website is great, with personal stories from young people who are actually doing the Gap Year. 

There are 22 career paths to choose from. Check them out HERE

Volunteering for Teens

Projects Abroad has spent over 30 years helping our participants fulfill their potential and make the world a better place. 

In addition to the Medical Internships in Nepal,  Projects Abroad also run a wider range of options in service and internships in construction, Conservation in Thailand and Human Rights Volunteering in Ghana or Argentina among others.

Students are encouraged to browse the above links, or browse Volunteer Overseas through Projects Abroad.

Gap Year Opportunity – AgCareer Start

The AgCAREERSTART program is designed to address the worker crisis and introduce Australian school leavers to a variety of careers in agriculture. 

You can identify where you would like to go and what sort of farm you’d prefer. There is funding for travel and support from the AgCAREERSTART team. 

If you are not sure what to do when you leave school, or if you would like to earn some money before you start uni, check out the opportunities at AgCAREERSTART. 

Thinking of Studying Overseas?

There is a group called Crimson Education that many students use to support their applications to overseas universities. 

They have extensive networks in the USA, UK and European countries, and support students to apply for mainstream courses and for specialist courses. Be aware that Crimson is not a free service- check the financial commitment carefully before engaging beyond their free resources.

Find more information HERE. 

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY OPPORTUNITIES

Murdoch MyAccess Plan

Assess your own support needs using MyAccess Plan then contact Murdoch so that their staff in the Access and Inclusion Office can work with you to customise a study environment to suit your needs. 

See MyAccess Plan HERE.

How People with autism can get into university

1. Attend outreach programs
2. Try online courses
3. Apply for support
4. Find a suitable course

To get more information in your own time, see the following links:

• Year 10 guide
• VET to university guide
• Undergraduate course guide

5. Consider the different university entry pathways

Read the full list of tips HERE. 

Frank Hall-Bentick Education Fund Scholarships for persons with a disability

Organisation: Australian Communities Foundation

Location: Australia

Value: Up to $2,500 AUD

Open Date: January 1, 2025

Close Date: June 30, 2025

Find out more

CanDo Training

Long-time WA career professional Marilyn Garbin has been focusing on supporting school leavers with a disability. You can contact her at. admin@candotraining.com.au or go to https://candotraining.com.au/.

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them to reach their full potential as skilled workers. A range of assistance is available including tutorial, mentoring and interpreting services as well as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) incentive, which is paid to employers.

Find out more and how to claim HERE. 

Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual Disability

Everyone Can Work is a website designed to help people with intellectual disability and their families understand the support available to get into open employment. 

SPOTLIGHT

Snapshot of Charles Sturt University (CSU) in 2025

• The history of Charles Sturt University dates back to 1895 but CSU was formally incorporated in July 1989 and is one of Australia's newer universities

   

• Charles Sturt University has three Faculties which comprise of several Schools and centres for specific areas of study and research –
  • Faculty of Arts and Education
  • Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences

  • Faculty of Science and Health

     

• CSU has campuses in a number of locations and also has various campuses that offer specialist courses, such as theology, education, Terrorism & Security Studies, and policing.  These include Albury-Wodonga, Canberra, Goulburn, and Parramatta.

   

• CSU offers a range of accommodation options to students across six campuses 

   

• CSU offers a broad range of courses, from single subjects to postgraduate studies

   

• Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University have partnered to offer a Joint Program in Medicine - Doctor of Medicine.  Students are admitted to the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) / Doctor of Medicine combined program.  After completing the first three years, students may either exit with a Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) or progress to years four and five to complete the Doctor of Medicine requirements.  On completion of the program students are awarded the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine.  It is a five-year program taught in Orange, New South Wales. 

   

• Some other courses that may be of particular interest include – 
  • Bachelor of Communication
  • Bachelor of Dental Science 
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy 
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science 
  • Master of Terrorism and Security Studies

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@johnxxiii.edu.au