The Brunswick Star

Shaping Futures

The Importance of Subject Selection process at BSC

Samantha Steinkrug

Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

 

How are students supported from Years 8 to 11 to make confident and informed choices?

 

 

Choosing the right learning program is one of the most significant steps in a student’s secondary school journey. From Years 8 through to 12, subject selections shape future opportunities—whether that’s university study, vocational training, or entering the workforce. At BSC, we support students and families through each stage of this important process.

Subject selection at BSC is supported in the following ways:

  • Communications, information is regularly shared via Compass (for parents/carers) and Teams (students) throughout Term 3

  • Home Group discussions, where students receive advice, explore options, and ask questions in a supportive setting.

  • Career Action Plans, which encourage students to reflect on their strengths, interests, and goals to guide informed decision-making.

  • Parent Information Evenings, where information is shared with parents/carers and students about learning program options, making informed subject selections, and the subject selection process

  • Subject Expos, where teachers and current and previous students showcase learning undertaken in our offered subjects

  • BSC Curriculum Website, where our offered subjects’ content and assessment types are explained

  • Year 10 Subject Selection Interview Day, where every Year 10 student and their parent/carer meet with a Home Group teacher or school leader for personalised advice on selecting their senior learning programs.

Building the Foundations (Years 8–9)

In the middle years, students are encouraged to explore a broad range of subjects. This stage is about discovery and growth, rather than locking in a career pathway. Key benefits include:

  • Exploration: Students try new subjects to uncover interests, strengths, and learning styles.

  • Skill Development: Core skills such as literacy, numeracy, digital technologies, and problem-solving are strengthened.

  • Decision-Making Practice: Students learn to make informed choices and take responsibility for their learning.

Making Meaningful Choices (Year 10)

Year 10 is a pivotal point where learning begins to connect with future goals. The subjects chosen help prepare students for senior pathways such as the VCE, the VCE Vocational Major, or VET programs.

At this stage, students are encouraged to:

  • Explore areas of interest while keeping options open.

  • Build on strengths and identify potential career directions.

  • Experience senior studies early, with opportunities to try a VCE or VET subject.

To support this important process, Year 10 students and their families are invited to a 15-minute conference with Home Group teachers and school leaders. These conversations ensure that students are selecting learning programs that either best prepare them for their desired pathways and careers or keep doors open if they are still exploring options beyond school.

Pathways to the Future (Years 11–12)

BSC offers multiple senior pathways:

  • VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education): An academic program that provides a pathway to university and higher education.

  • VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM): A practical, hands-on program designed for students interested in applied learning, leading to TAFE, apprenticeships, or employment.

  • VET (Vocational Education and Training) certificates: Industry-focused programs that develop workplace skills while contributing to senior secondary completion. VET subjects contribute to the VCE and VCE-VM pathways.

Behind the Scenes

The process of students selecting their subjects takes place throughout Term 3. During this time, students, families, and teachers work together to finalise choices that best support future pathways.

In Term 4, BSC staff busily work to generate a timetable that maximises student preferences and to ensure that the right teaching staff are in place and ready to teach for the following year.

Supporting Every Student

Subject selection is not just about academic planning. It’s about empowering students to make confident, informed decisions about their future. At BSC, Home Group discussions, Career Action Plans, Year 10 family conferences, and a carefully planned timeline all support students to succeed in their learning at school, and prepare them for their learning beyond.