Careers News

2018 Year 12 students DESTINATIONS

Congratulations to the Year 12 students from 2018 for taking the first exciting step towards their future and receiving outstanding post school destinations. 

 We are pleased to report that once again we have had some great results. Not all students chose to apply for tertiary entry this year but 81% certainly did with very pleasing outcomes. 66% of these received their first preference and 18% receiving their second preference. We had an increase of offers in the next three rounds with 11 more offers made. 4 % students chose to apply to further education by direct entry, 2% received apprenticeships, 5% went straight into the workforce, 2% took a gap Year, 1% went into the army and 5% were undecided as to which direction to take. 

All up, it provides a very interesting picture and indicates that the majority were really happy with their outcomes.

RMIT, Monash University and Deakin University continues to dominate as the Universities / TAFEs of choice. We have had feedback acknowledging the retention rate of our students which indicates that they are happy with the well informed choices they have made.

This is largely due to the time and effort students took in creating a detailed and thorough course application through VTAC, and by taking advantage of all the added opportunities we are given through our partnerships through Monash University and RMIT. This involves the delivery of a range of school incursions and excursions to support their engagement and knowledge of University and student life. This includes Mentoring programs for Year 11 and 12 students, University lectures, seminars and folio enhancement workshops, a variety of faculty based, curriculum focused experiences and lectures about applying to tertiary institutions. We also have the opportunity to apply for extra consideration when offers are being considered through the SNAP program (Schools Network Access Program at RMIT) and the Monash Guarantee. 

These programs assist students to access, participate and succeed in higher education. They also allow us the opportunities to enter these universities with lower ATAR scores. Unfortunately 2018 was the last year that we were able to partake in our partnership with RMIT as we are no longer under represented there.

I wish the 2018 cohort every success in this next chapter of their lives.

Monash Mentor Program

Our partnership with Schools Access Monash (SAM) has continued this year with our new mentees being introduced to the program last week. This program matches a Monash University student with a Nazareth student who has applied to be involved in the program. 

A Mentor assists their Nazareth Mentee with study skills, organisation and tutoring, There is also an opportunity to have students shadow them in university lectures so our student gets real insight to how learning is difference when you leave high school. They may also take them to industry visits so they can see what happens in their industry of choice in the workplace. They may take them to Open Days and assist with their tertiary applications. 

This is a hugely successful and worthwhile program with Mentors and Mentees meeting fortnightly throughout the year. All who have been involved have been very positive about this opportunity and the friendships they have made during the two year partnership.

LEAP

Our Year 10 LEAP students made a tremendous start to their Engineering TAFE experience every Monday afternoon. This opportunity to study a “hands on “subject at TAFE will promote independence and confidence. We look forward to seeing them flourish and learn in this adult location.

Year 10 Work Experience

This year all Year 10 students will undertake a one week work placement of their choice during the last week in June.  Students were introduced to the program during Fast Start last December and were given material to help them approach employers to look for a placement. The due date to hand in their paperwork is 29th March. This is not far away so I urge all year 10s to get cracking and get asking. Don’t be put off by “knock backs” that is part of the whole experience - after all, as adults we have not always received the first job we have applied for.  Parents please encourage your child to find a job placement themselves – it is a really important part of the program. Perhaps suggesting that they use family networks by asking relatives or friends to take them on. Why not try your sports coach or church group? Please note though that students are not to work with their parents or at their regular part time job.

Remember – the longer you leave it, the quicker places fill up.

Good luck to all.

Cheers

Elena Flodstrom

Careers and Pathways Co-ordinator