Student Learning & Growth

Supporting Your Child Through Subject Selection

Choosing school subjects is an exciting milestone in your child’s learning journey. At Marist-Sion College, we recognise it can also feel a little overwhelming—for students and families alike. That’s why we’ve designed a clear, supportive and personalised subject selection process to help guide every student with confidence.

Each year, students in Years 8 to 11 begin exploring their future learning pathways. To support this, the College provides a range of resources, including the Subject Selection Handbook and our Subject Selection Expo, which was held last term. These opportunities allow families to explore the full range of subjects and speak directly with teachers, learning leaders and careers staff.

Following this exploration stage, students use our online Subject Selection Portal to submit their preferences. Families are also notified if their child is eligible for special pathways, such as acceleration into VCE studies or entry into a vocational program. A course counselling interview then follows, where students and families finalise subject selections with guidance from staff.

What sets Marist-Sion’s process apart is the high level of individual support offered. We understand that subject selection can influence future options in university, TAFE, apprenticeships or employment. Our Careers and Pathways team works closely with each student to offer practical advice, help clarify interests and ensure subject choices align with future goals.

Throughout the process, we encourage students to choose subjects based on their strengths, interests and enjoyment—not on what friends are doing or what might seem the easiest option. We also invite parents and carers to have open conversations at home to support their child in making thoughtful decisions.

Ultimately, subject selection is about building a pathway that feels right. With the right guidance, students can shape a program that keeps their options open and supports their success both at school and beyond.

At Marist-Sion College, we are committed to walking alongside families every step of the way.

2026 Subject Selection Key Dates

The 2026 Subject Selection Handbook is available via our website:

Curriculum Overview – Marist-Sion College

Year 9 in 2026

2 July 2025 – Subject Selections Open
20 August 2025 – Subject Preferences Close

Year 10 in 2026

30 June 2025 – Acceleration and Vocational Program Applications Open
2 July 2025 – Subject Selections Open
4 July 2025 – Acceleration and Vocational Program Applications Close
23 July 2025 – Interview Bookings Open
30 July 2025 – Students notified of Acceleration/Vocational outcomes
6 August 2025 – Subject Preferences and Interview Bookings Close
18 & 20 August (2:30–6:30pm) – Subject Selection Interviews

Year 11 in 2026

30 June 2025 – Acceleration and Vocational Program Applications Open
2 July 2025 – Subject Selections Open
4 July 2025 – Acceleration and Vocational Program Applications Close
23 July 2025 – Interview Bookings Open
30 July 2025 – Students notified of Acceleration/Vocational outcomes
6 August 2025 – Subject Preferences and Interview Bookings Close
11 & 13 August (2:30–6:30pm) – Subject Selection Interviews

Year 12 in 2026

30 June 2025 – Acceleration (HES) and Vocational Program Applications Open
2 July 2025 – Subject Selections Open
4 July 2025 – Acceleration and Vocational Program Applications Close
30 July 2025 – Vocational Applications Finalised and Students Notified
20 August 2025 – Subject Preferences Close

Please note: These dates are final. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Ms Alysoun Smalley

Deputy Principal: Student Learning Culture and Growth