Pathways

Careers Expo '25

VSC pathways is proud to present Careers Expo '25 on Wednesday 2nd July in the Fallon Centre Auditorium during the day from 11:15am – 1:45pm.  

This event is primarily aimed at our senior students in Years 10, 11 and 12.  However, Parents/Carers are welcome to attend the expo from 1pm after signing in at the General Office.     

This year we have representatives from 7 Universities, 2 TAFE’s, 2 sports institutes, Victoria Police, the Australian Defence Force and HeadStart the education departments school-based apprenticeships/traineeships providers.

Work Experience

Work experience participation is optional at VSC.  We strongly encourage all students aged 15yrs+ to get involved in this very beneficial and rewarding program.  Students can undertake Work Experience every year until they graduate VSC.

Work experience provides young people with a taste of the real world of work and a clearer understanding of a particular industry, field or business they may be interested in pursuing in the future.  It assists in career discovery and exploration, goal setting and decision making whilst preparing students for VCE or VCE VM, future tertiary studies, apprenticeship / traineeships or full-time work.

There are no designated time frames for students to complete placements as we believe a flexible delivery arrangement provides students with a better opportunity to meet the availability and operational time frames of businesses and industries within the community.  This also means we are not competing with other local schools which can limit student’s placement opportunities. 

Placement dates are arranged through consultation and negotiation between the employer, school and student to maximise the experience. A great time to consider undertaking work experience in Year 10 is the last week of term 3 if your child is not attending the Central Australia to Darwin trip. Drop into Pathways to discuss further and collect the ‘Preparing for the Workplace’ pack.              

VSC Careers Website

Did you know VSC has its own careers website?  It’s a ‘One Stop Shop’ for everything you need to assist with Career planning, research, information and help, available 24 hours a day. Please see the Term 1 Career Tools Newsletter with lots of informative reading.  To access the website please click on the link vscpathways.com or go to the VSC website and click on the Pathways tab. Features:

• Latest news and events

• Senior school options

• Work experience and OH&S in the workplace

• VET – Vocational Education and Training

• University Admissions requirements through VTAC

• Find what careers suits you & course discovery

• Interactive Career bullseyes

• Gap Year

• Resume creation & finding a job

• Youth allowance and money matters

• Informative career videos

• Plus lots, lots more to help individual career development

Career Development is the lifelong process of managing life, learning and work (paid and unpaid) over our lifespan.  The ability to make informed decisions, manage and transition through change for a personally determined future.

Young people build their career development through self-awareness, understanding how they make decisions and how these decisions impact future aspirations through exploration, identifying interests, values and preferred learning styles through careers exploration activities such as Morrisby in Year 9 and Careers Tools in Year 10.  The ability to research a wide range of career options helps them to select subjects they may enjoy learning whilst aligning to tertiary course pre-requisite requirements in the future or apprenticeship/traineeship requirements and work. 

Career development is further enhanced by juggling the expectations and requirements of school with extra-curricular activities like sport and family responsibilities, part-time work, community involvement and social interests. 

To further assist your Career Development please visit vscpathways.com an easy-to-use interface with links to a multitude of career resources for both Students and Parents.  We encourage all VSC students and their families to explore the Pathways website to assist in making positively informed decisions about their future. 

Subject Selection Tips 

1. Choose What Works or You

Pick subjects that reflect your strengths and interests to make the school experience your own. When you enjoy what you're learning, you're more likely to stay motivated and succeed. 

2.  Get Informed

Talk to teachers who teach the subject, ask students already studying it, attend taster sessions. The more informed you are, the better your choices will be. 

3. Ask around! 

Seek advice from teachers, coordinators, and your Careers Advisor. They can help you see how your choices connect to your goals, future study or job opportunities. 

4. Keep Your Options Open

If you're unsure about your future, that’s okay! Choose a mix of subjects to keep your options open after Year 12. Having a broad skill set gives you more freedom to change direction later on.

5. Connect Subjects to Your Goals

If your ideal subject isn’t available, choose ones that help build related skills and support your ambitions. Think creatively about how different subjects can contribute to your future path. 

6. Balance Your Workload

Pick subjects that interest and challenge you without overwhelming your schedule. A manageable mix helps you do well and avoid burnout. For example, three folio-based subjects might be too much work to manage well.  

7. Consider Your Pathway

Are you aiming for an ATAR-based university course? Or a hands-on career or trade? Choose subjects that align with your post-school plans, whether academic, vocational, or both. There’s more than one way to reach your goals. 

8. Remember the Big Picture

School is about personal growth, not just grades. Choose subjects that give you space to grow as a person and enjoy the full experience of school life.

Learn Your Way with the Right Tech

Everyone learns in their own unique way. Maybe you remember things best when you see them, hear them, write them down, or get hands-on. These preferences are called learning styles, and knowing yours can make working on tasks easier, more enjoyable, and more effective. The good news? Today’s technology gives you more ways than ever to match your learning style with tools that support the way you think and learn. 

Here’s how you can pair your learning style with helpful tech tools:

• Visual Learners: Try using diagram makers, mind-mapping apps, or educational videos to bring ideas to life.

• Auditory Learners: Use podcasts, text-to-speech tools, or record yourself explaining concepts to listen back later.

• Reading/Writing Learners: Make the most of digital note-taking apps, flashcard generators, and online articles to read and rewrite.

• Kinesthetic Learners: Look for interactive simulations, educational games, or video tutorials that involve step-by-step action.

Career Spotlight  

Sports Statistician

You don’t need to be a math genius or a star athlete to become a sports statistician — but you do need a passion for data, sharp eye for detail, and a love of uncovering what drives performance.

What is a Sports Statistician?

A sports statistician collects, analyses, and interprets data related to athletic performance. Whether tracking player stats, team trends, or game outcomes, they use numbers to tell the story behind the sport. Some work live at events, recording data in real time, while others work behind the scenes, using analytics to help teams improve or to inform the broadcasters and fans.

What skills and strengths are needed?

Sports statisticians often work with software, spreadsheets, or coding tools, so digital literacy is a must. Good communication is also important—translating complex data into clear insights for coaches, players, or the media. Key strengths include maths and analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of sports rules and strategies.

What are the pathways?

You can start by studying maths, statistics, or data science, and combining that with a strong interest in sports. Relevant university degrees include sports analytics, data science, computer science, or applied mathematics. Short courses in coding (like Python or R), sports technology, or performance analysis can also give you an edge. 

Gaining experience through internships, volunteering with local teams, or analysing school sports data helps build a portfolio and connections in the field. Some statisticians move into the role from sports journalism or coaching backgrounds, adding analytical skills along the way.

UCAC Early Offer

While most uni's offers are released in December after ATARs, some Year 12 students in NSW and ACT can receive early offers. 

Early Offers Through UAC

Early entry schemes let you demonstrate your potential by using Year 11 results and school recommendations - before your ATAR is available. To be considered for early offers through UAC, apply for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) when you submit your UAC application. The first SRS offers will be released on 13 November 2025.

These offers can be unconditional (no ATAR needed) or conditional (you’ll need to meet extra criteria like a minimum ATAR). Apply for SRS through your UAC application by selecting the option and submitting any extra info required.

Direct Offers from Uni's

Some universities also offer early entry directly, not just through UAC. To apply, visit each uni’s website and follow their instructions. Applications usually open mid-year, and no offers will be made before September. You can apply for both UAC and direct entry at the same time to keep your options open.

How-to-apply guide for Year 11 and 12 students

Steps to Uni for Year 11 and 12 Students provides information for 2025 Year 11 and 12 students about applying for tertiary study through UAC. It explains the process of applying to university, managing an application and accepting an offer. Steps to Uni for Year 11 and 12 Students can be downloaded from the UAC website and will be available at expos.

Want to find out about upcoming admission dates to another interstate university?

Contact the Tertiary Admissions Centre in the relevant state or territory. See below:

VTAC – Victoria

QTAC – Queensland

SATAC – South Australia and NT

TAS - Tasmania 

Why Study Tips are Important

Work smarter, not harder. Simple habits can help keep you organised, lower stress levels, and build your confidence for when exams roll around. Check out these recommendations by QS Top Universities below: 

1. Start Early & Plan Smart

   • Avoid cramming.

   • Set a realistic study schedule.

      

2. Prioritize subjects based on importance and difficulty.

   • Use digital tools (like calendars or task apps) to stay on track.

      

3. Organise Your Study Space

   • Create a distraction-free environment that suits your style.

   • Whether it's tidy, silence or background music, find what helps you focus best.

      

4. Learn Actively

   • Use mind maps, flashcards, and teach-back methods to boost retention. 

   • Experiment with different learning strategies to find what works best for you.

      

5. Practice Under Exam Conditions

   • Simulate real exams with timed practice sessions.

   • Build confidence and improve time management by mimicking exam pressure.

      

6. Take Smart Breaks

   • Try the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of study, followed by a 5-minute break. 

   • Stay fresh and focused by avoiding burnout during long study sessions.

      

7. Use Tech Wisely

   • Use apps like Quizlet, Evernote, and Forest for effective study.

   • Switch off notifications to minimise distractions during study time.

      

8. Eat to Focus

   • Fuel your brain with healthy foods such as salmon, berries, and whole grains.

   • Stay hydrated and avoid sugary snacks to prevent energy crashes.

Bright Awards – Torrens University

Entries are NOW OPEN!

Show Off Your Creative Talent

The Bright Awards, run by Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University, celebrates the bold, creative work of Year 10–12 students across Australia. Whether you're into design, tech, art, or gaming, this is your chance to get noticed—and win big. It’s open to students at all skill levels, from beginners to future pros.

Why Enter?

Winners in each category score $1,000, an Adobe Creative Cloud licence, and the chance to win the Pinnacle Award—which includes a 50% design scholarship and $5,000 for your school. It’s a great way to kick-start a career in design and creative technology. Plus, your work will be seen by industry experts and shared across national platforms.

How to Apply

Head to the Bright Awards page on the Torrens University Australia website. Choose your category, read the entry guidelines carefully, and upload your submission by 8 August 2025. You’ll need to submit your work online and include a short description that explains your idea and process.

Categories & Criteria

Judges are looking for original ideas, solid research, and creative thinking that considers social, environmental, or economic impacts.

Your entry should show planning, purpose, and a clear, creative vision. Categories include: 

• Architecture & Interiors 

• Digital Technology

• Fashion Design, Marketing & Textiles 

• Media Arts & Gaming

• Photography

• Visual Arts

Highlight Your Human Skills

Confidently communicating your Human Skills can make or break your opportunities.

It’s normal to squirm at the thought of writing a winning application or rehearsing for an interview because talking yourself up probably doesn’t come naturally. But being able to confidently communicate your strengths is what sets you apart from other candidates, and can make or break your opportunities. The good news is, just like any other skill, you can learn to sell yourself, and the more you practise, the better you get!

Start Low-Stakes

Starting low-stakes means there's nothing to lose so you can build competence before high-stakes situations arise. Practising low-stakes habits helps make the everyday ways you use your Human Skills obvious, and you'll be confidently identifying and articulating them - with examples - when high-stakes situations like applications and interviews come up. Low-Stakes starters include:

• Identifying and noting your wins,

• Articulating your skills in casual conversations, and 

• Learning to give and receive compliments in ways that combine these. 

High-Stakes Situations

Whether you’re writing your resume, a scholarship application, or pitching yourself to a potential employer at an interview, the techniques in our Guide show you how to highlight your Human Skills so you shine. If you haven’t got time to start low-stakes - don’t worry - these methods will help you fake it 'till you make it! You’ll learn to:

• Elaborate with specific examples,

• Quantify and qualify your impact, and

• STAR in your responses.

Download the Career Tools Guide to Human Skills now, and learn to highlight your Human Skills!

New Engineering Academy

Ever wondered why engineers are considered the original problem solvers? Find out why and learn how you can become one in our new interactive short course, made in collaboration with Engineers Australia.

Virtually everything you interact with on a daily basis exists because an engineer has been involved. They’re the ones in charge of creating, designing, maintaining and helping to produce our structures, gadgets, tech and devices across a huge range of areas of expertise. As you can imagine, being so involved in our everyday living means that engineers are super in-demand, with employers always looking for creative problem-solvers who want a career that makes a difference. That’s why we’ve created Engineered for Impact, our latest interactive short course to help you learn everything you need to know about designing your own pathway into this amazing career.

In this Academy, you’ll discover:

• How engineers understand people and what their needs are to come up with great solutions.

• How engineers harness creativity to solve the world’s toughest problems.

• Why engineers study a range of areas such as ecology, physics, social sciences and more.

• How engineers are making a difference every single day, including a spotlight on areas of expertise such as:

  • Biomedical Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Environmental Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Software Engineering

  • Systems Engineering

• Features on three young female engineers making an impact in their field and in the world.

• An explanation of how you can receive financial and professional support while studying engineering.

• Why having women in engineering is important for making a positive difference to everyone’s lives.

Access this free Academy by clicking this link, or through the Career Tools website.

Resume Ready

Your resume is your ticket to standing out—but how do you write one that shows off your strengths, even if you're just starting out?

Know Your Skills

Employers want to know what you’re good at, not just your past jobs. Include a mix of hard skills (like using Microsoft Excel, coding, or speaking another language) and soft skills (like teamwork, time management, communication, and problem-solving). These can come from school projects, volunteering, sport, or part-time work. Use bullet points to explain how you’ve used these skills in real life situations.

Keep It Professional and Up to Date

Your resume should be simple, clean, and easy to read. Use a standard font, include clear headings (like Education, Skills, and Experience), and keep it to one page if possible. Double-check that your contact details are current and that your email address sounds professional. Always proofread and for spelling and grammar— first impressions count!

What To Include

A clear, well-organised resume helps you stand out for the right reasons. Employers and recruiters often spend just a few seconds scanning each resume —so having a tidy, easy-to-read layout makes it more likely they’ll spot your skills and experience quickly. Using a consistent format also shows that you’re professional, detail-oriented, and serious about the opportunity.

A typical format can include:

Contact Information

Career Objective or Goal

Education Achievements or awards (if any)

Skills

Experience

Achievements

Referees

Need Help Getting Started?

There are a range of great online tools to help you build your resume. Try the Your Career website for free templates and tips, or check out Youth Central for student examples. Don’t forget to talk to your school careers advisor—they can offer personalised feedback and help you build a resume that reflects your strengths and goals.

Projects Abroad

About to finish Year 12 and not sure what’s next? The Global Gap Year Program by Projects Abroad is now accepting applications for their 2026 intake.

Who are Projects Abroad?

Projects Abroad is a trusted global organisation with over 30 years of experience in safe, ethical volunteering. The Global Gap Year Program includes support every step of the way, with accommodation, meals, training, and supervision provided. It’s designed to give school leavers structure, adventure, and a chance to discover their interests before committing to further study or a career.

What is the Global Gap Year Program?

The Global Gap Year Program is a 28-week structured adventure designed for school leavers to explore the world, gain hands-on experience, and make a real difference. Travel to countries like Nepal, Ghana, Peru, and Cambodia, where you'll volunteer in areas like education, healthcare, and conservation. It's the perfect way to learn new skills and build lifelong connection, growing personally and professionally before starting uni, TAFE, or work.

Trip Highlights Include:

• Join Conservation Projects in the African Savannah and Nepal.

• Care for Animals in the Amazon  Rainforest and preserve the fragile coastal ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.

• Explore ancient temples at Angkor Wat and marvel at the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu!

• Go on safaris in East Africa and Nepal.

• Learn practical healthcare skills with Public Health outreach work.

• Work with children on Teaching Projects and at Community Events.

Apply Now for the 2026 Intake:

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open. To secure your spot, visit the Projects Abroad Global Gap Year page and complete the application process. A deposit is required to confirm your participation, with flexible payment options available.

Staying Safe Online

You’ve heard it before - stay safe online. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about rules, it’s about you. Whether you're posting pics, making videos, or chatting with friends, it’s important to understand how to protect your privacy and stay in control.

Own Your Digital Space

From TikToks to gaming profiles, everything you share online adds to your digital presence—and it can travel far and fast. Online spaces offer heaps of fun, but they also come with risks such as oversharing or losing control of your posts. Staying safe doesn’t mean logging off—it means being smart about what you share and who with. Keep your accounts private, check your settings, update your passwords, and do the occasional Google search of your name. It’s all about staying in control and owning your digital vibe. If something doesn’t feel right online, speak up—talk to a trusted adult or report it through a safety platform. The more you know, the more confident you’ll be navigating the digital world on your own terms.

Helpful Online Safety Websites

These trusted sites are packed with practical tips, tools, and support to help you stay safe, informed, and in control online. Whether you need help with privacy settings, want to report an issue, or just have questions about your digital life, these resources are here to guide you every step of the way.

• eSafety Commissioner – esafety.gov.au

  • Tips on staying safe online, privacy settings, and how to report issues.

• ThinkUKnow – thinkuknow.org.au

  • Run by the AFP, with videos and fact sheets on scams, safety, and smart choices online.

• Youth Law Australia – Cyber Safety yla.org.au

  • Free, confidential legal advice for young people dealing with online problems.

Challenges Open NOW!

Australian STEM Video Game Challenge

Registrations: Open for 2025

Inviting students from Years 3 to 12 to design and build their own video games. The 2025 theme is “Journey”. This free, nation-wide challenge promotes coding, storytelling, and design skills while inspiring students to explore STEM in a fun, digital format.

Think Science!

2025 Registrations: Now open for 2025

An exciting science challenge for students in Years 7 to 10 that encourages curiosity and innovation through hands-on experiments and problem-solving activities. Think Science! connects students with real-world science concepts in a fun and interactive way.

Australian National Virtual Debating Competition (ANVDC)

Registrations: Now open for 2025

A national online debating contest for students in Years 5 to 12 that builds communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. Teams compete virtually on a variety of engaging topics, gaining confidence and experience in public speaking.

Enterprising Girl of the Year 2025

Registrations: Open until October 10, 2025

Celebrating girls aged 10–18 who are turning ideas into action through business, creativity, innovation, or community impact. Finalists will pitch their ideas at the Kickstarter Challenge Grand Final in Canberra.

Insight Creative Writing Competition

Registrations: Open until September 1, 2025

Open to high school students across Australia, this competition encourages young writers to ignite their passion for creative writing. The optional theme for 2025 is "Soulmates." Participants are encouraged to explore this theme in their creative pieces, but they can also write on any topic that inspires them. With over $3,000 in cash prizes and entries judged by acclaimed Australian authors, it's a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition.

National Campus Music Competition

Registrations: Open NOW for 2025

Australia’s longest-running student music competition, open to tertiary students across Australia and New Zealand. It offers a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their talent and gain industry exposure.