Careers Corner

Opportunities for student engagement in tertiary education workshops and work experience are continuing throughout term 2 in the Careers space. Year 9 students are applying their identified personal attributes to jobs within different industries. So far this term, careers classes have investigated the Trades and Health industries, researching different roles within each industry and the required skills and education required for these roles. 

Earlier this week, parents of Year 10 students will have received information about their student completing the Minimum Standards testing. These tests are delivered via an online platform and are a requirement for receiving the Higher School Certificate in NSW. Year 10 Careers classes will sit the Numeracy Minimum Standard test over the coming weeks, with the Reading and Writing tests scheduled for terms 3 and 4. 

Year 10 into 11 subject selection is just around the corner and discussions around this have begun in Careers lessons. Please support your child to begin thinking about their stage 6 education by discussing the subjects they are considering and the post school education and employment options they are interested in. 

Throughout Term 2, seven of our female students from years 10 and 11 have been participating in the Girls Can Too! program at TAFE. This program is offered to female students with an interest in typically male dominated trades. Practical lessons working in timber, metal fabrication and construction site safety have been an engaging change of pace. The program concludes this week with an industry tour excursion. Well done to all of the young ladies who got out of their comfort zone and had a go, this program will hopefully run again in semester 2.

The University of Sydney made a visit to O’Connor this week to talk with senior students about university entry pathways, course requirements, scholarships and accommodation. Year 11 and 12 were able to drop in and hear real life experiences from current students at the university who had moved to Sydney from rural and remote areas. 

Earlier this year, all year 12 students received their University Admission Centre pin number. This is a reminder to all students intending to apply for university admission to set up your UAC account using your pin. There is a fee associated with this application and the ‘early bird’ price ($80) will increase after the 29th of September to $215. Preferences can be adjusted throughout the year so even if you have not decided on where you would like to apply, it is still worthwhile to access this reduced fee, please see Mrs Galvin if you need help with this process.

Mrs Rachel Galvin

Leader - Student Pathways, Careers, SBAT & TVET