April, 2026 - FACT: those who have goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those without goals

As we head towards the end of Term 1, I reflect on how productive the start of the year has been in the area of pathways and partnerships. Our students in Year 11 and 12 are now in their first assessment block of 2026, and will be reflecting on their results and where improvements can be made. In early April, Year 12 students will be sent their UAC PIN (University Admission Centre) in preparation for applying to university. Our senior students will be given a number of opportunities to research and explore post school options, including attending the Sutherland Shire Career Information Day on 30 April (Year 12) and the HSC Careers Expo (Year 11) on 29 May. Furthermore, there are a number of universities, colleges and apprenticeship centres attending our Year 11 and 12 assemblies over the next term. There are other various Information Evenings and Open Days being held by tertiary institutions, and I will continue to post these in this newsletter in the coming months.

At the College, we are continuing to develop unique partnerships to benefit our students as they complete their secondary education. We are encouraging our students to participate in a number of micro-credentials which help them to build an extensive portfolio and make them more employable in the future. Recently both our Year 9 “Cafe for A Day” elective class and Year 12 Hospitality students completed a Foundation Barista course. These courses come at an excellent time as many students consider part-time jobs. Micro credentials such as these help students develop communication skills, confidence, initiative, leadership and teamwork - so valuable to future employers.

Several of our Year 12 students also recently attended the NSW Visitor Economy High School Challenge. With over 150,000 jobs expected in NSW Tourism over the next few years, students learnt of the many job opportunities in the Tourism, Events, Hospitality and Hotel industries. Students visited The Sydney Observatory, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. This day has inspired many students to careers in their future.

Our Engineering students also had the opportunity of working with “Engineering Tomorrow” in a STEM Bridge Building Competition. It was encouraging to see our Engineers of the future and the innovative bridges that they built! There are other courses being planned for this year, including in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Aviation, Sports Business and Entrepreneurship. I encourage all students to continue to check their emails and to take up opportunities as they arise.

UAC

UAC will open their portal for 2027 university applications on 8 April. Students will need to keep their PIN sent to them as this is required when they commence their application. I will meet with Year 12 students early next term regarding the application process to university, including the Early Admission process. Learn more about the pathways to university here:

I also refer students to the following UAC publication, Steps for university entry Year 12, which lists important dates and explains more about the process of applying to university.

Year 12 students: your guide to university application dates

UAC has published a timeline of all the important application, scholarship and early offer dates. I will be available to assist students with their applications and I encourage you all to attend as many Open Days and Experience Days as possible.

Everything you need to know about the ATAR in (just over) 2 minutes

The ATAR is a rank, not a mark. It is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates a student’s position relative to all the students in their age group. So, an ATAR of 80.00 means that you are 20 per cent from the top of your age group. Universities use the ATAR to help them select students for their courses and admission to most tertiary courses is based on your selection rank (your ATAR + any applicable adjustments). Learn more here:

UNIVERSITY UPDATES

University entry is constantly changing, with some of the biggest changes happening this year. With caps being made to domestic university placements, the Australian Government’s “Managed Growth Funding System” will have an impact on the number of places being offered by each university from 2027 onwards. This may mean changes to the number of places offered at each university, as well as changes to ATAR requirements. UTS have responded to this by removing Early Admission applications for future students. Any student that wants to apply to this university will need to do so through UAC preferences. Read more here:

It is important that our students keep up to date with these changes. There are several other universities that are offering Early Admissions. Early entry gives students the chance to receive an offer to university before they have finished their exams. One important thing to note is that most early offers are conditional – this means you need to meet one or more ‘conditions’ before your offer becomes final. Common conditions include things like completing Year 12, achieving a minimum ATAR, or completing prerequisite subjects. Read more about which universities are offering these schemes here:

UTS Experience Days, 8 April

Hosted on campus, students can attend UTS to learn more about the university and course offerings. Register here:

University of Wollongong - Future Me Applications, Term 2, close 2 May

Explore post-school opportunities and improve your HSC study skills with UOW Year 12 Future Me

program. Learn about university pathways, and about UOW’s Early Admission process. Students attend weekly 90-minute sessions online or at their local UOW campus. Students who complete the program and apply for UOW Early Admission will be flagged with UOW Admissions. Register your interest here:

University of Wollongong - Important Dates for 2027 Admission

Here you’ll find the key milestones for students considering UOW in 2027 including Early Admission, UAC

applications, scholarship deadlines, events and enrolment.

The University of Sydney - On-campus Info Night, 29 April, 5.45 - 7.00pm

For students from year 10 to 12. Connect with current students and alumni, each representing a diverse range of degrees and pathways to higher education, and discover what life is really like as a university student. Register here:

University of Sydney Academic Excellence Scheme

The Academic Excellence Scheme recognises high performance in high-level English and Mathematics by applying adjustment factors to boost your selection rank (up to five points added to your ATAR).

The University of Sydney - Your pathway to study medicine, 6 May, 4pm (webinar)

In this session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the program structure, entry pathways, key eligibility requirements, and how the integrated undergraduate degree leads into the Doctor of Medicine. Learn more here:

UNSW Experience Days, 13, 14 or 15 April

For students in Year 10 and 11. Discover what it’s like to be a UNSW student and explore pathways and study areas. Register here:

UNSW Health Sciences & Optometry Information Evening, 22 April, 6.00pm (webinar)

Designed for current Year 12 students, this online session will introduce UNSW Vision Science and Optometry programs alongside health science degrees in pharmacy, physiotherapy, exercise science, exercise physiology and dietetics & food innovation. Register here:

UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Information Evening, 29 April, 6.00pm (webinar)

Discover what’s possible at UNSW’s Arts, Design & Architecture Information Evening. Register here:

Discover ACU Series

A hands on event for students interested in a variety of careers and study areas at ACU.

Discover Allied Health and Nursing (North Sydney), April 10. Discover Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech Pathology.

Discover Law, Criminology and Business (North Sydney), April 10.

ACU Talk Series

Online series to learn more about careers in a variety of industries.

Talk with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, May 6, 6pm

Talk with Nurses, Midwives and Paramedics, May 13, 6pm

Talk with Law, Criminology and Business Professionals, May 14, 6pm

Talk with Biomedicine and Nutrition Experts, May 21, 6pm

Macquarie University - Experience Macquarie Days, 15-16 April, 9.45 - 3.30pm

Spend a day in the life of a uni student. Throughout the day, you’ll attend lectures, take part in hands-on workshops, explore campus facilities, and hear directly from academics and current students. Register here:

Torrens University Virtual Open Day, 19-20 May (online)

Learn about scholarships, study pathways, and industry partnerships with global brands. Register here:

SCHOLARSHIPS

UTS Bachelor Accounting Co-Op Program - Value up to $18,000 per year.

Opens April 8, closes October 9. Learn more here:

UTS Bachelor Accounting Information Evening, 6 May, 6pm (online)

Register here:

UNSW Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme, Opens 4 May

The UNSW Portfolio Entry Scheme offers early conditional offers for select degrees. Successful applicants will receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement of up to 10 ATAR points below the lowest selection rank for a specific degree or range of related degrees. Learn more here:

Real Futures Grant, Open now, closes 1 October

For students studying in the area of health, medicine, business and finance. The value of the Grant is $5,000. To apply for the Real Futures Grant, you will need to write an essay (maximum 700 words) on why you want to work in your selected industry and the difference you hope to make in your particular field of study. Learn more here:

TAFE/COLLEGES

TAFE NSW Information Sessions Offered online or at a participating campus

Register here:

Sydney Design School, Interior Design Business Workshops, 14 - 15 April, 9.30 - 4.00pm

Find out more here:

SAE Information Evening, 23 April, 5.30 - 7.30pm

Explore our creative and technology courses, meet industry experts and chat to the campus teams about student life. Find out more here:

AIE Games and Animation Workshop Day, 15 April

AIE’s Games and Animation Workshop Days are a great opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to

learn about the local and international game development, 3D animation and visual effects industries.

Register here:

ACPE Careers in Sport Day, 3 July, 10.00am - 1pm

From education and sport degrees to taking your first steps into the sport industry as your career path, you can immerse yourself in interactive panel discussions and workshops. Find out more here:

APPRENTICESHIPS/TRAINEESHIPS

Sydney Trains 2027 Apprenticeship Expression of Interest, closes 30th June

Recruiting apprentices across the following Sydney Trains trade disciplines:

Electrical Trades, Mechanical Trades, Technology Systems, Telecommunications

Apply here:

NECA Electrical Apprenticeships

If you’re thinking about a career in the electrical trade, see opportunities with NECA.

Australian Cabinet and Furniture - Cabinet Making Apprenticeships

Cabinetmakers are skilled tradespeople who design, build, and install everything from kitchen cabinetry and wardrobes to custom furniture and commercial fit-outs. Learn more here:

OTHER CAREER OPTIONS …

Engineers Australia | Girls Talk 2026, 7 May

Girls Talk 2026 is a free seminar for female high school students interested in maths, science and STEM careers. Hear from local female engineers, learn about study pathways from UoN and TAFE, and join a Q&A session. Register here:

ADF Gap Year Gap Year Videos

See any of the 10 videos showing a wide range of roles you can go into in an ADF GAP Year.

As always, if you would like to speak with me about pathways for further study or careers post school, please book a meeting.

Mrs Yvette Kennedy

Leader Pathways and Partnerships

yvette.kennedy@syd.catholic.edu.au

Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)

Mr Dave Callander