Faculty Report

As Semester 1 exams approach, many students reflect on their hard work and begin to consider where their dedication might lead. The close of the semester naturally brings with it subject selection planning, and the possibilities that the following year may offer, particularly within the College’s enhancement program.

For many students in Years 9 and 10 especially, this is a time to explore opportunities for enrichment and acceleration within their academic journey. The College offers a wide range of pathways across faculties for students to excel. These will be outlined in the Term 3 subject selection materials and further explored at the Year 10 Information Evening. Our most diligent students find the breadth of opportunity exciting.

One option available to incoming Year 12 students is taking a University unit alongside their Unit 3 and 4 subjects. This opportunity, while not suitable for all, has real benefits: the subjects earn points that contribute to the ATAR, gain credits for a future university program and are entirely subsidised by the university. Achileas (Year 12) is studying Future Technologies as part of the Deakin Accelerate program and writes:

Doing a University subject in Year 12 was probably the best decision I could have made this year. I'm doing an Accelerate course with Deakin Uni and it really helps give that eye opener of what University life is going to look like. I do my course online but the environment and setup is entirely different to that at Mazenod with full freedom as to what you do and how you want to do it, as long as you can manage your work well. For me, the other Accelerate students around me are super welcoming and friendly to the point that we can all rely on each other for help and support while still have the professor for feedback. It's a great experience to have before taking that leap into Uni with a good head-start into the Unit not hurting either. It is pretty much on the same level of difficulty as a Year 12 subject with Deakin also having minimal writing and theory tasks and focusing more on practical skills and interactive learning which I love. I would recommend to everyone to at least have a look into it. And don't worry, it still gives you points for your ATAR!

Joanna Phillips

Gifted & Talented Leader