NSC Senior School Handbook

Careers and Pathways

The College provides a Careers Practitioner who is available to advise all students. Parents/carers are also welcome to contact the Careers Practitioner during College hours. The College Career website at norwoodcareers.com offers comprehensive career related information as well as Work Experience details and VET (Vocational Education Training) offerings.

The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). Tertiary Open Days will run across July and August and VTAC applications will open in early August. Students can submit up to 8 course preferences. Students are encouraged to keep an eye out for scholarship opportunities.

 

Determining Pathways to Further Study: 

Throughout the year, the Careers and Pathways Coordinator will provide information and support, including sessions during Mentoring focused on course selection. Year 12 Individual Pathway Interviews will be conducted at Norwood in Terms 2 and 3. 

 

Tertiary Selection Requirements: Students must familiarise themselves with the procedures set by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). VTAC manages a joint selection system for Victorian tertiary institutions. Students receive assistance at all stages of this process to ensure they make informed choices when planning for tertiary studies.

 

Prerequisite Studies: Prerequisite studies must be satisfactorily completed before students can be considered for specific tertiary courses. These are typically completed at Units 3 and 4 level, but sometimes at Units 1 and 2 level. Prerequisites may be specific studies or a range of studies from which students can choose. Some courses also require a particular level of performance in these studies.

 

Useful Websites: 

  • Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC): www.vtac.edu.au - The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) is the central office that manages the application and offer process for tertiary courses at universities, TAFEs, and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria, as well as a few outside Victoria. VTAC handles the receipt and forwarding of application information and supporting documents to the course selection authorities at these institutions.
  • Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority (VCAA): www.vcaa.vic.edu.au - VCAA oversees the administration of the VCE and VET. This site provides subject information, exam timetables, and past exams.
  • Study Assistance: www.studyassist.gov.au - A comprehensive resource for information on Australian Government assistance available to help finance your tertiary studies.
  • Good Uni Guide: www.gooduniguide.com.au - Offers information about tertiary education pathways, including postgraduate courses like the MBA, and career options in Australia.
  • TAFE Course Directory: www.tafe.vic.gov.au - Lists current courses available at TAFE institutions.
  • My Future: www.myfuture.edu.au - Offers career planning and exploration resources, occupation profiles, course information, job-search tips, and guidance for parents.
  • Australian Apprenticeships: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au - Provides information on applying for apprenticeships, wages, and training. 

SEAS - Special Entry Access Scheme

SEAS is not included in special provisions. Special consideration covers a range of access and equity programs offered by institutions. The Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) allows selection officers to grant special consideration for course entry to applicants. There are 4 Categories: Personal information and location; Disadvantaged financial background; Disability or medical condition; Difficult circumstances.

 

SEAS applications are completed as part of the VTAC course preference application. The closing date for SEAS applications in usually in early October but the date can vary slightly. It is important that students planning to submit SEAS applications communicate with Health professionals, regarding the necessary submissions in a timely manner to avoid missing the deadline, as late submissions are not accepted. While it is the student’s responsibility to complete the SEAS application, support can be provided by the Head of Year Level and the Careers and Pathways Coordinator. To apply for SEAS you must provide documentation and complete the SEAS Application Form. This form is available from the school or on the VTAC website: www.vtac.edu.au