Senior School Update

The Senior School has been a hive of activity throughout Term 3, with students continuing to build on the strong foundations laid last term. The winter months have brought a vibrant program of sports, community service, music, and other enriching experiences. A core focus of the Senior School is to empower students to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and develop a lifelong enthusiasm for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

The theme across all four Year Groups this term has been Pathways, focusing on equipping students with the tools and skills needed to successfully transition to the next chapter—whether progressing to the next year level in the Senior School or moving into life after The Friends’ School, which might involve travel, further study, employment, or training.

Overseeing the Pathways program are Pathways Advisors Peter Gibson and Trish Menadue. Our offerings go beyond helping students pick subjects or future jobs; the program is designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take ownership of their future. The first step is helping students understand themselves—their strengths, interests, and values—so they can make choices that align with who they are.

In Year 9, students explore their identity and learn to articulate their aspirations. This continues in Year 10, where students undertake Morrisby testing, a psychometric survey that identifies skills and dispositions, helping guide possible pathway options. Careers education also introduces students to a wide range of professions, including many they may not have encountered before. In today’s rapidly changing job market, this broad exposure is essential.

Pathways planning in the Senior School is built around five core concepts:

• Self-efficacy: A student’s belief in their ability to perform specific tasks (e.g., “I believe I can become an engineer”).
• Outcome expectations: A student’s belief about what will happen if they take certain actions (e.g., “If I work hard, I’ll receive an apprenticeship offer”).
• Personal goals: What a student intends to achieve through their actions (e.g., “I want to pursue a career in paramedicine”).
• Interests: What a student enjoys or is curious about, often shaped by past successes or challenges.
• Contextual influences: Social, economic, and cultural factors that can support or hinder a student’s career development (e.g., access to resources, family expectations).

As Years 9 and 10 students begin making decisions about subject choices, they are encouraged to consider different pathways, including the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE), the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), and Vocational Education and Training (VET), including school-based and other apprenticeships. Career guidance plays a vital role in helping students make informed, confident decisions. This is supported by developing essential skills such as CV writing, mock interviews, and handling real-world scenarios, as well as crucial life skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving—qualities highly valued by employers.

For Years 11 and 12, students focus on subjects and experiences aligned with their interests and future goals. Pathways Advisors provide individualised support for subject selection, careers advice, work experience, and pathways counselling. Students receive guidance on balancing work, leisure, and studies while developing self-direction and motivation. Access to detailed resources on course prerequisites, career pathways, and applications ensures informed decision-making. The School also draws on the expertise of alumni and parents to connect students with real-world feedback. Hands-on experiences further provide valuable insight into the world of work.

A notable development in recent years has been early entry schemes from local and interstate universities. The Schools Recommendation Program (SRP) allows Year 12 students to secure early university offers, reducing reliance on the ATAR as the sole entry metric. In 2024, 90 Year 12 students received university entry through the SRP, including both IB Diploma and TCE students.

A snapshot of Senior School experiences this term includes:

• Fortnightly Careers and Pathways Newsletter: Updates for students and parents with news, events, and career resources.
• Careers Expo: Annual event with over 40 industry professionals and a keynote speaker.
• Subject Selection & Pathway Advice: One-on-one support with Careers Advisors.
• Morrisby Profiling: Career profiling tool offering pathway and subject guidance.
• Mock Interviews: Practice job interviews with alumni and parent industry professionals.
• Pathway Pop-ups: On-campus sessions with universities, alumni, and accommodation providers.
• Work Experience: Student-organised placements supported by staff.
• TIS (Tertiary Information Service) Day: Open Day at the University of Tasmania featuring information on courses, scholarships, and applications.
• Schools Recommendation Program: Guidance for early university entry.
• Gap Year Advice: Support for travel, work, and volunteering opportunities.
• School-Based Apprenticeships: Assistance with finding and managing opportunities.
• Health Taster Day: Opt-in experience at UTas in Medicine, Nursing, and Paramedicine.
• Working on Water Program: Three-day immersive program showcasing Tasmanian waterway careers.
• Agfest: Optional visit for students interested in agriculture and related industries.

The Senior School careers program is designed to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes, and encourage students to aim high. By connecting students with employers, work experience, and careers events, we provide valuable insight into various industries. Importantly, the program prepares students for a lifetime of change, equipping them not only for their first job but to adapt, grow, and thrive throughout their working lives.

Adam Chambers - Head of Senior School (Years 9 to 12)