Careers Update

CAREERS UP DATE FOR 2021!

SENIOR SCHOOL

This year saw each Year 12 student have a personalised VTAC interview with Ms Knight for VCE students and with Ms Webber for VCAL students. It was exciting to see the very different pathways students discussed in their Careers planning. Students also had several sessions with Monash University on the A-V of Applying to Tertiary Institutions, as well as many attending the Senior Pathways Expo – our annual event at EMC in May.

Year 11 students did Career Planning in their Home Groups, including selecting their final year subjects. Besides the huge variety of subjects available at EMC, many students have chosen other options. These include choosing to complete a University Extension Study – where students enrol in one, first year university subject in their area of interest. For 2022, students have selected studies at Deakin, RMIT, Federation and Melbourne universities to complete subjects in areas such as, Science, Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Criminology. We are excited to see the outcomes for students in these subjects as well as the addition to their ATAR.

Year 11 students also had the opportunity to be involved in Monash University, ‘Uniopoly’ which saw teams of students, based on Home Group, compete to get around the virtual Uniopoly Board. 

Both Year 11 and 12 students were also able to opt in to the Access Monash Mentoring Program that runs every year. This year 28 students were mentored by Monash University students, as well as gaining discounted tickets to the Monash VCE Revision Lectures prior to Year 12 exams.

Our Year 10 students were also well catered for in Careers for 2021. In the ‘Pathways to Success’ subject, students learned all about the world of work, the importance of Occupational Health & Safety, as well as researching their own potential careers. This culminated in the ‘virtual’ Work Experience Program which saw students interact with over 300 careers and see how people get into those careers, the daily tasks they complete, and the career progression.

Subject selection & course counselling occurred for all Year 10 students in May this year. In the Home Group sessions leading up to this, students reflected on their comprehensive Morrisby Report completed the November prior, and self-reflected on their journey so far. Families had scheduled appointments over a two day period with a Senior Team member to discuss potential subjects and pathways.

For all students in Senior school there are a huge variety of options for study, including VET / TAFE subjects that students undertake one day per week, in studies as diverse as Animal Studies to Visual Arts; Distance Education studies where students are able to complete subjects that we cannot run at EMC, such as, VCE Philosophy, Classical Studies and Agricultural & Horticultural Studies. We also have a number of students who study languages outside of school as part of their course through the Victorian School of Languages. There really is an option for everyone!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

This year saw Year 7 - 9 students focus on self-exploration and career pathway planning. During extended Home Group lessons, students completed activities that highlighted and explored their individual interests, skills and attributes. This provided an important springboard from which students could explore possible career aspirations and set pathway goals. Students recorded their reflections via the DET online tool, ‘My Career Portfolio’ and created a Career Action Plan, which they will review and update each year. 

To accommodate remote learning, this year the College trialled an online Subject Selection process for the first time. The Year 8 cohort demonstrated sound digital literacy skills as they successfully accessed and navigated the relevant site to submit their subject preferences. The Home Group lessons also provided structure and valuable insight that helped orientate Year 8 students when selecting subjects for their 2022 program.

This was also a very exciting year for all Year 9 students as they had the opportunity to be involved in a number of career events. In July, students attended the Monash University ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ event. During this time students were inspired to follow their interests and understand the benefits of planning their career options. They also received information about the role university plays in preparing for certain careers and the difference between various post-school education options. Student participation in this event and structured extended Home Group sessions helped support the Course Counselling process for all Year 9 students. In August this year, families had scheduled appointments over a two day period with a Senior Team member to discuss potential pathway options and construct an individualised program for 2022.

In addition to this, Year 9 students also engaged with the My Career Insight initiative. This saw 306 Year 9 students complete their Morrisby Profile and attend a one on one follow up appointment with a certified Career Practitioner. The feedback from students to date has been very positive and reinforced the skills students require to successfully explore the world of work and set career orientated goals. 

With the return to onsite learning, we look forward to implementing additional career events and opportunities with all students in 2022! 

For more information please see the EMC Careers website: https://www.emccareers.com.au/

2022 Year 10 Work Experience (Pathways to Success):

Semester 1 – 4th- 8th April. 2022

Semester 2 – 12th -16th September, 2022

Any student who is wanting/needing their white card, a training session will be organised early 2022, please e-mail Casey Howell in careers to sign up.

Any questions- please feel free to e-mail casey.howell@education.vic.gov.au