We have had a busy start to the year in Future Pathways with many students taking up opportunities to participate in Vocational and Tertiary Courses whilst still at school.
Wednesdays at Glasshouse Christian College
Nine students have commenced a Certificate II in Rural Operations combined with a Certificate II in Horticulture, which ties in beautifully with their Agricultural Science studies.
A further 10 students are adding to their resumes and employability skills by studying towards a Certificate II in Travel and Tourism, living in the ideal spot to utilise their new-found skills.
Seven students have enrolled in the Diploma of Business, which although adding to their workload, will give them an excellent tertiary rank and credit towards several university’s Business degrees.
TAFE and Trade Training College
This year 11 senior students have enrolled at TAFE and Trade Training Colleges in subjects as diverse as Cert II Animal Studies to Cert I Construction. As well has earning QCE credits over the year of their course, students will gain valuable hands on experience in their chosen industry and have the opportunity to make contacts which may lead to employment after school.
School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Six students have already signed up to school-based apprenticeships and traineeships this year in Plumbing, Horse Business, Engineering, Retail Operations, Health Assistance and Business Administration. The upcoming Year 10 Work Experience week is an excellent opportunity for any other students who are interested in traineeships and apprenticeships to network and make themselves known to local employers.
University while at school
Three students have enrolled in university courses at USC and UQ this year which will give them a taste of tertiary education and make the transition after Year 12 a less daunting one.
Although Semester 1 enrolments have closed, students in Year 11 and 12 can still apply to study in Semester 2. These applications close on 26 May.
Glasshouse 2016 Graduates Awarded Scholarships
Congratulations go to 2016 graduates Dakotah Davis and Nathan Schafer on being awarded scholarships.
Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Scholarship recipient Dakotah wants to concentrate on agricultural practices needed to sustain future growth with limited resources, and chose the Rural Industry Practices and Sustainable Agriskills program based at CQ University, Emerald Agricultural College.
Dakotah is thankful for the financial assistance of $5000 that will make the move to Emerald much easier.
Nathan is the recipient of a University of the Sunshine Coast Vice-Chancellors Merit Scholarship. These scholarships are intended to recognise, reward and encourage academic excellence.
Due to his hard work at school and excellent results, Nathan will now receive $3000 per annum for each year of his study for his Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology.
We are very proud of your efforts Dakotah and Nathan, and know that you are worthy recipients of these awards.
Assistance is available in the Future Pathways Office later in the year for Year 12s wishing to put together excellent scholarship applications.
Year 10 Strength Potential Workshops
Year 10 have started the Strength Potential Program during Pastoral Care classes. These will continue into Term 2 after we have a break for Work Experience preparation.
The Strength Potential Program is based on research which shows that operating in areas of strength boosts our mood and resilience, increases our sense of well-being and makes us more open to new learning.
The goal of the program is for our students to discover their strengths, reach their potential and make a difference. As we progress through the program our students will come to see that each of them has unique in-built strengths and are able to develop them. They will understand that they can start with what they have and not be weighed down with a focus on what they don’t have. This doesn’t mean that it’s ok for them to ignore the things they could do better…but they should manage these things and not major on them.
Students have already completed their online StrenthsQuestã which has identified their top 5 strengths from a possible 34 (there is only a one in 33 million chance of your top 5 strengths being in the same order as someone else’s!). This has given them access to a comprehensive report, unique to them, which we will work on in Term 2.
We will discuss their findings, and how it can relate to a future career, at their SET planning interview in Term 3, but in the meantime why don’t you ask your Year 10 student to show you their strengths report? It makes for interesting reading and several students have commented how accurate the descriptions are.
Year 10 Work Experience
Signed Work Experience Agreement forms are due back to the Future Pathways Office now.
If you have already discussed placements with me, or have asked for assistance for a more difficult request, these are being worked on now.
Students will be receiving their Work Experience Assessment and Record book this week which explains the next steps and has instructions on how to contact employers for information and inductions.
During Pastoral Care classes I am preparing students with lessons on workplace communication, telephone etiquette, WHS, how to make a great first impression, and lots of other aspects that will allow them to shine on their week with their employer.
Work Experience Opportunities with the ADF
Although not during our official Work Experience week, the Australian Defence Force has many opportunities available throughout the year for interested students to sample life in the forces.
Opportunities coming up for students 15 years and older are as follows:
| 27-29 March |
| Army Familiarisation and Field Experience, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera |
| The role of the 7th Brigade is to develop and maintain a motorised combined arms capability in order to conduct full-spectrum and complex operations. This work experience activity provides an introduction to the Brigade and provides information on Army careers, enlistment and training procedures. Participants will be exposed to many of the units within the Brigade which may include:
Additionally, participants will rotate through the Mess, Weapons Training Simulation System (WTSS), Gym (including a fitness assessment), RAR Memorial and Museum, Base Accommodation, Battle Simulation Centre & Night Vision Training Centre (Ninox). |
| 27-29 March |
| Airforce Familiarisation and Introduction, RAAF Base Amberley |
| RAAF Base Amberley is located 8 km west from the town of Ipswich and is home to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, C-17 Globemaster and the air-to-air Refueling Squadrons. Amberley is supported by a number of operational elements including 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (382ECSS). Students will be exposed to a program of indoor and outdoor activities providing participants with an insight into a wide range of careers including: aircrew type employment through to engineering, maintenance, logistics, air traffic control, fire & rescue, administration, ground defence and many others. |
| 4-7 April – Residential |
| Female Army Adventure Camp, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera |
| The Women in Army Adventure Camp will provide a hands-on and interactive experience for young women who are considering a career in the Australian Army. This is a residential camp and participants will be provided accommodation at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane. Job roles such as logistics, hospitality, communications, aviation, trades and combat and security will be explored to provide an insight into these career pathways. The Army Adventure Camp is open to female students in Years 10, 11 & 12 aged between 16 – 18 years of age. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a number of hands on tasks to showcase and develop team work, leadership and confidence building skills. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with serving Army personnel to learn more about the Army lifestyle and with Defence Force Recruiting personnel to discuss pathways to various Army careers. The successful young women will be supervised at all times by personnel from Defence Force Recruiting and serving members of the Australian Army. |
| 18-20 April |
| Malaria Insitute Research Centre, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera |
| The primary role of the Australian Army Malaria Institute is to research infectious diseases pertinent to Areas of Operation and to investigate measures to prevent infectious diseases. A program of mainly indoor activities providing participants with an insight into a wide range of Defence Scientific related activities which includes an opportunity to witness the diverse role of Army scientists and experience a series of activities under the close supervision of highly professional Defence personnel. Participants will rotate through each of the Labs involved in tropical disease drug resistance and diagnostics, clinical studies, pharmacology and entomology in tropical and infectious diseases and where other specialisations are offered. |
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please see me in the Future Pathways Office.
Mrs Carol McKee, Future Pathways Coordinator