Senior School
Future Pathways
We recognise that there are many pathways to success. These can be academic, vocational, or blended. Many students choose a dual pathway that still provides an ATAR (Australia Tertiary Admissions Rank) and also contains a vocational education and training component.
There is no best pathway, only the one that is perfect for each individual as they explore and develop their own God-given gifts and abilities. Carol McKee, our Future Pathways Coordinator, ensures that every student is on the correct pathway and facilitates change and investigation when it is required.
Academic Pathway
We take time with each student to make sure they are fulfilling all pre-requisites for the field they would like to enter at University. Different options will be investigated including comparing different universities and of course each students’ strengths and preferences in their school subjects throughout Middle Years and Year 10. Every pathway is tailored to the individual.
TAFE at School
Many students enrol in a TAFE at school course in Year 11 and 12. It gives students the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications which count towards their QCE. Courses provide students with a way to get a head start on their career or get credit towards a higher level qualification when they graduate Year 12.
Headstart at the University
Students can complete first year university subjects while they are in Year 11 and 12. They will get a taste of university life which will help them prepare for future study.
School based Traineeships and Apprenticeships
School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATS) allow students to work for an employer and undertake training towards a recognised qualification, whilst completing their Queensland Certificate of Education and/or ATAR score.
Trade Training Colleges
Students can attend Trade Training Colleges to get a head start in their chosen profession whilst still completing Year 11 and 12. The nationally recognised qualifications often give the student the edge when applying for apprenticeships and jobs upon leaving school. The extensive work experience component allows the student to sample the real world of work in that profession.
Vocational Subjects at School
Glasshouse Christian College has partnered with private training organisations to offer a Diploma in Business and a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation to our Senior students. A range of other vocational subjects are sourced from external providers each year.
Year 10
Year 10 is all about being workforce ready. Students undertake a week’s work experience and cover components like:
- How to make a great first impression in the workplace
- Best practices for communication within the workplace and telephone etiquette
- Workplace Health and Safety
- Employability skills and how to increase your value to an employer
- Dressing to impress and the pitfalls of social media
- Choosing a career based on your strengths and personality type
- Undertake a Career Personality Profile with suggested professions based on strengths and personality traits
- Researching jobs and the labour market in Australia and abroad
- Careers and education expos
- Students will have a portfolio which they can bring to their Secondary Education and Training (SET) plan meeting which has been developed over Terms 1 and 2
- Students have an individual appointment with the Future Pathways Coordinator or Head of Senior School along with their parents to discuss their SET plans
- Mock interviews with real business operators
- Choosing the best subjects in Senior School for career pathways.
Year 11
Year 11 is all about reviewing and forward planning. Students are encouraged to chat with the Future Pathways Coordinator to discuss ideas they may have regarding further education, subject choices, traineeships or apprenticeships, Headstart, or any other options that present themselves throughout the year.
Students studying through Distance Education, Vocational Subjects and TAFE have a dedicated quiet area in the Library beside the Future Pathways Office to study and have access to assistance if required. Progress is closely monitored and any issues ironed out at an early stage.
Year 12
Year 12 is about putting plans into action. Students have information sessions on applying for University through QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre). Parents are also informed about the process during our Careers Expo in Term 3.
Interviews are held with Year 12s to check they have applied for the best courses for them and are not having any issues or problems. Students not wishing to go to university have an opportunity to again explore other pathways and help is available at any time.