Last week, we welcomed current Year 10 students and their families to an Expo and Information Evening in the Science and Technology Centre. Learning Leaders and Year 12 Academic Captains addressed enquiries from interested students and their families with enthusiasm, expertise and passion. Our College Career’s team has fostered strong relationships with a number of universities and TAFE institutes, and it was great to have representatives from a number of tertiary providers present, too. Information was shared about the new VCE Vocational Major, a significant reform to senior secondary pathways which will be introduced across Victorian school next year. A key message of the evening was that all pathways and strengths are valued at Whitefriars College.
Our Year 10 students have also been involved in a series of Careers sessions which have aimed to ensure that they are well informed when making their subject selections for 2023. It has been energising to chat with our students about their goals and plans for the future. Together we’ve explored the entry requirements for a diverse range of future study options – some of which included architecture, engineering, building and construction, finance and commerce, sport and fitness, and the liberal arts. Each of these boys then explored subject options for his VCE program, whether undertaking the VCE or VCE Vocational Major, that would play to his strengths and allow him to achieve his personal best.
August is always a busy month in the Learning and Teaching portfolio. While we may only be part-way through the year, the Learning Team commenced planning for 2023 at the beginning of Term 3. Responding to the needs of our students, elective units in Year 9 and 10 have been reviewed and a number have been reimagined. Prioritising breadth and rigour has been central to the work of the Learning Team this year, as we strive to improve learning outcomes for every student in our community.
This week, webinars were also held to inform students and their families about the curriculum offerings available to students who will move into Year 9 and 10 next year. I encourage these students to maintain breadth and variety in their programs next year, ensuring that they keep as many pathways options available to them for as long as possible.
Detailed information about the various units on offer in 2023 is provided in the Curriculum Handbooks available on Whitefriars Engage.
Mrs Catherine Spurritt
Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching
