26 MAR 2024 Careers Update

How to Support Your Child in deciding their Future Options

At Kolbe Catholic College, the Careers and Pathways program for students is supported via the Victorian Careers Curriculum Framework. Students across all year levels have pathways conversations via the Pastoral Care program, in targeted programs such as Explore in Years 8 and 9 and Pathways in Year 10, via masterclasses in Years 11 and 12 and one on one interviews as required.

Throughout Years 7 and 8 - the discover and exploring stages, students focus on their strengths, likes, and interests. This enables students to investigate their subjects and other experiences, such as excursions and camps, to begin to gain an understanding of what they enjoy and how this could become a future potential career. Parents can ask students what subjects they like and why, what subjects they perform well in and what they learnt from their excursions.

In Years 9 and 10 - the focus and planning stages, is when students begin to be further exposed to their future study options via elective subjects at school. Students' interests and strengths start to become clearer and they begin to consider and choose VCE subject selection offerings. Parents can discuss prerequisite subjects for university courses, work experience options for apprenticeships and help their children to start setting future pathway goals that outline a variety of options. Year 10 is also a good time to attend Open Days at various institutes.

In Years 11 and 12 - the decide and applying stages, students have chosen their desired secondary school pathway of either VCE or VCE VM, and have a plan for their future pathway. This could include a University or TAFE course, an apprenticeship or straight to work. Parents can talk with their child about back up options, what happens if you don't get the required ATAR or is their a pathway course instead. Open Days will allow further clarity on ATARs, Pathways and any early entry programs that your child may be eligible to apply for.