To our Sacred Heart Community
Student Story – Jesse Kennedy
How do you know what you want to do when you leave school?
In starting discussions this year with some of the Year 11 students it is often evident that not knowing what you want to do in the future can be quite disconcerting and possibly stressful.
The following outline from 2018 Dux Jesse Kennedy demonstrates beautifully how career development is a very organic process. A process that may comprise information gathering, decision making, taking and or making opportunities, growing self-awareness and resilience; all of which take time and require a level of trust in the “journey”.
Or, as Jesse said, “I do think stories like this are worth sharing, as it can be hard to decide on a career path as a teenager. In my experience even if you have had your heart set on a particular path since you were 4 or 5 years old, and even if you find yourself at university in the course that leads directly to that path (after years and years of hard work getting there), it still might not be the best career path for you or what you want to do most.”
Jesse is referring to her desire to study a Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience through Adelaide University, a competitive and very popular program which she was offered to commence in 2019, back to Jesse’s story……….
“So I transferred from Vet Science into a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) in Semester 2, 2019 after completing 1 semester of Veterinary studies as I wasn’t being fulfilled intellectually by Vet Science and thought I would enjoy Science more and be a better Scientist than a Vet. I kept wanting to ask “why” questions behind everything but I discovered in Veterinary Bioscience (especially the later years) they have so much content to cover they simply don’t have time to answer or bother with these types of questions…………which is something that would never sit well with me. Science on the other hand was all about the “why” questions.
I started Semester 2, 2019 (my 2nd semester of 1st year) doing maths, physics, chemistry and biology as all fields of science fascinated me and I wanted to keep all doors open. Despite never having done biology in Year 11 or 12 at school, I decided that was where I enjoyed myself the most (even though I still loved all the others too!) and so for second year did biochemistry, microbiology/immunology and genetics. At this stage I was also pondering a career as a researcher in genetic engineering and was completely convinced I made the right decision to leave Veterinary Bioscience and pursue Science. Apart from being a bit of a mess at times and missing out on studying abroad in Sweden because of you-know-who, I thoroughly enjoyed second year.
Just last week I finished up doing a 6 week Adelaide University Summer Research Scholarship in the Thomas Lab at SAHMRI, which is a genetic engineering lab working to develop various genetic engineering tools with the applications of developing treatments and cures for muscular and retinal dystrophies and other genetic diseases. Lachi Staker from my year at SHC, also did a Summer Research Scholarship at the Thomas Lab this year. We both had a great time and have aspirations of completing Masters and then a PhD in this lab, so we’ll see how that goes! I still have 3rd year of the Bachelor’s to do this year but that’s the plan”.
I thank Jesse for her generosity in sharing her story and demonstrating that career paths are never really a straight line to a destination and there are many influences at play which impact on our navigation and the implicit learning along the way.
Journal of a Refugee
Old scholar, Bior Auguer (’16) has published a book of poetry, Journal of a Refugee which he started writing after leaving school and studying at University. Bior has written this to share the story of his journey from refugee to Australian citizen. He is also performing excerpts of this in a collaboration with other Artists in a performance at Tandanya during the Fringe Festival. The production is Journey and is on at various times throughout March.
UCAT
For students wishing to apply to study Medicine and Dentistry in SA and possible other clinical science degrees interstate there is a requirement that you sit the UCAT. This is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes. More information about the test, participating universities and ideas for a UCAT preparation plan are available here.
You must book for the test and bookings open on March 1 and close on May 17 2021 via the UCAT website.
Medentry is an organisation who offer preparatory courses for UCAT, they do also have some free resources available. Please note that the Consortium of universities in Australia do not endorse any UCAT preparatory programs.
Students at Work
BAE Systems Shipbuilding Readiness Training Program
We extend our congratulations to two of our Year 12 students, Jared Irvine and Alyssa Vincenzi on successfully completing the Certificate 11 Engineering pathways.
Their study in this pathway was done throughout 2020 in a school based apprenticeship with BAE and ASC Shipbuilding. In 2021 they are continuing their studies at school as well as regular work placements at the shipyards and training in a Certificate III Engineering which will see them achieve their SACE and then transition to full time apprenticeships in 2022 with a very promising career path ahead of them.
They are part of the first group of SA students to undergo this program and are also featured in the promotional material for the program. Congratulations once more to Alyssa and Jared for getting involved in the program in its initial start-up phase and managing their time so efficiently.
Key Dates
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Work Experience for 2021
BEFORE CONSIDERING WORK EXPERIENCE PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
It is a legal requirement that prior to commencing Work Experience students are inducted in the following areas: Work Health and Safety Act 2012 SA, Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 SA, Sex Discrimination Act 1984 SA, Equal Opportunity Act 1984 SA and Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 SA. Adequate time (approximately 5 hours) should be allocated to cover these topics effectively and students need to demonstrate their understanding. This induction is done by the school and is consistent with our Duty of Care to ensure that no student is placed where they may not be safe physically or psychologically.
In addition to this, the Work Experience form must be signed by the student, work placement provider, parent/guardian (all arranged by the student) and finally the principal or delegate (arranged by the school). The original Work Experience Agreement form then becomes a legal contract which sets the school insurance cover in place and must be retained by the school.
The school must also provide a contact person who is responsible for each student for the duration of their placement.
Work Experience is a very valuable opportunity for most students however, it does take time to ensure that the above expectations are met. We are happy to accommodate students in the times allocated. Please do not cause yourself or the College embarrassment by making other arrangements and then asking for exceptions to be made.
Students who wish to do Work Experience during 2021 are advised that the dates are:
Work Experience Weeks Paperwork Deadline 19 – 23 April 12 March 5 – 9 July 28 May 27 September – 1 October 27 August 15 – 19 November (Optional Work Experience for Year 12’s Only) 15 October 29 November – 3 December 5 November Work or job trials are not sanctioned by SA Work Experience guidelines.
Please note this is general Work Experience only. Students undertaking a VET program will need to organise their VET work placement with the VET Office.
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The Centre for Creative Photography
Wednesday 10 March 6:00pm
Never touched a camera but want to learn? Professional photographer wanting to up-skill? Need access to some of South Australia’s best studio spaces?
Peek behind the scenes at CCP’s boutique photographic school to get a feel for what it’s like to study or work in their studios! Chat with Gavin Blake – founder and director of the school about their specialised courses, experience the darkroom and see their classes in action.
Find out more here
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Western Technical College Open Day (in conjunction with Mount Carmel College Open Day)
Thursday 11 March 4.00pm – 7.00pm
Western Technical College provides students from Year 10 to 12 the opportunity to explore and acquire workplace skills through nationally recognised training, within an industry-developed training package or an accredited course. Meet their dedicated educators and check out their state-of-the-art facilities.
Industry streams include:
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Hairdressing/Barbering and Makeup
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Australian Defence Force Gap Year Virtual Information Session
Wednesday 17 March 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Online
Spend an exciting 12 months in the Navy, Army or Air Force, where you’ll get paid for meaningful work while travelling Australia, gaining skills for life and making lifelong friends.
Join ADF for a virtual information session and speak with current serving members about the Australian Defence Force Gap Year.
Find out more here
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International College of Hotel Management (ICHM) Discovery Day
Friday 26 March 10:00am – 2:30pm
Not sure about your next step? An ICHM Discovery Day could be for you!
ICHM Discovery Days aim to get you thinking differently about your post high school studies and career development, covering a range of exciting topics including international business and tourism, luxury hotel design and hospitality opportunities.
So join them for a day of fun and discovery while finding out about different areas of learning, that could help you develop and explore a future in hospitality and business management.
Find out more here
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Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) Open Day
Saturday 15 May 10:00am – 3:00pm
Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation and visual effects at the AIE Open Day.
AIE Campuses in Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra will be open for you to check out the facilities, meet their teachers and see students at work. They will also be holding a livestream of their Open Day for prospective students in Melbourne and those thinking of studying online.
They will be covering everything you need to know about the:
- careers in games and VFX that they train students for;
- studios and industries that they work with;
- courses they offer – from beginners to professional mastery, and;
- the software, skills and knowledge they teach.
AIE’s Open Day will also include presentations on entry requirements and how to apply. Find out how AIE can get you into a creative career.
Find out more here
Vocational Education and Training
I’m Sarah Benedictson and commenced as the new VET coordinator this year. I’m very excited to be involved in your child’s Vocational Education pathway. VET courses provide students with hands on experience and real world skills to help them pursue their chosen career or University pathway.
It has been a busy start to 2021 with over 150 Year 11 and Year 12 students commencing their VET course at training organisations from Rosewater and Noarlunga to the City.
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 Aviation
- Certificate II in Agriculture
- Certificate II in Construction Pathways
- Certificate III in Dance
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology
- Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
- Certificate II in Food Processing
- Certificate II in Horticulture
- Certificate II in Information, Digital Media & Tech
- Certificate II in Introduction to Interior Decoration
- Certificate II in Kitchen Operations
- Certificate II in Music Industry (Performance)
- Certificate II in Plumbing
- Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant (Hairdressing Pathway)
- Certificate II in Sports Coaching
- Certificate III in Carpentry (Part)
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate III in Fitness
- Certificate III in Fitness (Netball Academy)
- Certificate III Health Support Services
- Certificate III in Micro Business Operation (Entrepreneur Program)
- Certificate III in Music Industry (Performance)
- Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
- Certificate III in Rural Operations
- Certificate III in Screen and Media (3D Animation and Game Development)
- Certificate III in Sport and Recreation & Aboriginal Football academy
- Certificate III in Sport and Recreation & Aboriginal Basketball academy
- Certificate III in Sport and Recreation & Aboriginal Netball academy
Tertiary Updates
New Engineering Degree at Flinders
In response to “a well publicised shortage of engineers in the future” and the fact that some students opt out of the required Maths in the earlier grades, Flinders University has established a new Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) General Entry. This course is one semester longer but guarantees that students can commence any engineering specialisation with Stage 2 SACE General Maths or Stage 1 Maths. It has been introduced for commencement in 2021.
Further information about possible study options in Engineering at Flinders can be found here.
Training and Work
Know Your Rights at Work
The ACTU’s Worksite is packed with information about your rights at work, including wages, leave, safety, bullying and more. They have worksheets, videos, quizzes, articles and more for you to access. Take a look here.
Full time apprenticeship in Metal Fabrication
A local family owned business is looking for someone interested in a full time apprenticeship in Metal fabrication. The company is mainly involved in medium to heavy fabrication and works are predominately within SA, they do a lot of work within the Grain Belt. Skill development and training will focus on interpreting engineering drawings, Arc, Mig & Tig welding, Oxy cutting & jig work. If you know of someone who would be interested please direct them to email pruewilkosz@shc.sa.edu.au
Spotlight on Careers
Arts Careers to Consider
The arts is a huge industry, with heaps of different jobs and roles, and plenty of pathways to get into your dream career. We know all about the usual jobs – painter, designer, musician, etc. – but what about some of the more “out there” careers in the arts?
ArtsHub has spoken to artists and creatives from around Australia about their roles and how they got there, and some of them are surprising. Ever heard of becoming a book designer, voice coach, circus trainer, fight director, or audio describer? There are people out there doing these jobs right now!
Take a look at the full list and find out more about these different arts careers here.
Interesting Stuff
What Matters? Competition
What Matters? is a ‘catalyst for young thinkers and young writers to develop a perspective, a point of view, on where we’re heading as a society’.
Inspired by Gough Whitlam’s commitment to involving young people in the shaping of Australia’s future, the competition is currently open to school students in years 5 to 12 from Australia. Responding to the simple question ‘what matters?’ entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about.
To enter What Matters? Students submit an original written work between 400-600 words in prose or poetry, of either fiction or non-fiction. Entries are open until Friday 14 May. Find out more and enter here.
Wool4School Design Competition
Wool4School is an annual student design competition encouraging budding fashion designers to show the nation what they’re made of.
Open to all Australian school students in high school, the Wool4School competition invites students in Years 7 – 12 to design an outfit using a minimum of 70% wool. The outfit must contain a minimum of one piece with a maximum of four pieces and show the student’s creative and innovative side.
Registration is open now with the competition closing on Thursday 22 July. Find out more and register here.
Disclaimer: Statements on careers and courses included in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Sacred Heart College. i.e. The text of notices on courses and industry prospects may be taken directly from their correspondence/publicity material. Some material taken from Study Work Grow (South Australia Careers News).
