Hastings Secondary College PATHWAYS FOR SENIOR SUCCESS
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HASTINGS SECONDARY COLLEGE PROVIDES QUALITY ADVICE AND GUIDANCE TO STUDENTS THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE, SUPPORTIVE SUBJECT SELECTION PROCESS FOR STUDENTS, IN THEIR JOURNEY TOWARDS THE HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE.
tudents have the unique opportunity to make selections from one of the most comprehensive offerings of senior subjects available in any NSW school. Students can choose from the combined courses of study offered by both Westport and Port Macquarie Campuses, including industry-standard vocational education training courses, delivered in state of the art Trade Training Centres. Hastings Secondary College provides our students the opportunity to engage in a broad, rigorous curriculum to suit individual needs and interests that support their future aspirations. Hastings Secondary College is committed to knowing and growing every child and building a culture of students learning together and supporting and encouraging each other to do their best. We are committed to academic excellence and the development of the whole child. The College Careers Advisers deliver a comprehensive program to students from Year 7 to Year 12 and provide individualised careers transition planning to every senior student. These programs include: classroom-based and online activities, work experience, excursions and individual counselling. They assist students and their families at subject selection time, provide advice on TAFE, university, and other training courses, scholarships, job applications, resume writing and traineeships and apprenticeships. We speak to Careers Advisers Sally Shaw and Mark White on the Pathways for Senior Success.
76 Greater Port Macquarie focus
Can you tell us about the different pathways to senior success at Hastings Secondary College? Under one college, our students can choose a Platinum Pathway (targeted academic program for those wishing to excel in their ATAR), an ATAR Pathway (students wanting access to university, college or TAFE), a FLEX Pathway (students who are still not sure what career pathway they want), Industry-Based Training - IBT (specifically for students who are looking to enter the workforce with both HSC and Vocational qualifications), and finally our FT2E - Fast Track to Employment (designed specifically for students who will benefit from intensive support to build employability skills and workplace literacies). What partnerships does Hastings Secondary College have with employers and community? The Port Macquarie-Hastings area is leading the way as a regional hub for employment. Hastings Secondary College prides itself on the partnerships it has forged with local and national employers. Students at the college engage in weekly work placements in a wide variety of settings and receive outstanding expert training from industry professionals. Our engagement with the local community is paramount for student learning, and our students regularly participate with programs provided by voluntary organisations including Rotary and Lions Clubs, Legacy, CWA, Rural Fire Brigade, Coastal Warriors, NSW State Emergency Services, Salvation Army,
headspace, Hastings Valley Community of Schools, Mid North Coast Local Health, Mid Coast Training, NSW Police, Service Clubs, Church groups, Chamber of Commerce, Players Theatre, Port Macquarie Tourism Association, Arts Council, RSPCA, Port Macquarie Astronomical Association and the Koala Hospital. What links does Hastings Secondary College have with tertiary educators? Hastings Secondary College maintains strong partnerships with our local regional tertiary educators, including: Charles Sturt University, University of Newcastle, Southern Cross University and University of New England. These institutions support our students from Year 7 through to Year 12 with world class programs designed to enhance student engagement and prepare students for success post school. Senior students also have access to universities throughout the whole of Australia when attending careers expos, university campus tours, guest speakers and participation in academic access programs. Hastings Secondary College continues our strong relationship with TAFE NSW via the very successful EVET program. Students in the senior years of school have access to a wide array of Vocational and Educational Training courses delivered by TAFE campuses locally and throughout NSW. What are your best tips for senior students? Looking after yourself - it is essential that students look after themselves both physically
and mentally during their senior years. This usually means getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising and finding a balance between studies and other activities. Application to study - stay up to date with your ongoing course work and assessments, check key dates, summarise course notes as you go, test yourself regularly on course work, work with others in study groups and seek help from teacher and advisers. Strive to develop the following employability skills: Good communication, motivation and initiative, leadership, reliability/dependability, following instructions, team work, patience, adaptability, emotional control and resilience. You can build your employability skills through participation in: • part-time work • unpaid work and volunteering • sport and other hobbies • community or other group activities Make the most of every opportunity - Hastings Secondary College provides students with an amazing array of programs, activities, excursions, training courses, leadership opportunities etc. Students are encouraged to attend all of the opportunities offered to develop life-long skills. Keep your options open - there is never just one path to success. Have more than one plan or end goal - seek advice from your parents, friends, teachers and Careers Advisers. They are here to support you on this journey.