Certificate II Business Mr John Overton Certificate II Business Coordinator
The Certificate II Business course is an alternative learning environment in which students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects. The course is comprehensive and inclusive which has a strong emphasis on developing life skills and strategies for dealing with challenges. A large emphasis is placed on providing students with the chance to become workplaceready before graduation and to progress into a career pathway that complements each student’s skillset. Students who are accepted into this VET program work towards completing a Certificate II in Business. The course consists of 13 units of work which each student has the opportunity to complete over Years 11 and 12. Each unit competency has several performance criteria which relate to a particular skill or workplace situation in the business industry. Most of the units are practically-based and offer a realistic approach to the workforce which we endeavour to educate through enterprise ideas such as the design of new PSA sports water bottles, car wash program and recycling initiatives. The Business course is a nationally recognised qualification which students can use to gain entry into a higher learning institution such as TAFE or join the workforce through applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship. It is a fantastic head-start for the boys involved, as it can give them an advantage over other candidates when it comes to employability and enrolments. This year the Years 11 and 12 students have taken part in many different business and enterprise-related tasks which are linked to the performance criteria of each business unit. For example, TC Wash and Shine is a car washing business the Year 11 group created to generate funds for Project Compassion. A business plan and marketing strategy was designed by the students who washed staff members’ cars twice a week to satisfy client needs. At times customer demand was too great for capacity, which highlighted the high standard of work the students were demonstrating. Other enterprise ideas included the Trinity College Koi farm, vegetable gardens, PSA sports water bottles and the design and delivery of the Year 12 ball tickets.
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The practical nature of the course provides a supportive educational experience for our students, with the real emphasis on preparing students for life after Trinity College. Each member of the course has demonstrated a professional and mature approach to the alternative learning styles and have embraced the opportunity to develop teamwork, communication, presentation, time management and organisational skills. Another key aspect to this year has been visits to Camp Kelly in Dwellingup where students maintained the Olive Grove and participated in other lifestyle-based skills, such as cooking, team-building games and leadership scenarios. The camps have offered a chance to put things into perspective and realise how fortunate we are to attend and work at such an amazing school with an abundance of opportunities. After working very closely with this group for two years I am proud to say I was very pleased to see this year’s graduating group receive their certificates. I have tried to create a supportive learning environment for each student and cater for each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. I commend the way the boys approached the course and it was pleasing to see the growth and development of the group. I thank all the boys for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm in the way they have approached their certificate. For every challenge the students encountered they successfully managed to find a solution and it was a pleasure working with them. Mr John Overton Certificate II Business Coordinator
