High school pathways redesigned

BY CARLI WILLIS

Course pathways for senior campus students in 2024 have been redesigned to better align with job industries in the Torres Strait region Tagai State College says.

Head of Campus

Matt Tully (pictured) said six pathways would be offered: university (ATSAR), services (hospitality, education, tourism), trade (construction, engineering), marine (conservation, land management), health, sport and recreation (specialising in rugby league) and cultural arts (music, visual arts).

“Exciting times at Waibene Koey Ngurpay Mudh with big changes in senior schooling,” he said. “Students will be able to study Certificate III qualifications whilst at school, and that’s a significant step up.”

Mr Tully said previously the school was only able to offer to Certificate II level, and had fewer courses available.

“For example, previously we’ve offered a subject called Hospitality Practices, which is assessed every term with either an assignment or an exam or practical,” he said.

“We’re moving towards a Cert III in Hospitality, which is competency-based, which our kids succeed at far in far greater numbers than if they do an exam at the end of the term.”

Mr Tully said he hoped the adjustments would mean greater success in students’ areas of interest and better align with employment opportunities after school.

“Every school chooses those subject offerings based on their context and based on their area’s particular strengths and needs,” he said.

The school will also begin a scholarship program called Excel for students in Year 7 about to embark on their senior schooling.

“Our school motto is ‘strive to excel’ so we’re starting, in essence, an academic excellence program,” Mr Tully said.

“They receive a uniform pack and a laptop, where they complete all their learning, and there will be heavy focus on twenty-first century skills.

“The goal of it is to eventually to have those kids really empowered to succeed at university, right along that academic pathway.”

He said the scholarship program would be open to students from every island of the Torres Strait.