Pathways and Careers
The St Leo’s Pathways and Partnerships Program is a unique and innovative program for Years 7 to 12 aimed at better preparing students and their families for life beyond school.
Learning is designed to build confident, curious and capable young people, with strong foundations in core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science and Religious Education, while encouraging students to think critically, communicate effectively and engage meaningfully with the world around them. We do this by equipping students with the skills needed for the ever-changing 21st century workforce, through our St Leo’s Deep Learning Skills, or ‘6Cs’—Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Character and Christian Citizenship.
Students are also provided with valuable and regular experiences with business, industry and further education, including workplace visits, employer workshops and talks, tertiary visits, and access to apprenticeship, traineeship and School-Based Apprenticeship (SBAT) opportunities.
As students progress, the curriculum becomes increasingly personalised, with elective choices in Years 9 and 10 allowing exploration of diverse areas such as creative arts, languages, technology and the humanities, fostering independence, self-awareness and resilience. In the senior years, a broad range of academic and vocational courses enables students to tailor their studies towards university, TAFE, apprenticeships or employment, supported by a dedicated Careers program and a strong focus on wellbeing and faith formation, ensuring every student is prepared to move confidently into life beyond school.
PATHWAYS
Designing Your Future in Years 11–12
Pathways to Success
The Higher School Certificate (HSC) offers a range of pathways to suit every student:
The Higher School Certificate (HSC) offers a range of pathways to suit every student:
- ATAR Pathway – for students planning to apply for university
- Non-ATAR Pathway – for students completing the HSC without university entry
- VET Pathway – combining school study with nationally recognised industry qualifications
- School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBAT) – combining paid work, training and school
- ROSA Pathway – for students completing a Record of School Achievement
Each pathway supports different future goals and can be tailored to suit individual interests and strengths.
Choosing the Right Subjects
Selecting subjects is a key part of shaping your future. Students are encouraged to choose courses based on:
- Interest – enjoyment leads to engagement and success
- Ability – build on strengths and prior learning
- Balance – include a mix of academic, creative and practical courses
- Future goals – consider possible career or study pathways
Students should avoid choosing subjects based solely on scaling, friendships, teachers, or perceived difficulty.
Preparing for the Future of Work
The world of work is changing rapidly. Technology, globalisation and new ways of working mean that students may have a range of careers across their lifetime.
Success is no longer defined by a single pathway—employers increasingly value adaptable, transferable skills such as:
- Problem solving
- Communication and teamwork
- Creativity and critical thinking
- Digital and financial literacy
These skills are developed across all subjects and are essential for future success in any field.
A Flexible Learning Journey
Students can design a program that combines different types of courses, including:
- Board Developed Courses (ATAR eligible subjects with HSC exams)
- Board Endorsed Courses (broad interest courses that contribute to the HSC)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) (industry-based learning with practical experience)
- External and Cross-Campus Courses (expanded subject options, including languages and specialised programs)
Many VET courses include workplace learning and can lead directly to further training, apprenticeships or employment.
Building Your HSC
To achieve the HSC, students complete a structured pattern of study across Years 11 and 12, developing knowledge, skills and independence. Assessment includes both school-based tasks and final HSC examinations, contributing to a comprehensive record of achievement.
Looking Ahead
It is not necessary to have a fixed career plan when selecting subjects. The goal is to:
- build skills
- explore interests
- keep options open
With a wide range of pathways after school—including university, TAFE, apprenticeships and employment—students are encouraged to make informed choices that support lifelong learning and future success.
CAREERS
The St Leo’s Careers Department is committed to helping students discover their strengths, explore opportunities, and build confidence in their future pathways. Our programs support students from Year 7 to Year 12 with personalised guidance and real world experiences.
What We Offer
- Life Skills & Practical Help
- Work experience opportunities
- Personalised Careers meetings
- Goal setting, pathway planning, and subject advice.
- Support for university, TAFE, apprenticeships, and employment options
- Resume and cover letter writing.
Career Presentations & Industry Speakers
- Regular presentations from professionals across a wide range of fields
- Insights into emerging industries and future focused careers
- Q&A opportunities to deepen student understanding.
Year 10 Motivate Program
A comprehensive program designed to prepare students for senior study and future pathways.
Includes:
- Morrisby Careers Testing
- A detailed assessment of strengths, interests, and potential career matches
- Subject Selection Support
- Guidance to help students choose subjects aligned with their goals
- Work Experience
- Hands on opportunities to explore career areas and build confidence.
Pathways Incursions & Excursions
- University and TAFE visits
- Industry tours and workplace experiences
- Pathways focused workshops and events
St Leo’s Careers Website
Your central hub for all things careers at St Leo’s. You can find:
- Career exploration tools
- Senior subject information
- University, TAFE, and apprenticeship pathways
- Upcoming events and opportunities.
Accessible anytime for students and families.
Building Confident, Capable, Future Ready Learners
The St Leo’s Careers Department is here to guide, support, and inspire every student as they navigate their unique journey.
