Creating meaningful
and practical Pathways,
to direct career opportunities is behind the
introduction of the popular Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care course
currently running within St Mary's. Students from various schools in the region
have enrolled, taking advantage of the benefits this unique work-ready program
presents. The advantages of completing such a program whilst still attending
secondary schooling is clearly a deciding factor for the students enrolled.
Many have expressed a sense of security knowing they will have the
qualifications to gain quality employment once completing the Cert III course.
Working together with
the other high schools of the region St Mary's is working to develop trade
ready training in Certificate courses, practical opportunities for career
development across a varied spectrum of practices and real life qualifications
for those who have decided on their future direction.
As the only High
school in the region offering Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care
students enrolled from St Mary’s, St James Lutheran College, Maryborough SHS,
Aldridge SHS and Riverside Christian College are taking advantage of such an
opportunity on our campus.
With supportive face
to face classes delivered by a fully qualified teacher once a week, the
students' progress at their own pace working on the modules in free time. The
support balanced with the opportunity to set individual study goals is
reflective of a tertiary style education and well received by the students.
As part of the Cert
III course each will also take part in structured work placement in local
Childcare centres (thanks to participating centres) gaining onsite, relevant
experiences and a true understanding of the career they are studying towards.
Adding to the options
available the College has increasingly committed to its own dedicated Senior
Pathways Centre which works to assist students in their future life choices.
Bringing the best further education connections directly to our students the Senior
Pathways Centre encourages and guides each one to utilise the College's close
partnerships with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) University of
Technology (UT), University of Queensland (UQ), Australian Catholic University
(ACU) and University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), enabling students to gain
access to participate in various programs and courses as well as visits and
early offer degree opportunities.
Building better
directions for each student and a focus on tailoring that path for each
individual will continue to be the focus of the Senior Pathways Centre, the
Youth Support Coordinator Mrs Jones and Senior Schooling and Pathways Leader Mr
Mark Sealey are strengthening these connections daily for the St Mary's College students benefit.
