The College is accredited to offer courses developed by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) as well as Vocational Education and Training (VET) curriculum frameworks. The College also has programs where students can combine NESA, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and paid work through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. The workforce of the future will require a range of skills and people with different types of qualifications. Year 10 students are encouraged to pursue excellence and follow their passions and interests when selecting their subjects for Years 11 and 12.

The next part of the process for Year 10 includes opportunities through our Careers program to continue to explore their future options. We have organised for Year 10 students to attend the South West Sydney Careers Hub at Ottimo House on the 14 June that showcases career pathways aligned with particular industries.

Shortly, students will be asked to complete an Expressions of Interest for particular subjects. This process begins the design of the curriculum that will be offered to our 2024 Year 11 cohort. Following on, students then apply for a specific program of study by compleing an application form and an online Web Preferences form. In Week 7, our Parent & Student Information Night consolidates information about subject selection and provides an opportunity for parents to engage with subject coordinators, the Careers and Pathways Coordinator, the Year Coordinator, our Learning Enhancement Coordinator and members of the Leadership team. And finally, each and every Year 10 student is offered one-on-one academic counselling related to their applications for a program of study.

The Stage 6 Course Application Process is as follows:

Term 2 Week 3 – Subject Selection Launch - Students are issued with their course selection booklet and the course selection process is presented.
Term 2 Week 3 - Course selection talks by our Subject Coordinators provide specific information about the content and structure of Stage 6 courses. 
Term 2 Weeks 4-5 - Students complete a course selection survey to submit expressions of interest in particular Year 11 courses. This information identifies popular subjects and lines are then designed. Lines are fixed groupings of subjects from which students then select subjects from. Together with student achievement data, this provides a starting point for academic counselling sessions later in the term. 
Term 2 Week 7 - 2024 Year 11 Course Information Evening for students, parents, and carers (Monday 5 June; 6:30pm. MSC). This event provides additional information about HSC and ATAR eligibility requirements and the College Course Application Process. Families have the opportunity to ask questions about course content, expectations and programs of study.
In Week 7, the formal Course Application Process begins.
Term 2 Weeks 9-10 - Year 10 students participate in one-on-one academic counselling sessions. Their areas of interest, career and post-school aspirations are discussed, and course preferences are reviewed and finalised. Students and parents/carers endorse course choices by signing the course selection forms.
Term 3 - Students receive a confirmation of acceptance and the official notification of courses they have been placed into for their 2024 Year 11 Preliminary courses.

If any students or families have questions or would like to further discuss the subject selection process, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Debra Bourne (dbourne@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au).

Debra Bourne - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching