Supporting Your Child’s Future: Pathways & Subject Selection (Year 10 → 11)
Thank you to all the parents and families who joined us for our recent Year 10 Information Evening and Pathways Expo. It was inspiring to see so many of you engaging in discussions, asking insightful questions, and supporting your children as they prepare for this transition into senior school. Selecting subjects can feel daunting, which I can relate to, having done it twice myself. I want to encourage you that this is only one small part of a much larger journey, which, like our children, will change and evolve.
A Season of Discovery, Not Pressure
The move to senior school requires decisions to be made —whether it is pursuing ATAR, a vocational pathway, or a mix of both. It’s normal for students (and parents) to feel pressured to “get it right.” You are not required to have all the answers, and if you are unsure where to begin, I have provided some tips and resources to help guide you through this process.
As you take this next faithful step, we, as a Christian community, believe each student is uniquely created, with individual gifts, strengths, and purpose. As a mum with a child currently in Year 11, I want to reassure you that all our staff are genuinely invested in supporting and nurturing them, not just academically but holistically.
Some Tips and Resources
Discovering what your skills, interests, values and abilities are?
- Determining your skills and abilities helps you identify what you do well, such as listening, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Identifying your values will help you to make decisions based on what is important to you, such as working hard, being honest and helping others.
Unsure?
The Skillsroad Career Quiz is a free self-assessment tool that helps you identify your key personal skills, values, and the best career options for you. You can take the quiz by following the link provided and signing up.
Consider making a list of your interests and skills. This will help you identify careers that align with your abilities and values. Take time to think about the school subjects you like, the activities you enjoy, and what others consider your core strengths to be.
Careers
Think about the different careers that align with the points you identified in your list.
- Now look up the Good University Guide Career Ladders. There are 30 industry fields to explore.
- Pick an industry that matches your skills, interests, values and abilities.
- The hyperlinks on the Careers Ladder can take you to specific job information, videos, future job growth and the qualifications required. Use these to research and identify jobs you might like.
Final Thoughts
As the Career Development Coordinator at Kennedy Baptist College, I’ve supported many students through this process. Every child’s journey looks different, and that’s okay. Some students have a clear direction early on. Others take time to explore, adjust, and grow in confidence.
By attending the Information Evening, Expo, and upcoming Pathway Interviews, we hope students will better:
- Understand their strengths, interests, and abilities.
- Explore career possibilities and pathways.
- Connect subject choices with future opportunities.
- Make informed and realistic decisions.
As a parent who has been through this process and is currently navigating it, I encourage you to partner with us in equipping your child for the journey ahead. Personally, prayer has been instrumental in reminding me to trust that in the end, it will all work out. As important as subject selections and academic performance are, our children are more than this. The journey of self-discovery they will undergo over the next few years, and the lessons they will learn through their successes and failures, will shape them into the people God has designed them to be. All I can say is strap in and enjoy the ride.
Mrs Mary Minorgan
Career Development Coordinator
