Senior School Subject Selection Evening

Last night, St Catherine’s students in Years 8 to 10 had the opportunity to discuss their 2020 subject choices with teachers at the Senior School Subject Selection Evening.

There was a positive vibe around the School with lots of interesting and exciting conversations taking place. Selecting subjects can seem like an incredibly daunting process for some students and their families. Empowering the girls to make informed choices is something we take pride in at St Catherine’s School.

The students were given access to subject offerings via the Portal before the holidays, thus allowing them the opportunity to explore content, assessment and learning areas within each subject.

Last night was an opportunity to further research subjects by having conversations with staff about suitability and exploration of content.

Students will now utilise the tools available to them, such as VTAC (provides information about university courses, prerequisites and entrance criteria), the St Catherine’s careers website (available via the Portal), the Morrisby Report (for Year 10 students), and ongoing conversations with teachers and the St Catherine’s Careers team.

Below is some important advice that students should consider when selecting subjects throughout Senior School:

  • A strong self-awareness enables a student to choose subjects, courses and ultimately careers, which best suit their interests, skills, values and goals.
  • Be aware of the resources available, both in and out of school. The more research tools used or conversations students have with others, allows a student to consider various aspects of the subject choices they will make.
  • Enjoy the process of choice. In some countries, the senior school curriculum is fixed. We are fortunate in Australia and, in particular, at St Catherine’s, as students are able to explore subjects initially via the elective program and then by selecting a range of VCE subjects that are of interest to them.

Important things to consider prior to subject selection:

  • Choose subjects you enjoy and for which you show aptitude. This will help you to stay motivated, gain good results and develop strong learning strategies.
  • For VCE, choose subjects which are prerequisite studies. Prerequisite studies are subjects which are compulsory at VCE for certain university courses. These are listed via CourseLink on the VTAC website.
  • It is very important to be aware of prerequisite studies. Students are encouraged to confer with the Careers Practitioners, Mrs Pauline van der Poel and Miss Sally Wilkinson, if they require further assistance.
  • Remember, some elective subjects at school are highly recommended in order to gain access into VCE subjects.
  • Ask many questions of your teachers. They know how you learn best and what your strengths are. They can help you make sound choices that will aid in successful progress and satisfaction.
Mrs Pauline Van Der Poel, Director of Planning and Organisation/Careers Practitioner