With student minds bursting with possibilities for the future, and parents' heads full of questions, the Mandurah Catholic College year 10 course counselling day on July 22 saw many families considering their options.
Heads of year, heads of learning area, careers counsellor Lynn Wilson, timetable coordinator Sonia Stephenson and members of the college leadership team were on hand for the interviews, which allowed parents and their year 10 children to discuss their semester one reports and their desired pathway forward.
Following on from the year 10 course information night, where information about ATAR and general pathways were covered, along with the current university and TAFE courses, the interviews allowed a more personal discussion to occur.
Some students were starting with an idea about the general field of study they may be interested in pursuing after school.
Others had a clear idea about which course they want to study, however were unsure about how to ensure their best chances of acceptance into it. For others still, they were starting with little confidence about how to proceed with course selection, or what they want to do after school.
The day was specifically designed to allow a three-way discussion where both parents and students could ask questions, clarify information and seek guidance from key members of staff.
Topics discussed regularly throughout the day were specific courses that may suit a student's interests, pre-requisites for university courses, how outside-of-school commitments may impact study and the challenges that lie ahead.
College staff were also able to mitigate the process, managing expectations about course workloads, student capabilities and the required commitment level, after looking at their semester one report and course recommendations.
Head of year 11 Louise Merry was one of the specialists counselling parents and students.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for us to bring all of the information together," she said.
"It can be hard for those parents who are going through this process for the first time or are finding the information overwhelming.
"It's a conversation - a process of discussing the options and concerns. Guidance is the key benefit that today provides".
Deputy principal of teaching and learning Paschal McCarthy concurred and said the sessions were worthwhile.
"The session with parents is valuable time to discuss the future direction of their child," he said.
"To me what has been uplifting about the day is hearing the positive talk between family members about the direction of their child for year 11 and 12, and also post-schooling.
"Many students have left excited for the future, and with motivation and a healthy goal for their results in semester two".