Future Focused | Year 9 and 10 at Helena College
As Helena College students move through Year 9 and 10, their focus begins to move towards their final two years at school, and their life beyond secondary school. At Helena College, we have a comprehensive careers program, providing students with exposure to varying industries and tertiary institutions, interview experience and resume writing.
Helena College Year 9 students recently participated in a three-day program that covered both wellbeing and career pathways. Students explored ways to balance the academic challenges with enjoying a full and active life outside of school. For many, the highlight of the event was the Mindflight7 Virtual Reality system which allowed the students to gain a real ‘hands on’ style insight into a wide range of careers - from chefs to pilots and many more!
In Year 10, all students undertake a year-long Career Pathways program as they start to think about course selections for Years 11 and 12. The Career Pathways program includes:
- Aptitude Testing: Helping students discover their strengths and potential career matches.
- Pathway Exploration: Understanding the routes to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, and other vocational options.
- Practical Skills: Developing resumes, cover letters, and participating in mock job interviews.
- Financial Literacy: Covering key concepts such as budgeting, interest on credit cards, and buy-now-pay-later schemes.
Year 10 students also participate in a one-week Work Experience placement with an employer of their choice, gaining valuable insight into the workforce. In Term 3, our Director of Upper School, Mr Craig Hillman, hosts an information evening for Year 10 students and their parents. This event outlines the subject selection process for Years 11 and 12 and introduces a broader post-school planning conversation.
Following this, families are invited to meet individually with Mr Hillman to discuss course choices and long-term goals.
Looking ahead to 2026, Helena College expects to offer 19 different ATAR courses and 13 General courses to our Year 11s and 12s, which is a wide selection for a school of our size, ensuring students have meaningful options tailored to their interests and aspirations.
In addition to WACE courses, students may choose to participate in the Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) program, offered through TAFE. This initiative allows students in Years 11 and 12 to study VET Certificate courses at various TAFE campuses across Perth. The College supports students who attend these courses, which typically involve being off-campus one day per week.
As students move into Years 11 and 12 they have access to a broad range of events and resources aimed at informing their post-secondary plans. These programs collectively ensure that students are well-informed as they are planning for their lives after school.
Helena College will be hosting an information evening for families at the York Community Resource Centre on Wednesday 25 June at 6pm. All members of the local community are invited to attend, to find out more about what we can offer students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Members of our Executive Leadership Team will be on hand to answer your questions. Click here to RSVP, or email communications@helena.wa.edu.au for more information.