A pathway that fits the student: Year 10 at Helena College

Year 10 is an important year for students as they prepare to choose subjects and pathways for Years 11 and 12. At Helena College, students are supported throughout this process, helping them understand their strengths and interests, explore future opportunities and make informed decisions about their senior secondary education.

Throughout Year 10, the College’s Career Pathways program introduces students to post-school options including university, TAFE, apprenticeships and vocational pathways. All Year 10 students also undertake a week of workplace experience, giving them an opportunity to explore an area of interest and gain first-hand experience of the world of work.

Personalised support for Year 11 course selection

As Year 11 course selection approaches, the support becomes increasingly individual.

Each family meets one-to-one with the Director of Upper School to discuss the student’s post-school goals and the pathways and course choices that may best support them. These conversations are informed by teacher recommendations that consider academic achievement, demonstrated ability, commitment, interests and engagement.

Students can also seek advice from their subject teachers, Heads of Department and other senior staff. Families receive information about senior secondary options and are supported to understand how different combinations of courses can lead towards university, further education and training, apprenticeships or employment.

More choice for Years 11 and 12

Helena College offers a broad range of options for senior students, with more than 30 courses available across Years 11 and 12. These include ATAR and General courses across English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, the Arts, Languages, Health and Physical Education and Technologies, alongside opportunities such as Workplace Learning and vocational education.

This breadth of choice, combined with smaller classes and teachers who know their students well, helps keep the decision-making process centred on the individual. Rather than directing every student towards the same senior secondary pathway, the aim is to help students identify choices that are both aspirational and realistic for them.

With so many possibilities to consider, course selection at Helena College is about more than choosing subjects from a list. Through personalised guidance, career exploration and individual course counselling, students are supported to enter Years 11 and 12 with greater clarity and confidence about the pathway ahead.

If your child is looking for greater choice, more personalised guidance or a different approach to their senior secondary years, Year 10 can be an ideal time to join Helena College. Starting in Year 10 gives students time to become part of the College community, get to know their teachers and explore their options before making important decisions about Years 11 and 12.

Want to know more?

We welcome all enquiries, and if you'd like to know more about current enrolment opportunities, we invite you to join one of our upcoming tours.