In the week commencing Monday 20 June, the Year 10 students participated in a four-day event known as Futures Week.
The week comprised of various excursions, activities and workshops, along with tours and hands-on experiences, immersing the students into new and exciting environments, with an emphasis on future careers and pathways to success.
On Monday 20 June, students travelled to the University of South Australia’s City West Campus, where they were given the opportunity to explore the campus through a guided tour, before given the option of participating in two out of three activities including: Not Your Average Lawyer (Law), Enterprising Careers in Business (Business) and Animation and Illustration (Creative Arts).
In the week commencing Monday 20 June, the Year 10 students participated in a four-day event known as Futures Week.
The week comprised of various excursions, activities and workshops, along with tours and hands-on experiences, immersing the students into new and exciting environments, with an emphasis on future careers and pathways to success.
On Monday 20 June, students travelled to the University of South Australia’s City West Campus, where they were given the opportunity to explore the campus through a guided tour, before given the option of participating in two out of three activities including: Not Your Average Lawyer (Law), Enterprising Careers in Business (Business) and Animation and Illustration (Creative Arts).
Following this, our Year 10s journeyed to the University of Adelaide. Here they enjoyed workshops about Social Media, creating their own viral video, Crater Chaos on Mars (Space Science & Astrophysics), and Zoology and Evolutionary Biology. The day concluded with a Q&A Session with some of the university’s staff, learning about university life, clubs and societies, the difference between a Bachelor and Masters degree and the various career opportunities available to them.
On Tuesday 21 June, our Year 10’s spent the day exploring Flinders University, with half of our cohort starting at Bedford Park, Flinders’ main campus, whilst the other half started at Tonsley. Whilst at Bedford Park, students took an extensive tour of the campus, before participating in a series of Allied Health focused workshops. During these sessions, the girls took part in a number of activities that tested their neurological capacity, including speech, memory, attention to detail and non-verbal communication.
After transferring to the Tonsley campus, SA’s old Mitsubishi site, students engaged in hands on workshops that tested their understanding of physics, gravity and kinetic energy, as they were tasked to create their very own rollercoaster. Students also created their own interactive game using an MIT app generator. Whilst challenging, students kept an open mind and thoroughly enjoyed their university visits.
On Wednesday 22 June, students spent the day at the College, where they met with industry specialists including jewellery designer, Cassandra Mamone, representatives from the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) and the Australian Submarine Corp (ASC), as well as Old Scholar, professional photographer, videographer and business owner, Marie Pittman. In these breakout sessions, students discovered the study options and career opportunities available to them in business, 3D animation, game design and visual FX, naval design, project management, supply chain, construction and engineering, as well as careers in marketing, social media, photography and videography.
As we moved through the day, we changed pace, creating an emphasis around self-care, mental wellbeing and familial support. To do this, we welcomed old scholar Renee Melizza (Class of 2002), who in 2022, after different career pathways and much self-doubt, became a published author for the first time in her career. As part of this unique session, Renee talked to the students about her love for writing, with an emphasis on journaling and how it has been instrumental in maintaining her mental health and wellbeing. To wrap up the session, each student was gifted a journal and encouraged to answer a series of self-reflective questions; an excellent tool to look back on in the years to come.
Following this, the College hosted a panel of Allied Health professionals, including a Medical Scientist, Registered Nurse, Speech Pathologist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Physiotherapist. Throughout this session, students were encouraged to create an open Q&A dialogue with the panelists, asking questions about their studies, placement and internship opportunities, past and current jobs, and the highs and lows of their careers.
This session then led into a specialised presentation from old scholar, Emily Peut (Class of 2008), who has over 10 years of experience working in sports physiotherapist and has spent part of her career as a senior physiotherapy for national premier soccer league teams and South Australian state volleyball teams. With a significant interest in sports and allied health professions, this session gave students a real-world perspective of physiotherapy as a profession.
Students then heard from the University of Adelaide, where they shared information on trending careers and Jobs of the Future, focusing on growing areas of employment such as A.I, Sustainability, Energy, Mining and Resources and Health Technology. This session prompted students to think about careers that currently don’t exist, but may be a possibility for them in the very near future.
To finish out this very busy day, the girls participated in a mindful meditation and yoga practice. This session allowed student the time to stop and reflect on the week so far, and embrace the opportunities provided during Futures Week.
To round out the week, on Thursday 23 June, the students visited the Regency Park TAFE SA campus, exploring activities in metal fabrication and welding, baking and cooking and fitness and PT.
Upon our return to school, the girls attended a My Career Match workshop, run by Uni SA, where students used the session analysing their personality traits and the range of jobs suited to their temperament. This was also a great workshop for teaching staff!
To conclude a very busy, very engaging week, the students met with automotive apprenticeship provider, Motor Trade Association (MTA), where they participated in a pit stop activity, changing the tyres on a mock race car in under a minute. Whilst challenging for some, others took to it naturally, showing excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity, all whilst having fun.
Futures Week was a truly eye-opening and enlightening experience for our students. A big thanks to all staff who volunteered to attend the various excursions and activities, and to the students for keeping an open mind and actively participating in the weeks’ activities. Without your support and enthusiasm, it would not have been possible.
Angelika Portolesi
Future Pathways Coordinator
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