Term 3 has been a busy term in the Careers department.

Students who are not considering returning to school or are in Year 13 have been busy making plans for next year. Some Year 13 students are going to university and they are currently waiting to hear if they have gained a place in a hall of residence and/or gained a scholarship. We have had some course planning visits and next term have the University of Otago here to help with that too.

Some students are applying for jobs and there are many jobs available. I have started to send these out in a group email to all year 12 and 13 students and we also advertise many of them on the school careers website too. 

Some students are taking gap years and planning exciting adventures, such as Camp America. 

Some Year 12 and 13 students have been busy applying for full-time vocational training, e.g. at Ara for courses such as bakery and automotive. These courses are all filling up very quickly and I suggest anyone considering one of these to apply as soon as possible.

All returning students were invited to attend the subject selection evenings to help with their subject choices for next year. It was very well attended by students, parents, and caregivers. As well as our own staff from different subject areas, we also had universities and tertiary providers represented. We are extremely grateful to them for supporting our school. 

Year 13 students, Carenza Rosie, Jessica Mark, Kalese Le Compte, and Georgina Groeneweg-Attkins, attend the Otago University Health Careers Expo on Friday 9th September where they heard and interacted with a wide range of health professionals about the many varied and exciting health career pathways they could follow after study. They also took part in visual and hands-on interactive sessions where they learned about the many different pieces of equipment health professionals use to complete dynamic medical research.

Y13 students, Paige Hickling and James Blackwell, attended the Waikato Experience on 1st and 2nd August at the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses. Here is what Paige had to say: "I was given the opportunity to go on and experience Waikato trip where we explored the Waikato universities at both the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses while exploring Mount Maunganui and meeting heaps of new people."

We also had a small group of Years 12 and 13 students take part in the University of Canterbury Law and Criminal Justice Days. Here students found out what they would study, and heard from current students and lecturers. They as gained an insight into possible future career pathways.

The Senior Outdoor Education classes had a visit from Jock at Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth to hear about the exciting study options and career pathways they offer. 

Y12 student, Lee Pockson, attended the Compass FM Introduction to Radio Day. The students had the opportunity to create and voice commercials, talk on air with insights into announcing, promotions, producing, music scheduling, content, etc. They also had the tutors from the NZ Broadcasting School at Ara come to talk to the students and answer any questions they may have about the NZ Broadcasting School.

Y13 student, Abbi Newport-Helms, attended a Digital Illustration three-day school holiday course at Yoobee in Christchurch. Abbi received a gift voucher and a creative excellence award for the best digital illustration (shown above). She was presented with this award by Mr Reid, our Principal, during a recent Year 13 assembly.  

Ex-student Rosa Caddie has recently started a course at the  Queenstown Resort College in Adventure Tourism Management. She has settled in well and is enjoying the challenge. We look forward to hearing from Rosa.

Andrea Williamson, Careers Adviser