On Tuesday 27th November a group of Year 10 students took part in the Year 10 Amazing Race at the University of Canterbury and had their first experience of university.

On arrival they were placed into teams to complete the amazing race around the campus, along with three other high schools. The day consisted of each team solving clues, which required them to take part in a wide range of activities, ranging from a blindfolded obstacle challenge to making decisions on a range of court cases in the law department. During each activity current university students also gave them a brief insight into their topic of study and future career goals. The students also looked around a number of University buildings, including the new Science and Engineering blocks. The students enjoyed the day and hopefully will take part in future opportunities whilst they complete their NCEA over the next few years.

Careers Summary

It has been another busy year in the Careers department and I thought I would share with some of the highlights and activities from this year:

• Careers moved into a fantastic new space at the start of the year and is based in the Senior Study Room in Tawera block. We have had many visits in this new space, including Canterbury University, Victoria University, Otago University, Massey University, Ara, NZ Tertiary College, The International Travel College, Camp America, Your Education Student Exchange and Defence Careers. Ara and the universities visit numerous times to assist with scholarships, halls of residence and applications.

• We launched our CareerWise website at the start of the year, which allows me to provide a wide range of Careers information. It can be found by accessing the main school website and scrolling to the bottom of the page and click to the visit the site. The direct link is https://kaiapoi.careerwise.nz/

• In May we took all Year 12 students to the Careers Expo and will do the same next year.

• We had many visits off-site and these include the NZ Trucking Show, a Flight Attendant Taster Day, Year 12 Discovery Day at University of Canterbury, Shadowtech for Girls at Ara, Criminal Justice and Law talks at University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Ekea Year 12 Pathways at University of Canterbury, Compass FM Media Course and Got a Trade Got it Made Speedmeet,

• Numerous senior students attended taster courses at Ara to help with decisions on further study. Many students also independently attended various open days to assist with their decision making.

• The new Careers space has seen many more students drop in for careers advice this year and many have had individual careers interviews.

Andrea Williamson, Careers Adviser