The Thistle - An E-Newsletter of Scotch College, Perth, Western Australia

Graduation Choices - A changing landscape

As our 2017 Leavers continue to build towards their end of year examinations in both the Western Australian Certificate of Education or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; they should now be considering their options for life beyond the College.

By 29 September, Year 12 students will need to have completed their online Tertiary Institute Services Centre (TISC) applications should they wish to study at a Western Australian University.

In order to make a well informed decision, students should visit the campus of any university they are considering attending. For example, the University of Notre Dame has its open day this Sunday 20 August. Other universities have held their open days throughout the month of August.

For VET students we strongly recommend attending the Skills West Careers Expo from 18 - 20 August, held at the Perth Convention Centre. More information can be found here; http://www.skillswestexpo.com.au.

These open days should only be the beginning of the process, following this we strongly encourage students to complete the following:

  • Visit Mr Peter Frusher, our careers advisor, who is available to provide advice and assistance on applications to all universities, here in Western Australia, interstate and overseas.
  • Speak to a student who is currently studying the course you are considering.
  • Contact the specific staff at the university you are considering and ask for more detail on the courses they offer.

Many students will change their mind once they have commenced study at a tertiary level, this is a very normal part of the process. However, it is important to be well informed to minimise the loss of time, not to mention the financial implications of switching units after the stipulated university cut off dates.

When selecting study options post-school, students need to consider:

  • The quality of the teaching in their selected course
  • The theoretical versus practical components of the course
  • The links to industry to gain real experience
  • The support they will receive as a student
  • The graduate employment rate
  • The opportunity to complete an exchange once in university
  • The social opportunities available at their selected destination

Where geography was once a decisive factor in university or further training selection, as a College we are seeing this shift over recent years. Far more students are considering universities on the East Coast of Australia, as well as venturing to overseas locations to continue their studies. If this is a consideration, again, we strongly recommend coming and having a discussion regarding options, as many of these universities have a unique admissions process. The most important decision, is about the quality and suitability of the course, not the location of the campus.

With ever increasing ways to gain admission to university or TAFE, it is important that students consider their options. If a boy does not receive the initial results that they need for direct entry, the College is here to support boys and look at the options available to them.

Best wishes to all of our Year 12s as they consider their options beyond school and continue to strive to achieve their personal best.

Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning