From the Transition & Pathways Specialist
Lets Celebrate:
CONGRATULATIONS to our community of TAPS learners. The number of students moving through meetings in Term 1 and the enquiries made about University Entry, Universities, Work Experience, along with specific career pathways beyond school, has been extremely positive.
MESSAGE FROM TAPS:
As we move into Term 2, Year 10 will be continuing to talk about and consider their best fit options for career directions. This will not go without the support of parents and community stakeholders, alongside SFCC staff. Work Experience, and associated module learning for preparation for this experience, will be enhanced by the PDHPE Work Unit organised in collaboration with Ms Flegg and Mr Fricot. Year 10 will also be provided with an opportunity to attend the Macarthur Association Careers Expo (MACE) on June 5 held at Minto Indoor Stadium. So very busy but opportunity filled term for our young adolescents who forge positively into building their capacities to collaborate, engage positively and explore future options.
Years 11 & 12, working with focus as well as together, are continuing their investigations into career options and university connections. UAC (University Admission Centre) was updated at the end of Term 1, so this allows these years to spend time researching the possibilities of university courses.
Across the TAPS meeting space career interests have been identified in teaching, medicine, law, construction management, media communications, film and design. International study as well as interstate study are being looked at and actioned by some of our students. Interviews to discuss subject selections and best career pathways for individuals have also occurred.
A message to parents, if you need to book a meeting about TAPS related information, please phone the SFCC office and leave a message for Mrs McMahon, who will return your call.
SCAN READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: to investigate material relevant to your interests and motivations. Follow-up with booking a meeting with Mrs McMahon to continue the next steps in moving forward.
If you're in high school and starting to think about what comes next, you might be thinking about a gap year. Traditionally, it's a period of time (not necessarily a year) when students take a break between finishing school and starting further study or work.
Gap years aren’t always right for everyone, and there’s always the opportunity to take a break at other points in your life - but if you're wanting to take one ASAP, let’s take a quick look into why taking a gap year could be a fantastic choice for you.
Boost your university grades
Worried that a year off might make you rusty? Think again: studies show that students who take a gap year often do better academically when they start university.
Often it's because they've had time to take a break and feel less burnt out, their time away has built up motivation for their next step and future pathway, or because they've gained additional life skills to handle the pressure that tertiary studies can bring.
Figure out your future
Not sure what you want to study or do for a career? You're not alone. But a gap year might actually help you figure it out.
About 60% of students who took a gap year said it helped them decide on their course of study and future career path. This means less time and money spent changing courses later on.
In fact, 95% of 2020 Gap Year Association (GYA) survey participants said their gap year prepared them for their next step into further education or the workforce. And a further 78% of college graduates participating in a gap year believed the time helped clarify what they wanted to do in life.
"60% of gap year students said the experience either 'set me on my current career path/academic major' or 'confirmed my choice of career/academic major'.
Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson, The Gap-Year Advantage
Grow as a person
A gap year isn't just about taking a break; it's also a chance to grow. A whopping 98% of students said their gap year helped them develop personally, and 97% felt it made them more mature. Whether you're traveling, working, or volunteering, you'll gain experiences that shape who you are.
According to Robert Clagett, a former Senior Admissions Official at Harvard, gap year participants often "begin college with a more mature and focused mindset".
Prepare for the workforce
Employers love candidates with real-world experience, and taking a gap year can give you skills and experiences that make your resume stand out.
In a College Finance survey of 210 hiring managers, 80% agreed gap years are important for personal growth, and 21% were more likely to hire candidates who'd taken a gap year, especially if they undertook work experience within that period.
Plus, 78% of gap year alumni believe their time off improved their preparation for college, impacted their career field, or helped them get a job.
Things to keep in mind
While a gap year may have many benefits, it's essential to plan it well so you can really make the most of the experience. Think about what you want to achieve - whether it's saving money, traveling, or gaining work experience. A well-thought-out plan ensures your gap year is productive and fulfilling. And remember, you don't have to take a gap year straight after high school to reap the benefits.
Final thoughts: Taking a gap year can offer numerous benefits, from better grades to personal growth and career readiness. If you're considering taking one, start planning early and set clear goals. Still unsure? You might like to take our Gap Year quiz and do some more research, or find lots more information in our latest Gap Year Guide.
PATHWAYS at a GLANCE:
Radiology Pathway:
What if ?... I wanted to set my path on Engineering studying at the University of New South Wales, what might my admission look like? Well this year it involved an Engineering portfolio submission, alongside an ATAR above 90.
Here’s the video submission outline:
