Careers News
Welcome back to the final term of the year. Here is an update on upcoming events and activities which have occurred.
Year 10
Year 10 are preparing resumes in Careers classes. Their Work Experience will occur this term in Week 8. All paperwork should be returned by now. Those who are working with animals or working away from home will need to fill out extra paperwork. Please contact me if you have any concerns regarding this process.
We are looking forward to this exciting opportunity for the students.
Newcastle University will be visiting the school this Thursday, 23rd October, and any Year 10 students who would like to join the presentation at lunchtime are welcome.
Year 11
Career Opportunities for Year 11 this term include a visit from the University of Newcastle this Thursday, 23rd October, who will be coming to present information on opportunities at their University and information on courses, funding and accommodation. There is a Queensland University tour occurring in Week 8, and we will be touring 4 Queensland Universities.
In Week 4, there will be a Year 11 Parent HSC Information Evening on 4th November to help students and parents prepare for the final stages of the HSC course. I am looking forward to meeting parents to discuss their students’ needs.
By now, most students have finalised their courses for Year 12 and are firming up subject choices.
Southern Cross University’s Scholars Program - applications are now open. Study a University unit for a term starting in March. This can be used for guaranteed entry for students at Southern Cross University. Also, automatic eligibility for scholarships, and can be used as course credit when entering university at SCU.
Year 12
The school has processed the University Admission Centre's (UAC) scheme school’s recommendation applicants. This process allows us to support students who have applied for Universities through UAC by providing feedback on their suitability for courses.
Many students have received early entry offers from Universities but they must read the details of offers carefully to ensure if the place is conditional or unconditional (meaning they require a specific ATAR score). As stated in previous newsletters, students who do not achieve their dream course as an early entry spot should not be disheartened, as limited spots are available for some courses. Hopefully, their ATAR will reach the course requirements, and they can access their course. Further, if a student had an early entry offer of a bridging course or diploma instead of their actual degree course, this is an effective short stepping stone to accessing the course. These transitional courses are very short and prepare students really well. Further, universities state that students who complete these courses often outperform those who entered without a bridging course.
Educational Access Scheme - if a student has experienced significant hardship in recent years, they can apply through UAC for the EAS - Educational Access Scheme. The scheme means special consideration will be given to their scores to account for the disruption and disadvantage experienced by the student. This process will require documentation and will need to be signed by a relevant staff member. The closing date to apply for this scheme is 18th November. Please contact me if you require further assistance.
Attached is a list of the relevant dates for the UAC processes.
Students should continue to research scholarships and apply. I am happy to assist students with these processes. Southern Cross University has an app that will match students to appropriate courses they can apply for. I have attached this below. Also, attached is a link to assist students in finding an appropriate scholarship. https://scuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0IFB2PeqtW8MCbQ. They can also visit The Country University Centre in Grafton, next to the library, for further assistance.
Students can apply to University courses through UAC up until the 6th February next year to start a 2026 course. However, applications at this stage are more expensive as the early bird application fee closed on the 30th September.

Jobs
There are three job opportunities available.
- Year 12 school leaver with the Coffs Harbour Council. It is a procurement officer and includes 2 years of training. Please see attached. Council’s career page.
- Orara Farms is seeking a farmhand. Please see the advertisement attached below.
- Apprenticeships are available with the local Sunshine Sugar mills. Please see below.
Applications are currently open for Apprenticeship and Traineeship opportunities with Sunshine Sugar. These are listed on our website at www.sunshinesugar.com.au/careers/apprenticeships-and-traineeships/ and advertised on Seek.
Broadwater Sugar Mill
Condong Sugar Mill
Thank you for reading this update. Please contact me if you have any questions or require any assistance.
Maria Rouse
Careers Advisor


