Careers
Emerald Secondary College provides it students with fantastic educational and vocational opportunities through both a Career Counselling Service and many Program-Based Curriculum choices.
Students in Year 9 all complete a semester long unit as part of their Year 9 course, called 'Workforce Preparation'. This provides students with a real insight into how to prepare for the ever changing 'world of work'. As part of this program, student's are also fortunate to experience a day at TAFE, where they get to participate in a 'hands on' Learning - Lead lighting, Floristry, Carpentry and Glazing, Tourism, Furniture, Fitting & Machinery are some of the Tasters chosen. TAFE Tasters provides students with an appreciation of what 'Applied Learning' entails.
Accelerated Learning is also an option for our more academically inclined students and we have numerous students that select a VCE study as they progress from Year 9 to Year 10. This allows students to have and extra 6th subject included in their ENTER at the conclusion of their VCE, as well as catering for the inquiring mind. Students who accelerate with their studies at VCE also have the option of enrolling in an 'Enhancement Study' at University whilst still in Year 12 at the college.
A 'Future Options' Expo is one of the highlights of the Year 10 program and is held annually at the college towards the end of July. Many of the local Universities and TAFE Institutes, as well as Group Training organisations and the Defence Forces are represented at this event. Students, together with their parents are given a host of information and guidance at this event to assist them in deciding whether the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is the best choice. Students may also elect to include a Vocational Education & Training in school (VETis) subject or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASBA) as part of either program. We are a member of the Mullum Cluster for VETis, and have a teacher at the college designated to ensure our students have excellent access to these vocational options.
Students in Year 10 participate in Career Education classes as well as completing a week of Work Experience in June and December. Some students select to travel to the 'Growth & Pathway' program offered through Box Hill Institute, or the 'Vocational Introductory Program' offered through Swinburne University - TAFE Sector. Vocational Preparation courses are both engaging and beneficial, as they provide modules for those involved from National Training Packages.
Students at the college receive individual counselling and complete Career Assessment as part of the initiative known as 'Managed Individual Pathways' (MIPS). Students formulate career plans and then identify steps to help them achieve those plans. Pathway Planning is vital for a successful Transition from School to Further Education & Training, and students in their Senior Years at the college attend Career's Expo's and Tertiary Information Sessions. Students are encouraged to achieve their potential and strive for success. Our Year 12 'On Track' Data shows the very high success rate that our exiting students have in gaining tertiary places (average 90%) after completion of their secondary education.