SACE & SATAC INFORMATION NIGHT AND SUBJECT COUNSELLING

In Week 2 of Term 3, a SACE and SATAC information night was conducted. The purpose of this night was to provide information to students and their families about how SACE works, advice on successfully navigating SACE and answer any questions that students and parents or caregivers have. It was amazing to see so many Year 10s and their parents attend the session, along with a good number of Year 12s wanting to find out more information about applying for University. This night dovetailed nicely with the subject counselling that occurred in Week 3. It was clear during subject counselling that students had poured over the list of subjects and options provided to them and had talked with their parents/caregivers and were ready to make well-considered choices for SACE in 2025.  

TAFE SA 

In Week 4 of Term 3, Kym Cox, the Manager of Education Partnerships for TAFE SA was invited to the school to chat with the students about VET options at TAFE. Many Year 10 students attended the session to hear about how it works for students to study at TAFE and the future pathways that are opened up for them when they undertake VET. Students who have expressed an interest in VET pathways are in the process of completing their VETRO (VET Readiness Orientation) application in the form of a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates that they are genuinely interested in the pathway they have chosen.

PORT AUGUSTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE 

The technical college is currently being constructed in Port Augusta next to the high school as part of the State Prosperity Project. The enormous investment the government is making to provide this facility for regional students represents an exciting opportunity for Gladstone High School students. Robin O'Dea the Lead for Port Augusta Technical College was invited to talk to a room full of Year 9 and 10 students in Week 6. More information will be provided to families in the coming weeks, but here are the broad strokes: 

Starting mid-way through 2025,  students can pursue one of four different pathways: Civil, Resources and Infrastructure, Health & Social Support. These courses are designed to work hand-in-glove with schools to allow students to achieve SACE credits through course completion and be ready for work in high-demand local industries. Course work is completed in week blocks over four terms at the Port Augusta location. A return bus from Port Pirie will run every day, or students can elect to stay on site for the week in student accommodation. Places are limited and students will need to apply by preparing a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their engagement with and genuine interest in their chosen pathway.  

Current Year 9s

Students who are interested in pursuing this opportunity will take part in two one-week 'Industry Camps' in Semester 2 of 2025 which will enable them to decide on the best pathway and will track them directly into the program in 2026.