ACCESS: The Key to Success
What better way to say farewell than over brunch?
This week, our Year 12 ACCESS students were given a beautiful send-off, which was the culmination of the Year 12 ACCESS transition program.
The students came together to celebrate their successes throughout the year, including the completion of their TAFE Certificates, Workplace Learning, and courses.
The girls also heard from key staff, including Principal, Jennifer Oaten, who congratulated them on what they have accomplished, and gave some words of encouragement as they begin an exciting new chapter in their lives.
She also mentioned that the ACCESS pathway is the way of the future and that our girls are lucky to be at the forefront of the movement.
We sat down with Maryanne Hughes, Head of ACCESS, WPL, VET & Endorsed Programs, to better understand what the ACCESS pathway looks like.
“ACCESS is a different way of learning to ATAR and is practical based. It allows students the flexibility to learn at their own pace, in surroundings that are relaxed and non-competitive.”, says Maryanne.
“I know that the students have confidence in their abilities to achieve whatever they put their minds to. They have a transition plan and can see a future for themselves. Science Teacher, Mrs Samuels, told the girls, ‘Always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you realise by all around you.’ This couldn’t be any more true.”, adds Maryanne.
We asked Maryanne what the most rewarding part for her has been, seeing students go down the ACCESS pathway.
“For me, it’s sharing in the successes the students have and being part of their achievements. For some students, ACCESS is the start of being proud of their school and community achievements. A few ACCESS students have gained an early offer to their university of choice as direct entry, using their Certificate IV. I tell the students to take pride in how far they have come and to have faith in how far they can go.”, says Maryanne.
Here is what some of our girls have to say first-hand about the ACCESS pathway:
ACCESS is very rewarding in terms of learning how to find a job, balancing life with work, and researching and gaining knowledge of how to network, communicate and collaborate within your future workplace. Renee Tromp
Choosing ACCESS has been a wonderful decision for me. I wanted to do a TAFE Certificate and chose the Certificate IV in Education Support. Looking back, I have no regrets as I am leaving school with three work placements of 180 hours, a Certificate IV, and a nominal ATAR score of 70 for university entrance whilst also completing ATAR Physical Education Studies. Grace Byrne
I found the Year 10 exams difficult to study for and then difficult to sit through the exams. I decided to complete a two-year Certificate III in Makeup Services at TAFE and loved it. Alyssa Baker
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out to Maryanne Hughes on 6330 0208.
Lee-Elle’s Insights from the ‘Make it 16’ Forum
Lee-Elle Cooper is a passionate Year 12 student who advocates for youth engagement and political participation. She has recently returned from the Make It 16 Forum in Canberra.
With Laurissa Knowles From Valley Depths to Mountain Peaks (1993)
Laurissa Knowles (1993) has had an incredible career journey so far, from Santa Maria College Teacher to Celebrant and Councillor.
Elevating Spaces: Diana Ellis’ Signature Touch & Architecture Magic
What happens when you mix a love for art, travel, nature, and creativity with construction and building? You get the essence of Diana Ellis’ career!
- Adaptability, ConnectingLearning2Life, CriticalThinking, Featured, Learning4Life
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
