Empowering Futures: The Year 10 REACH Program

June 21, 2024

Since 2021, the Santa Maria College REACH program has been a beacon of innovative education for Year 10 students entering the ACCESS pathway in Years 11 and 12. It provides an alternative pathway that emphasises practical skills and personal strengths. This unique program not only empowers young women but also equips them with essential life skills and real-world experiences, preparing them for a successful future. Discover how the REACH program is transforming education and creating opportunities for our students to thrive.

Certificate II Course

In REACH, students complete a Certificate II Workplace Skills, delivered by the Careers teacher under the auspices of the Registered Training Organisation (RTO), iVET. This certificate course involves students learning more about the world of work as well as putting into action valuable skills for future employment such as writing a resume, workplace communication and workplace health and safety. By completing the certificate, students engage in critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving, which are skills that have been identified as vital for all employees, no matter the industry, to be effective in the workplace.

First Aid Course

This week, as part of their Certificate II course, students underwent their First Aid practical assessment. They completed two weeks of online training prior to the practical assessment and were able to put into practice what they had learnt. With many workplaces looking favourably on employees with first aid training, REACH students will have an advantage over potential applicants when job seeking.

Work Placements

While the rest of the Year 10 cohort were completing their exams this term, the REACH students were out and about on Workplace Learning placements. The students went to a variety of industries and workplaces such as education, real estate, beauty, and even an auto-electrician and marine mechanic! It was great to see the girls learning more about what it is like to work in a particular job and the challenges these roles bring. It was a great way for the REACH students to ‘test the waters’ about whether a job or industry is right for them. The feedback from the employers was very positive, and the REACH students are already thinking ahead of time for their next placement in Term 4.

A Gateway to Real-Work Success

The REACH program at Santa Maria College is more than just an alternative curriculum; it’s a gateway to real-world success. By focusing on practical skills and providing valuable workplace experiences, the program empowers students to achieve excellence in ways that traditional pathways may not offer them. Students who would benefit from the program are selected in Term 3 of Year 9 by the Dean of Year 9, Head of Enrichment and the REACH Coordinator If you believe your daughter could benefit from the REACH program, or if you have any questions about the Year 10 REACH or Years 11 and 12 ACCESS pathways, please contact Lisa Shelley, REACH Coordinator, or Maryanne Hughes, Head of VET and ACCESS, at the College.

Collaboration, communication, Featured, Problem Solving, REACH program, Resilience, Workplace Learning

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.