The Best Kind of Learning – Years 11 and 12 Workplace
What does learning look like outside the classroom? For many of our Years 11 and 12 students, it is serving coffee, supporting classrooms, or helping manage a real estate office. Through the Workplace Learning Endorsed Program (ADWPL), our girls are getting a head start on the working world, and they are thriving.
As Maryanne Hughes, Head of Workplace Learning, explains:
“Workplace Learning gives students a chance to step into the real world and build the kind of skills that truly matter, things like communication, teamwork and problem-solving. These are the abilities they will take with them, no matter what path they choose.”
And that is exactly what we have seen in action.
A Taste of the Working World
Year 11 student Mischa spent her placement at the local Neighbourhood Coffee shop. While she mastered the espresso machine, what she really brewed was confidence. Mischa learned how to work under pressure, connect with customers, and be part of a buzzing team. She showed initiative from day one and finished with skills that cannot be taught in a textbook.
Hayden, a Year 11 student, spent her week at Manning Primary School, assisting in the classroom and learning what it takes to support young learners.
“I most enjoyed working with the kids to understand how each child learned and how I could help them as an individual,” she says. “What surprised me the most was how compassionate the kids were towards each other, always looking out for one another.”
Ava, Year 11, joined the team at Salt Property in Applecross, gaining insight into the fast-paced world of real estate.
Ava shares, “I really enjoyed seeing how much goes into selling and leasing properties, from preparing listings to meeting clients and organising open houses. I was surprised by how important communication is. I thought it would be mostly paperwork, but it’s a lot of relationship-building and negotiation. It showed me how vital people skills are in this field.”
Jayda, a Year 11 student, spent her work placement at her former school, Mount Pleasant Primary, with her former PE teacher. She loved being back in a familiar environment, helping teach younger students and seeing how much they enjoyed the sport. The experience gave her more confidence working with kids and sparked a deeper interest in teaching. What surprised her most was how much patience and energy it takes to teach, and how much happens behind the scenes. By the end, she had a whole new level of respect for teachers.
These are just a few of the students who embraced their unique placement with curiosity, initiative and courage, hallmarks of what we hope to cultivate at Santa Maria College.
Learning That Lasts
This program is where classroom knowledge meets practical insight. Students are not just shadowing staff, they are actively contributing, adapting to new environments, and discovering what it means to be a capable, independent young adult.
Maryanne adds: “When students take part in workplace learning, they’re not just preparing for their first job, they’re building confidence, learning how to adapt, and discovering how they can make a meaningful contribution in any setting. It’s learning that stays with them for life.”
For our girls, it’s a chance to discover what they’re capable of beyond school walls.
A Shared Opportunity
We are incredibly proud of how our Years 11, and 12 students are growing through workplace learning, often in ways that surprise even them.
We are thankful to our community who opened their doors, shared their time, and mentored our students.
- Featured, LearningBeyondTheClassroom, RealWorldLearning, SantaMariaCollege, WorkplaceLearning, WorkplaceSkills, Year11And12
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.
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