What a Mining Excursion Can Show a Year 10 About Her Future
This Year 10 mining excursion gave students a close look at an industry many had only seen from a distance. Inside the Hancock Iron Ore Remote Operations Centre (ROC), Year 10 students at Santa Maria stepped into a world of data, technology, environmental science, logistics, and problem solving. It made future pathways feel a lot more real.
Hearing From People in the Field
One of the most valuable parts of the morning was hearing from industry professionals, including an Environmental Scientist and participants in the company’s Graduate Program.
These conversations gave students a clearer picture of the different pathways into the resources sector. They heard about study choices, qualifications, workplace expectations, and the realities of FIFO life. Just as importantly, they heard that there is no single mould for success.
Women in STEM
There is a big difference between learning about systems in a classroom and seeing those systems in action.
At the ROC, students took part in hands on STEM activities and saw the technologies that support modern mining operations. The experience brought together many of the attributes Santa Maria is intentional about developing, including curiosity, analytical skills, problem solving, ICT capabilities, adaptability, confidence, and initiative.
A Wider View of What Comes Next
For these Year 10 students, the visit offered a broader understanding of the resources sector and the many roles within it. It also highlighted the important contribution women make in STEM and the value of seeing those pathways up close.
That is often how future plans begin. Not with certainty, but with curiosity, new questions, and a clearer sense of what might be possible.
- career exploration for students, Featured, future pathways, girls in mining and resources, Santa Maria College, STEM careers for girls, STEM learning in action, women in resources, Women in STEM, Year 10 girls, Year 10 STEM excursion
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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