Years 11 and 12 Work Placements: Learning in the Real World
There is something powerful about seeing learning step out of the classroom and into the workplace. When our Years 11 and 12 General students began their work placements on Monday 18 May, they did exactly that, taking their skills, curiosity and growing confidence into real workplaces across a remarkable range of industries.
A Wide Range Of Pathways
From primary schools to salons, fitness settings to animal care, these placements showed just how varied and practical the girls’ pathways can be. Across both year groups, students worked in education support, hair and beauty, fitness, animal care, business, health, community services and early childhood settings.
It was a clear reminder that there is no single version of success, only young women discovering where their strengths can take them.
Year 11s In Action
For our Year 11 students, placements at a primary school and a salon captured that range beautifully. In one setting, a student was learning how to work with younger children, communicate clearly and step into a support role with patience and warmth. In the other, a student was experiencing the pace, professionalism and people skills needed in a salon environment.
These are very different workplaces, but both ask the same thing of a young person: show up well, listen carefully, take initiative and learn quickly. Each experience provided our students with valuable skills to take into any workplace, including customer service, punctuality, professional presentation and time management.
At Mim & Co Hair Salon, Year 11 student Isabella helped throughout the day with various activities like folding foils and assisting the hairdressers. Her placement offered valuable insight into the pace, teamwork and professionalism needed in a busy salon environment.
At Mater Christi Catholic Primary School, Year 11 student Euna is completing her placement in education support and has learnt a great deal from spending time with younger children. Her experience has given her valuable insight into the patience, care and communication needed to support little ones in a school setting.
Year 12s Stepping Forward
Our Year 12 placements told a similar story. At Bliss Pilates, Ava and Arianna completed their work placement together, supporting pilates exercises and instruction, and creating digital content for the business. Their experience gave them insight into the day-to-day running of a client-facing health and fitness setting, while building practical skills in communication, initiative and professionalism.
Real-World Learning That Matters
We are proud of the way our Years 11 and 12 General students represented themselves and the College throughout these placements. They stepped into new spaces with professionalism and a willingness to learn. More importantly, they showed that growth often happens when young people are trusted to try, adapt and keep going.
These placements were not just two weeks out of the classroom. They were two weeks of real-world learning, and the girls rose to the occasion.
- career education, Featured, Future-ready learning, General pathway students, Real-World Learning, Santa Maria College, senior school pathways, student growth and confidence, vocational learning, workplace experience for students, Year 11 and 12 work placements
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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