The step from Year 9 into Year 10 is more than just another transition in schooling – it’s the pivotal bridge into the Senior years. At St Rita’s College, we see Year 10 as a foundation year where students begin to explore their passions, consolidate their skills, and take ownership of their learning. It is a year deliberately designed to prepare them for success in Years 11 and 12, whether their chosen pathway is Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or the Tertiary and Vocational Pathway (TVP).  

Year 10 is a time for discovery and growth. Students are encouraged to identify their strengths, stretch themselves academically, and experience a variety of subject options. For many, this is their first encounter with specialist subjects and the chance to mirror Senior-style learning in a scaffolded environment. 

Just as importantly, Year 10 allows students to “experience and explore” by changing  study areas, while being guided by teachers and mentors who help them make informed choices for Years 11 and 12. Engagement is also a key focus: when students are actively engaged in Year 10, they consolidate their study skills and build on the habits that will underpin their future success. 

Tailored Pathways: ATAR and TVP 
At St Rita’s College, students can pursue either ATAR and TVP pathways – or a combination of subjects in either pathway. Year 10 is where the preparation begins:  

ATAR Pathway: Year 10 subjects are intentionally designed to build the academic foundations needed for Senior success. Each of the subjects encourages students to stretch themselves academically and mirror what they need for Years 11 and 12. Students can choose specialist subjects such as Literature, Specialist Mathematics, History, Accounting and Entrepreneurship, Design and more to ensure they are well prepared for their transition.  

TVP Pathway: Our TVP programs are a key point of difference as they are delivered by St Rita’s College teachers within their own classrooms to ensure quality and familiarity. In Year 10, students can do a Certificate II in Tourism. This qualification provides a pathway to work in many tourism and travel industry sectors including travel agencies, resorts and attractions and any small tourism business. However, in Years 11 and 12, opportunities like the Diploma of Business, Certificate II in Hospitality with a Certificate III in Events, Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate II in Sport Coaching become available. These opportunities meet diverse student interests, while external partnerships with organisations like Sofitel (Noosa Resort) and Sheraton Grand Mirage provide students with real life learning experiences that complement their classroom learning. VETis Schools programs are offered via TAFE and Mater Education. In addition to this, students can engage in a School-based Traineeships and Apprenticeships. Through these opportunities, students gain practical, industry-aligned experiences that set them up for real-world success.  

Importantly, we don’t expect students to know their pathway straight away. In Terms 2 and 3, Year 10s work closely with mentors and teachers to explore options and adjust subjects if needed. We place a strong focus on open and honest communication, recognising that career planning is a journey best navigated in partnership with families. By encouraging brave conversations between students, parents, and mentors, we create a supportive environment where young women can explore their options with confidence, make informed decisions, and feel guided every step of the way. 

Building the Senior Mindset 
The demands of Senior schooling require a new level of independence, resilience, and responsibility. Year 10 prepares them for this shift through a range of targeted programs: 

• Careers Program – A timetabled lesson each fortnight allows students to explore future options in depth. They drill down into the skills required for their dream careers and gain exposure to a range of industries. 

• Careers Week – Events such as Careers Day and SET Planning Day where we bring industry professionals and alumnae into the College, providing inspiration, role models, and practical insights. This involves workshops and presentations about various careers.  

• SET Planning – An individualised map for success to ensure students remain on track.  Our SET Plan mentors play a crucial role in this process, supporting each student to understand their strengths, identify their interests, and set realistic but ambitious goals for Years 11 and 12. 

• Job Readiness Program – In Term 4 we focus on job readiness by helping students prepare for the workplace with mock job interviews, résumé writing, and practical workshops on industrial relations and superannuation. 

These opportunities give Year 10 students a forward focus, prompting them to consider not just their Senior years but life after school. 

Study Skills: Setting Habits for Life 
A cornerstone of Year 11 at St Rita’s College is our compulsory Study Skills Program. This program equips students with strategies to balance competing demands such as academics, sport, part-time work, and family commitments, while staying motivated and organised. 

Students learn practical techniques such as: 

• Creating home study and revision plans 

• Academic reading and writing 

• Cornell note-taking 

• Oral presentation skills 

• Proofreading, paraphrasing, and summarising 

• Revision and exam strategies 

• Stress management and motivation techniques 

Beyond classroom teaching, one-on-one coaching is available for students seeking tailored support. These habits not only sustain academic excellence in Years 11 and 12 but also build resilience and independence for university, TAFE, or the workforce. 

Growth and Partnership 
The growth we see in students throughout Year 10 is remarkable. They step up in maturity, responsibility, and independence – qualities that fuel their goals and shape their future pathways. 

This journey is supported by a strong academic care framework. Academic care at the College includes proactive mentoring, close data tracking, and intentional engagement to ensure that every student is individually nurtured and supported.  

A Launchpad for the Future 
By the time students move into Senior, they have explored their options, built their study practices, and developed the independence and confidence they need to succeed. Whether their next step is ATAR or TVP, Year 10 at St Rita’s College ensures they are prepared, supported, and ready to thrive.