There’s a magical moment in the life of every student when they begin to look up and out to the world beyond school and to the dreams they are only just beginning to shape. At Bishop Druitt College, we refer to Dr Seuss’s timeless book Oh, The Places You’ll Go to guide these conversations. Its whimsical prose contains powerful truths: life has peaks and valleys, detours and triumphs. Our students, like all young people, are at the very start of a journey filled with choices, opportunities, and changes. And right now, that journey gains energy and focus in Year 10.

At this stage of their education, students begin to make some of the most important decisions of their schooling lives; for example, subject selections for Year 11 and 12. It is an exciting time, but also one filled with questions, uncertainty, and often a great deal of pressure. As educators and as parents, our role is to guide them through it, not by giving them all the answers, but by helping them ask the right questions.

At my school, we work to ensure these conversations start well before the subject selection forms are due. Our careers program begins in earnest before Year 10, with university expos, guest speakers, and regular mentoring. By the time they reach Term 3 of Year 10, our students are already engaged in thinking deeply about who they are and what they want to do, not just what marks they want, but what kind of life they hope to build.

The world has changed rapidly, and so too has the world of work. The University of Queensland tells us that today’s young people are likely to experience between 3 to 7 career changes and as many as 16 to 17 different jobs. Skills developed through Deep Learning like collaboration and critical thinking become essential life skills. The implication is clear: students must be adaptable, resilient, and lifelong learners. The pathway they choose today is not set in stone. It is the beginning of a longer, richer journey.

And that journey needs a strong foundation. Subject selection for the senior years is not just about university entry, it’s about building a course of study that reflects each student’s interests, strengths, and goals. At Bishop Druitt College, we encourage students to choose subjects that align with what excites them, what they’re good at, and what they might want to pursue beyond school. It’s not about following friends or pleasing parents. It’s about making informed decisions as they develop into world prepared young adults.

Of course, not every student knows what they want to do yet and that’s okay. Many don’t. But this is where open-ended conversations matter. Ask them what they enjoy, what they’re curious about, and what problems they’d like to solve in the world. Explore different industries, from health to trades to education, and don’t dismiss any path too quickly. Work experience, volunteering, or simply chatting with family members about their jobs can spark ideas that lead to clarity.

Our Career Pathways Coach plays a crucial role during this time, working one-on-one with students and families to map possible futures and navigate the complexities of subject requirements, NESA guidelines, and tertiary prerequisites. Whether a student is heading to university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, or taking a gap year, the goal is the same: to empower them to make confident, informed choices.

Early entry schemes into university are also a growing reality, especially for regional students like ours. These programs rightly place value on more than just an ATAR. They look at Year 11 reports, community involvement, leadership, the arts, and sport. Keeping track of certificates and achievements now can open doors later and serve as a great reminder of everything our young people have already accomplished.

At Bishop Druitt College, we see Year 11 and 12 as a launchpad—one part of the broader journey toward becoming a world prepared citizen. This is not just a slogan; it’s a lived philosophy. We prepare students not just for exams, but for life. And part of that preparation is celebrating the uniqueness of each child.

As a parent, guardian, or caring adult, your involvement is powerful. Be curious about what your teen is thinking. Attend information sessions, ask about subject preferences, and don’t shy away from the hard questions. Above all, share in the excitement. This isn’t just the end of school; it's the beginning of everything else.

The places they will go are many. And the decisions made now will shape those journeys in ways big and small. But with the right support, guidance, and a little bit of Dr Seuss-style optimism, our students, your children, can walk confidently into whatever future they choose.

Let’s help them open those doors.

Simon Doyle
Principal

For more information, check out the following reputable sources on the senior years of high school:

TAFENSW https://www.tafensw.edu.au/

University Admission Centre https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/subject-compass

The University of Queensland https://study.uq.edu.au/stories/how-many-career-changes-lifetime

BDC Careers https://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/college-life/career-pathways

BDC Year 11-12 The Excelsior Journey https://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/college-life/learning-and-teaching