This term, our Year 10 students have been actively exploring different career pathways, and we’re incredibly proud to see them taking initiative and making the most of the opportunities available to them. Three of our students recently shared their invaluable experiences, highlighting the diverse fields they've explored.

Soaring High with Qantas

Bailey W proudly represented the College at Qantas’ NextGen Aviators Day.

"I was proud to represent the College in Qantas' NextGen Aviators Day, a day where around 40 students from across Sydney were invited behind the scenes to encourage women working in predominantly male roles, especially in the aviation industry.

Our base and office for the day was at the Qantas HQ, where most corporate and behind-the-scenes aviation work happens. We also toured the T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal, saw where Qantas' cabin crew and pilots go before flights with a full view of the airfield, and hopped onto QantasLink's Dash Q400, their biggest regional aircraft. We then took a bus to Hangar 191, where an A330-200 P2F aircraft was getting an engine fixed. A Falcon is currently housed in Hangar 96, which is the service hangar for A380s.

Later, we headed back for a Women in Aviation Panel and Q&A, a Careers Path Discussion, and an engineering challenge. This challenge aimed for us to fly from Sydney to Berlin using waypoints by finding the right amount of fuel and flight time, using some of the technology they use in the workforce.

Overall, this was an awesome day and I want to say a huge thank you to Mrs. Carter for such an amazing opportunity!"

Exploring Life at Taronga Zoo

Keira G spent 5 days at Taronga Zoo, here is a little snapshot:

"Work experience at Taronga Zoo was a wonderful experience, providing a fun, nature-filled working environment and teaching me many interesting facts about birds.

In the kitchen, I learned about the many different bird diets, from frugivore (fruit-based) to insectivore, and that most of the birds' meals are made fresh at the zoo each morning. While running errands, I did jobs like cleaning cages and changing out the birds' nectar bottles. One of my favourite tasks was counting the birds each day to ensure they were still in their cages. We did this by noting the birds we'd seen and the colour of the anklet they wore. On the last day, I helped out in the FreeFlight Birds area, where they keep the trained birds. I loved watching a training session with a very smart owl and helping to set up for the midday show.

A highlight was feeding the cassowary, a beautiful and curious animal, and chatting with the other zoo staff, who were all very friendly. Taronga was amazing, and I loved the chance to experience what a hands-on, outdoor job in zoology would be like."

A Glimpse into the World of Medicine

Jake K participated in the Future Health Aspirations program at Nepean Hospital, an experience that solidified their goal of becoming a trauma surgeon. The two-day program offered a unique, behind-the-scenes look at a hospital environment.

"This term, I had the privilege of participating in the two-day Future Health Aspirations program at Nepean Hospital. The program was designed for Year 10 students interested in health careers and provided an invaluable, behind-the-scenes look at a hospital environment.

A key highlight was watching a live surgery from an observation room, where a pacemaker was successfully implanted into a patient's heart. We also had the unique opportunity to enter an operating theatre and practice endotracheal intubation—inserting a tube into a windpipe to aid breathing—on medical mannequins. Meeting other students from across the area who shared a passion for healthcare made the experience even more memorable.

This program has inspired me to pursue a career as a trauma surgeon and has motivated me to work diligently in Year 11 and 12 with a clear goal in mind. I would highly recommend this program to future Year 10 students; it is an excellent way to gain a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of healthcare, even if you are still exploring your career options.