Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica
Year 9
In 2026, Careers Education at OLM starts formally in Year 9. We are using a program called BECOME education to expand our students’ understanding of the different occupations and careers available in the world today. BECOME builds students’ curiosity about the world of work, boosting their skills and awareness about why and how people work, and the many opportunities open to them. On Thursday 26 March all students in Year 9 will undertake the first component of this. It will continue each term and will culminate in Term 4 with a Mock Interview day.
Year 10
For Year 10, our work experience program for 2026 is no longer a compulsory week in Term 4. It is now available to students throughout the year. Last week students were presented with an introduction to work experience, and provided the information to start preparing. This site contains all information.
Year 10 students also undertook “MyCareerMatch”. MyCareerMatch is a personalised tool to discover their strengths and identify potential career paths. Students gain insight into their personality traits and use this information to explore career options. Parents may have received a copy of their daughter’s report (if your daughter entered your phone number to allow it to be sent to you). It is important to note this is not to lock students into a career but to open up a conversation on how their personality strengths lean towards certain career options.
Year 11
Next term Year 11 will undertake an excursion to the HSC and Careers Expo at Randwick. This will enable them to visit universities, TAFE, private providers and employers all in one place to gather information on what may relate to them. As part of this excursion, we will begin the day with a tour of Ultimo TAFE and UTS. More details to come via compass.
Year 12
As Year 12 are currently undertaking their Half Yearly Examinations, their focus is on achieving the best results possible. When we return in Term 2, students will start to prepare their early entry applications for university. Early next term I will provide students with information regarding the various early entry programs and which institutions offer early entry. This is only one small avenue to access entry to university. All pathways to university will be addressed over the coming terms.
EMPOWER Lunches
Empower lunches will commence again next term. Different speakers will be provided each week during lunch time to discuss their occupation in a casual, informal way with students from any year group. This is a great way for students to hear about the day to day duties of a role, and the different ways to enter that role, from someone still working.
It is also a fabulous networking opportunity for students to develop connections they may not otherwise have.
If you are interested in assisting with a casual half hour chat to our students about your position, I would love to hear from you. Please email lisa.formica@syd.catholic.edu.au.
UNSW
Year 10 Information Evening: Subject Selection | 6–7pm | Online 31 March
Year 10 students are invited to our online information evening later this month, designed to help them navigate the HSC subject selection process, gain insight into transitioning into the senior years of high school and beyond, and provide an early understanding of how to plan for their future university pathways. Registrations now open
UNSW Health Sciences & Optometry Information Evening | 6–7pm 22 April
Are your Year 11 or 12 students interested in studying health? Our upcoming online session will explore UNSW’s programs across optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, exercise science, exercise physiology, and dietetics & food innovation. Students will learn everything they need to know for 2027 entry. Registrations now open
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Information Evening | 6–7pm 29 April
Our upcoming info evening is designed to help Year 11 and 12 students explore their future with UNSW’s Arts, Design & Architecture. The online session will feature Founding Dean Professor Claire Annesley, alongside current students and alumni. Students will discover our degree options, admission pathways and more, and take part in a live Q&A. Registrations now open
UNSW Engineering Work Experience Programs | EOIs open 1 April
UNSW Engineering’s Year 10 Work Experience Programs will be offered from 19–23 October 2026. Students will be able to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for either Chemical Engineering or Solar & Renewable Energy Engineering. These programs provide students with practical, hands-on insight into what it’s like to study and work in these engineering fields. EOIs open Wednesday, 1 April and close Sunday, 10 May via the webpage.
UOW
Information Evenings
We’re inviting all high school students and their parents and carers to join us as we answer all common questions that students have about starting university study. UOW staff and current students will be on hand to make sure you have all of your questions answered at the one time in the one place.
Please see details of the Sutherland information evening:
Date: Monday 30 March
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Gymea Tradies
Students & families can register now: https://www.uow.edu.au/study/events/info-evening/
Western Sydney University
Discover Western Webinars
Our 2026 Discover Western webinar series featured webinars aimed at Educators, Parents and Students. Watch the webinars on demand to hear all about our early offer program, alternative entry, Scholarships and student life.
- Discover Western – Your Pathway from TAFE to University | Tuesday 28th April, 7:00pm
- Discover Western – For Parents and Supporters: Your Role and How You Can Help Guide Them to University | Monday 4th May, 7:00pm
- Discover Western – Pathways, Alternative Entry and Early Offers | Tuesday 9th June, 5:00pm
- Discover Western – Uni Life, and Making the Most of Your Time At Uni | Tuesday 28th July, 5:00pm
- Discover Western – Scholarships | Tuesday 18th August, 5:00pm
Register here
UCAT – for medicine and dentistry entry 2027
UCAT 2026: Booking is now open at this link
Lisa Formica, Leader of Pathways and Partnerships