Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

On Friday 29 May our Year 11 students visited Ultimo TAFE and UTS where they were given a quick tour, learning about the many courses on offer and pathways available. After these tours, we attended the HSC and Careers Expo at Randwick Racecourse. There is something for everyone at this expo, from different universities, to TAFE, to private providers as well as large employers and industry associations. Our Year 11 students were able to learn about courses, scholarships and occupation options. It is a fantastic opportunity to really deeply consider their post-school pathway.

The HSC and Careers Expo is open to the public on Saturday 30 May. Details are available here.

Empower lunches have begun. Different speakers attend 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. All students are welcome.

Last week we had a presentation on Law, many thanks to Charlotte Morson from the Legal Costs Consultants. It was illuminating and motivating for the students who attended.

On Monday we had a student who is studying pre-med at UOW come to discuss pathways to Medicine and what it is like to study Medicine. We were very fortunate to have Ruby, a student ambassador from UOW who is a graduate of the Medical Science Degree, and now undertaking a PhD in medical research. She explained the process of entering post-graduate medicine. She clearly articulated the different pathways students can undertake and the differences between the Medical Science and Pre-med Degree at UOW. She also explained the different post-graduate pathways students can then move into.

Tuesday 2 June – Mirvac – Construction and Project Management

Monday 15 June – Paramedicine (UTS discussing their Sydney based talk)

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.

There are many different scholarships available to students. University websites have easy to follow scholarship pages to assist students when determining which scholarships they are eligible for.

A very prestigious scholarship is the UTS Bachelor of Accounting Co-op scholarship. This scholarship includes two 6 month internships valued at up to $56,000 across 3 years. Benefits of the internship include not only supporting the studies the students are undertaking, but also providing valuable work experience – scholars are fully employed usually prior to graduation.

Natalie Cantlon – an OLM Alumni and recipient of the scholarship in 2026 visited our senior students this week to discuss the scholarship, her experience in the application process and how her study is progressing this year. We thank Natalie for sharing her valuable insights. (Natalie is pictured in the middle of the group.)

UNSW also offer a range of co-op scholarships if the Bachelor of Accounting is not your preference.

Year 10 Subject Selection Webinar – 7pm, 15 June: Register Here

Published events – Undergraduate events

Year 10 Online Information Night: 11 June @ 6pmRegister here

This session will support you in navigating the subject‑selection process and preparing for your pathway to university. It will cover key topics such as what to consider when choosing subjects for Years 11 and 12, how subject choices can influence adjustment factors, an explanation of the ATAR and how it is calculated, as well as information on prerequisites and assumed knowledge. You’ll also receive helpful tips on admissions and scholarships, along with insights from current students about their own subject‑selection decisions and transition to university.

Year 11 and 12 Online Information Night: 16 June @ 6pmRegister here

Learn all about the University of Sydney, from entry requirements and scholarships to study options, pathways, and the wide range of student support services available. Hear from current students and alumni as they share their educational journeys.

Women in Engineering Scholarship Information Night : Wednesday 3 June 2026, 5pm–8 pm (AEST)Register here

Did you know Sydney is investing $2 million in scholarships for women in engineering in 2027? Are you in Year 11 or 12 and thinking about studying engineering, computer science or project management? Join us at the Women in Engineering Info Night to hear from inspiring students and academic leaders, explore where these degrees can take you and discover a community where women are supported to lead, innovate and thrive.  

2026 UNSW Girls in Business Camp: Registrations open 25 May

Female students in Years 10–12 are invited to explore how human skills like creativity, ethical decision-making, collaboration and emotional intelligence will shape success in an AI-driven world. Across four dynamic days, students will build confidence and future-ready skills through inspiring workshops, industry experiences and real-world challenges.

Find out more here

UNSW Future Creators’ Day July

Years 10 & 11 students are invited to explore creative careers and uni life through immersive, hands-on workshops from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture. These engaging workshops led by academics and industry professions will cover Game Design, Animation, Fashion, Graphic Design, Jewellery and more.

Register here

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 – Pathways, Alternative Entry and Early Offers | Tuesday 9 June, 5:00pm
  • Discover Western – Uni Life, and Making the Most of Your Time At Uni | Tuesday 28 July, 5:00pm
  • Discover Western – Scholarships | Tuesday 18 August, 5:00pm

Register here

Early Offer Programs

Different universities have different programs regarding early offers. A summary of these are found here in the UAC website. To ensure your information is accurate, please check the details on the individual institution websites.

Key dates

3 August 2026 – 9am – Schools Recommendation Scheme ratings open for international applicants

11 September 2026 – 11.59pm – Schools Recommendation Scheme applications close

30 September 2026 – 11.59pm – Early bird processing charge deadline

16 October 2026 – 11.59pm – Schools Recommendation Scheme ratings close

12 November 2026 – 7.30am – Schools Recommendation Scheme early offers released

16 December 2026 – 6am – HSC results released

16 December 2026 – 9am – ATARs released

18 December 2026 – 11.59pm – December Round 2 change of preference deadline

23 December 2026 – 7.30am – December Round 2 offers released

8 January 2027 – 7.30am – January Round 1 offers released

Led by senior HSC teachers/markers, each workshop:

  • Breaks down each of the harder areas of the syllabus into “must-know” priorities
  • Shares the marker’s blueprint for structuring Band 6 answers
  • Provides practice questions, live feedback, and worked solutions
  • Includes a comprehensive take-home revision booklet
  • For all the details, visit inspired.edu.au

HSC preparation short courses at CCE, the University of Sydney, are designed to help students approach their final exams with confidence. Each course offers up-to-date content, expert teaching and a clear focus on exam readiness.

Explore a wide range of subjects including HSC mathematics, English, business studies, economics, biology, chemistry, physics and more. Courses also cover key skills such as essay writing, critical thinking, time management and study strategies.

Ideal for consolidating school learning and building subject confidence, these holiday intensives are led by experienced educators who understand the demands of the HSC.

Courses are affordable, convenient and delivered face-to-face at the University of Sydney campus.

Download our HSC preparation course timetable for July 2026 (20 KB).

Lisa Formica
Leader of Pathways and Partnerships