Pathways
Helping every studeNT
DISCOVER THEIR FUTURE
From Year 7 to Year 12, students at Caloundra Christian College are supported to discover their strengths, explore their interests and confidently prepare for life beyond school.
Whether your child is considering university, a trade, further study or is still exploring their options, our personalised PathWay approach keeps future opportunities open.
pathway
journey
Years 7 & 8
Discovering strengths
The early years of Secondary are about curiosity and confidence where students experience a broad range of subjects while developing strong learning habits, resilience and independence. They are encouraged to try new things, discover hidden talents and explore areas they may never have considered before.
Years 9 & 10
Exploring possibilities
As students move into Years 9 and 10, they begin making informed choices about their future.
Through elective subjects, career exploration, mentoring and personalised guidance, students identify their strengths, interests and possible career directions while preparing for Senior schooling.
Students are introduced to:
- Elective subject choices
- Career exploration
- Senior Education and Training (SET) planning
- University opportunities
- Vocational education
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Personalised PathWay planning
Years 11 & 12
Preparing for life after school
Senior schooling is where students begin turning plans into reality.
Working alongside teachers, parents and our PathWays team, students choose a program that aligns with their goals while working towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
Every student follows one of three broad PathWays:
- Academic PathWay
- Vocational PathWay
- Flexible PathWay
Every student follows one of three broad PathWays.
Understanding the different PathWays
Academic PathWay
Ideal for students planning to attend university.
Students complete mainly General subjects and may become eligible for an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which universities use when offering places in many degree programs.
Along the way, students receive academic mentoring and guidance to help them achieve their personal best.
Vocational PathWay
Ideal for students who enjoy practical, hands-on learning.
Students combine school with nationally recognised Certificate qualifications, school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, developing valuable workplace skills while completing school.
Many students graduate with industry qualifications and employment opportunities already in place.
Flexible PathWay
Many students don’t fit neatly into one category.
A Flexible PathWay allows students to combine academic study with vocational qualifications, giving them both university options and practical industry experience.
This personalised approach keeps future opportunities open while allowing students to learn in ways that suit them best.
What is a QCE?
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is the qualification awarded to students who successfully complete their senior schooling.
Students can earn their QCE through a combination of:
- General subjects
- Applied subjects
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
- Other recognised learning
What is an ATAR?
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number that helps universities decide who is eligible for entry into degree courses.
It isn’t a mark out of 100 or a school certificate. Instead, it ranks a student’s overall academic achievement compared to other Year 12 students across Australia.
For example, an ATAR of 85.00 means the student performed better than 85% of their peers.
At Caloundra Christian College, every student is known and is celebrated as a unique child of God. Each student is supported holistically to ensure that they can find success in their academic and socio-emotional journey throughout the Secondary years. Our staff are passionate in their areas of specialty and have hearts of care and advocacy for each individual child. Every year of the Secondary phase of learning provides new opportunities for students to explore and engage with. This culminates in individually tailored pathways in the senior years to ensure each child has the foundation for success and active citizenship beyond the school years.
FAQ's
Does my child have to decide on a career in Year 9?
No. Years 9 and 10 are designed to help students explore their interests and discover possible future directions. Subject choices at this stage keep a wide range of opportunities open.
Can students change PathWays?
Yes. As students grow and their interests develop, PathWays can often be adjusted. Our staff work closely with families to ensure students remain on the best path for their goals.
Can my child study both academic and vocational subjects?
Absolutely. Many students choose a Flexible PathWay that combines General subjects with Certificate qualifications or school-based apprenticeships.
What if my child doesn't want to go to university?
University is only one option. We support students pursuing trades, apprenticeships, traineeships, employment and further vocational study as well as university pathways.
What support do students receive when choosing subjects?
Students and families receive personalised guidance through mentoring, career exploration, SET planning, information evenings and one-on-one PathWay planning conversations.
What is UniSC Headstart?
Eligible students may study selected university subjects while still in Year 10, 11 or 12, gaining valuable university experience and potentially earning credit towards future tertiary study.
Uni Headstart
CalCC has partnerships with the following universities:
University of the Sunshine Coast
- Headstart Program: Students are able to complete university courses in addition to their CalCC subjects.
- UniSC Early Offer Guarantee scheme; Gain early entry to a UniSC program based on your academic potential, motivation, skills, talents and passion
Central Queensland University
- Start Uni Now (SUN): SUN is a CQUniversity initiative that provides students completing Year 10, or studying in years 11 and 12 a real university experience by combining your school study with the challenge of university level study
Queensland University of Technology
- STEM Internship Program: As an intern, students undertake collaborative, group STEM research projects, led by QUT STEM experts and linked to real-world research and industry challenges.
Students are also able to complete Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) as an entry pathway to their desired degree and to build confidence and capacity to help students succeed at university.
Apprenticeships,
Traineeships, Vocational Education
As successful education is not just measured in academic grades, Caloundra Christian College supports students engaging in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. Our partnership with Mylestones Employment Agency has led to a number of successful School-based Traineeship appointments and part-time employment opportunities for students.
The College maintains close links with employers and training organisations to support students in completing a wide range of certificates to maximise long-term employment opportunities for students. Through partnerships with TAFE, Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre (SCTTTC), Kawana Waters Health Education Unit and Unity College students can complete qualifications in their chosen area of interest.
CalCC’s Work Experience Program offers real-world work experience to Year 10 students with many students securing part-time employment as a result. An increasing number of community employers approached CalCC as their preferred option to find casual and full-time employees, and/or trainees or apprentices.
Students can also be supported to commence their own small businesses.
It has really helped me to know that no matter how silly I think a question is, it has value to ask questions and it can help others too. This school makes other schools look boring.
– Judson, Student
CalCC is amazing because the teachers listen and help you when you need to ask a question. The students are friendly and make you feel comfortable when you start.
It’s fun because there are lots of fun afternoon sports you can join and create friends.
– Isaiah, Student
Being encouraged to improve has helped me to learn more. The school is great and the subjects and teachers are really great too.
– Ben, Student
UNIFORM SHOP
Our uniform is an important part of our College identity.
Students represent the College community and, as ambassadors of CalCC, their conduct and dress speak of who we are and the standards we uphold.
Wearing the College uniform correctly also helps students to develop habits needed in life as well as self-control, resilience and an ability to follow directives. It also eliminates the fashion-related peer pressure that can occur among children and teenagers.
Our Uniform Shop is located onsite.
Hours:
Tuesday
8:00 am-9:30 am and 2:00 pm-3:30 pm
Thursday
8:00 am-9:30 am
Contact:
Melinda Hall – uniforms@calcc.qld.edu.au
For your convenience you can order uniforms through My Student Account (MSA).
Helpful Information