Secondary Update – Term 2 Week 11
Year 11 Leadership Retreat
In the final week of term our Year 11 students took part in a two-day Leadership Retreat. The retreat was a valuable opportunity to step back from the classroom and reflect on what it truly means to lead.
The retreat was built around a simple but powerful idea: leadership is influence, not a position. Across the two days, students explored what authentic leadership looks like in the everyday moments of College and Marist Community life.
Students heard from College Principal, Mr Watson, and Vice Principal, Mrs Beth Murphy, who each shared their leadership journeys in candid Q&A sessions, offering honest insights into the challenges and rewards of leadership, the importance of servant leadership, and the habits that build trust over time. Hands-on team challenges, run by our PCG staff and Year 12 Leaders, gave students the chance to put collaboration, communication and resilience into practice — and to notice who listened, encouraged and lifted others along the way.
A highlight of the retreat was busting some common leadership myths: that only extroverts can lead, that leaders must be perfect, or that leadership requires a badge or title. Students were reminded that courage, empathy and consistency matter far more than popularity, and that sometimes the bravest act is being the first to stand with someone else.
The retreat concluded with students reflecting on their own leadership styles, considering the leadership process at Newman, and beginning to plan the legacy they hope to leave as a cohort.
We thank the staff who facilitated the program and congratulate our Year 11 students on the openness and maturity they brought to the two days. We look forward to seeing the many ways they lead in the year ahead.
Year 11 Dinner Dance
Last Thursday evening, our Year 11 students gathered at the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club for one of the most anticipated events on the Newman College calendar — the Year 11 Dinner Dance.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of City Beach, the evening was a wonderful opportunity for students to come together outside the classroom and celebrate the friendships they have built throughout their journey at Newman. Students looked fantastic in their cocktail attire and enjoyed a great night of music, dancing and delicious food in the company of their peers.
Thank you to the staff who supported the evening and to our families for helping make the night such a success. It was a joy to see our Year 11 students celebrating together, and the evening will no doubt be a highlight of their year.
State Sporting Representation
Congratulations to the following student for the state achievement in their sport:
- Oliver Duck, Jack McCagh, Ashton Westwood (Year 7) The 3 boys completed in the Little League Baseball National Championships in Sydney in June, finishing 4th in Australia representing WA playing for the Eastern Phantoms.
- Daniel Anderson (Year 9) is representing WA in the Australian National Gymnastics Championships in June 29-July 7.
State and National Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete’s journey. We commend these students for their dedication and commitment to their sport. If your child has achieved state or national recognition in their sport or extra-curricular activity, we would love to hear about it so we can celebrate their success. Please let us know the details by filling out this form. https://forms.office.com/r/qaCxCYLNX6
Mrs Anna Scanlan
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Year 11 subject choices 2027
Next week, you will receive an invitation to book your meeting with your staff mentor, for the purpose of selecting your Year 11 subjects for 2027.
In the meantime, you can find a link to the Family Information Evening presentation here: Year 11 2027 Parent Evening Presentation.pdf
And you can check on Teams for the Research Booklet, or find it here: Year 10 Subject Selection Research Booklet 2026.pdf
Future Doctors Program
The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them.
Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027.
More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia
Architects of the future
Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it’s like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect!
When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026
Time: 09:00 — 12:00
Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA
Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided.
You’ll meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame.
Register here: https://events.nd.edu.au/architecture_winter_school/home
Law Start Program
Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University’s Law Start Program (once you finish Year 12). All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways/law-start
Career conversations for parents
The WA Government offers a suite of free resources to assist parents and guardians with starting career-related conversations. Families can access them here: https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/parents
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11
Selecting Year 12 subjects
Please see below a summary of the rules for selecting subjects in Year 12, 2027:
- Students who select a Year 12 ATAR subject must have achieved at least 50% in that ATAR subject in Year 11.
- Students who select a new Year 12 ATAR subject in Year 12 (not having studied that subject in Year 11) will be required to seek permission.
- Students with a predicted ATAR of less than 70 will not be permitted to continue the ATAR Pathway in Year 12.
- Students who have an ‘E’ grade in a Year 11 General subject will not be permitted to re-select that General subject in Year 12.
- For students wishing to enter the UniReady or UniPathway Programs in Year 12:
- If coming from the ATAR Pathway in Year 11, students must have passed at least 4 Year 11 subjects.
- If coming from the General Pathway in Year 11, students must have a ‘B’ grade or better in at least 4 Year 11 subjects, including English.
Next week, the selections for Year 12 will open and you will be able to login and select your subjects for next year.
Architects of the future
Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it’s like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect!
- When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026
- Time: 09:00 — 12:00
- Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA
- Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided.
You’ll meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame.
Register here: https://events.nd.edu.au/architecture_winter_school/home
Future Doctors Program
The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them.
Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027.
More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia
Law Start Program
Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University’s Law Start Program (once you finish Year 12). All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways/law-start
Alternatives to University
Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth:
- SAE: Offers degrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries. https://sae.edu.au/
- ACAP: Offers degrees in things like Psychology, Criminology, Social Work. https://www.acap.edu.au/
- EIT: Offers degrees in Engineering, IT, and Renewable Energy. https://www.eit.edu.au/
For students thinking of attending University
- TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here: https://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/video.tisc
- Here is a parents guide to University: https://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1099446/ECU-Parents-Guide.pdf
- And here is the “First in Family” resource, for students who might be the first in their family to attend University: http://firstinfamily.com.au/
- Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you: https://infocus-careers.com.au/2024/02/20/year-11-how-to-approach-university-open-days/ or this one: https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/open-days
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12
Key dates for University and TAFE applications for 2027
You can access the TISC University application instructions here: Applying for University for 2027.pdf
Year 12s are welcome to come and collect (and keep) any of the University handbooks that are on the table near my office. These can be very helpful in making your choice.
For those students applying for TAFE for 2027, applications will open in September of this year and close in November of this year. You will be advised of this at the time.
Alternatives to University
Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth:
- SAE: Offers degrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries. https://sae.edu.au/
- ACAP: Offers degrees in things like Psychology, Criminology, Social Work. https://www.acap.edu.au/
- EIT: Offers degrees in Engineering, IT, and Renewable Energy. https://www.eit.edu.au/
Applying for Medicine or Dentistry or Veterinary Science for 2027
All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2027 (including Assured Pathway at UWA and Notre Dame) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year.
Please see below for some important dates:
- 3 March 2026: UCAT bookings open
- 15 May 2026: Deadline to book your UCAT for 2026
- 12 June 2026: Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking
- 1 July 2026: UCAT testing begins
- 5 August 2026: Last test date
- September 2026: Results available
You can check https://www.ucat.edu.au/ for further information, practice tests, and tips to succeed. It is recommended to book a UCAT as early as possible as demand for testing places is high.
UWA
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at UWA can be found at this link and Dentistry at this link. Please note that Medicine and Dentistry at UWA are postgraduate courses and require completion of a relevant Bachelor degree prior to entry.
Curtin
Curtin University offers the only direct entry medical program in Western Australia. In 2025, the cutoff ATAR for this course was 93.
In addition to the UCAT, students considering applying for Medicine at Curtin University are also required to sit the CASPER Test. Further information about CASPER can be found here: https://acuityinsights.app/ and here: https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/category/56-casper-test-preparation
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at Curtin can be found at this link.
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame offers a small number of places in postgraduate Medicine via an assured pathway for school leavers. Information about this option can be found here:
https://www.notredame.edu.au/programs/school-of-medicine/postgraduate/doctor-of-medicine-wa
Veterinary Science
Students wishing to enter Veterinary Science at Murdoch will need to undertake the Casper testing during 2026, by June at the latest. Further information can be found here: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/schools/veterinary-medicine/study/admissions/casper-situational-judgement-assessment
Architects of the future
Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it’s like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect!
- When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026
- Time: 09:00 — 12:00
- Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA
- Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided.
You’ll meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame.
Register here: https://events.nd.edu.au/architecture_winter_school/home
Future Doctors Program
The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them.
Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027.
More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia
Law Start Program
Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University’s Law Start Program. All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways/law-start
University information
- TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here: https://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/video.tisc
- Are you the first person in your family to attend University? This might assist: http://www.firstinfamily.com.au/
- Here are some useful tools to prepare students for the transition to University: https://unireadytoolkit.com.au/
- Here is a parents guide to University: https://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1099446/ECU-Parents-Guide.pdf
- This resource is a place where you can ask current University students questions about their University courses:
https://course-consultants.com/
University scholarships
| Curtin University | Search scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia |
| Edith Cowan University (ECU) | ECU | Overview : Scholarships |
| Murdoch University | Scholarship finder (murdoch.edu.au) |
| Notre Dame University | Find a Scholarship | Notre Dame |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | The University of Western Australia : Scholarships (uwa.edu.au) |
| Christian Leaders Scholarship | https://ichthys.org.au/christian-leaders-scholarship/ |
Gap year information
Students interested in taking a gap year in 2027 might find the following interesting:
- Defence Force Gap Year: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/careers/gap-year?page=2&perPage=21&query=
- And: https://infocus-careers.com.au/2022/07/13/leaving-year-12-these-gap-year-ideas-may-interest-you/
- Also this Marist volunteering opportunity: https://maristyouthministry.com/bridge-builders
It is also worth taking a read of this useful article which details the pros and cons of taking a gap year: https://studyworkgrow.com/what-to-think-about-before-deferring-university/
UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS
If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this link might help you get the most out of it: https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/open-days
