Year 10 Guide to Subject Success

Academic Guidance for Year 10s

1. Year 10 Subject Selection:

• Year 10 involves choosing subjects for your senior years (years 11 and 12) in which you will be required to pick your NESA stage 6 subjects. Consider your interests, strengths, and future career aspirations when making these choices. To gain entry into an ICMS bachelor’s degree program, ensure you include at least one of the following suggested equivalent subjects: Mathematics Standard 2, Business Studies, Economics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Legal Studies, Financial Services, or Business Services.
• Consult with teachers, counsellors, and parents to explore different subject options and understand their implications for your future pathways.

2. Study Skills:

• Develop effective study habits early on to excel academically. Set aside dedicated study time, stay organised, and utilise resources such as textbooks, online materials, and study groups.
• Practice active learning techniques like summarising, note-taking, and self-quizzing to enhance retention and understanding.

3. Career Exploration:

• Use Year 10 as an opportunity to explore various career paths through research, informational interviews, and career assessments.
• Attend career fairs, workshops, and seminars to gain insights into different industries and professions.

Upcoming Events for Year 10s

What’s the difference between a diploma and a degree?

They’re both amazing qualifications, but they are different, here’s how…

Level of Education:
Diplomas are typically only one year but degrees require a bit more of a commitment. You’re looking at three to four years at college or uni.

Depth of Study:
Diplomas are all about getting core knowledge to enter your chosen industry, like IT or business. But degrees? They’re deeper. You’re exploring a whole range of knowledge and skills, not just the basics.

Career Implications:
With a diploma, you’re set for some starter jobs. It’s a quick way to get into the workforce. But if you want bigger roles or maybe switch things up later, a degree might be better. It opens up more options and can take you further in your career.

Academic Level:
Diplomas can be intense, but degrees are a step up. You’re doing a range of different subjects covering core industry skills as well as more specialised knowledge.

Australian Qualification Framework Levels:
Diplomas typically fall under AQF Levels 5 or 6, while bachelor’s degrees are classified under AQF Level 7 and involve a broader, more in-depth academic study, often including research components.

Check out Aspire Institute for Diplomas and ICMS for Bachelor degrees.

Typical Year 10 Enrolment Pathway

Personal Development for Year 10s

1. Time Management:

• Balancing academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can be challenging. Cultivate effective time management skills to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Create a schedule or planner to allocate time for studying, leisure activities, and relaxation.

2. Health and Wellbeing:

• Prioritise your physical and mental health. Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and ensure an adequate amount of sleep each night.
• Seek support from trusted adults or professionals if you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

3. Goal Setting:

• Set short-term and long-term goals for both academic and personal growth. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and track your progress regularly.
• Celebrate achievements along the way and stay motivated to pursue your aspirations.

Recommended Extracurricular Involvement for Year 10s

1. Explore Your Interests:

• Engage in extracurricular activities that align with your passions and interests. Whether it’s sports, arts, community service, or clubs, find opportunities to explore and develop your talents.
• Participating in extracurriculars not only enriches your high school experience but also fosters valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management.

2. Leadership Opportunities:

• Take on leadership roles within your school or community organisations. Whether it’s serving as a club officer, team captain, or peer mentor, leadership experiences enhance your interpersonal skills and demonstrate your initiative.

3. Volunteering:

• Get involved in volunteer work to make a positive impact in your community while also building empathy and compassion.
• Look for volunteer opportunities at local non-profits, hospitals, schools, or environmental organisations.

Year 10 Transition to Senior Years

1. Academic Preparation:

• Use Year 10 to lay a strong foundation for your senior years. Focus on mastering key concepts in your subjects and seek additional support if needed.
• Stay informed about prerequisite courses and academic requirements for your desired post-secondary pathways, whether it’s university, college, or vocational training.

2. College and Career Planning:

• Begin researching post-secondary options and application processes. Attend college fairs, information sessions, and campus tours to explore different institutions and programs.
• Start building your resume, gathering letters of recommendation, and preparing for standardised tests if you’re considering higher education.

 3. Reflect and Adapt:

• Reflect on your Year 10 experiences and assess your academic, personal, and extracurricular growth. Identify areas for improvement and adapt your goals and strategies accordingly.
• Stay resilient in the face of challenges and embrace opportunities for learning and self-discovery.

We hope you enjoyed our Year 10 Guide to Subject Success and found it useful!

Year 10 is a pivotal year filled with opportunities for growth, exploration, and preparation for the future. By taking proactive steps to excel academically, nurture your personal development, and engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, you’ll be well-equipped to transition to the senior years and pursue your aspirations with confidence.

Contact Us

Future Student Enquiries

Phone: 1800 110 490
Student Advisors: +61 (2) 9466 1240
Email: [email protected]

Northern Beaches Campus

151 Darley Road, Manly, Sydney, NSW, 2095, Australia

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Level 4, 451 Pitt Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000, Australia

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