If, for health or other reasons, you want to explore alternative pathways to complete your school education, there is a wide range of possible options to consider. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Talk to people and get advice
Start by talking with your school counsellor, careers advisor, year level coordinator or a teacher you get on well with in your school. Ask them for advice and ideas. It may well be that your school is able to be more flexible and supportive than you thought. Or you can visit a careers advisor at a local college and talk through the options.
“The careers advisor at my school had lots of great ideas to help me”
Consider doing Year 11 and Year 12 over more than two years
The amount of time you can take to complete Year 11 and 12 can vary depending on where you live, however there is generally more time available for you to complete your study. In many cases you can take as long as you need, as long as you complete all the required units. You just need to be able to attend sufficient class time to complete your work. Ask your school about their minimum class time and attendance rules.
“When I was unwell, it took the pressure off me knowing I could spread my units over 3 years”
Investigate your secondary school certificates and VET courses
As well as the option of doing your year 11 and 12 units, you can investigate the VCE Vocational Major | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au). You can mix up units from the different courses or just do one type of course.
VET courses have a vocational focus and can provide you with a national qualification in an industry area at different levels. E.g. Certificate 111 in Animal Studies or Certificate IV in Screen and Media. You can link these courses with doing an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Think about where you want to study
If you don’t want to stay at school, you can look at studying at a TAFE (Technical and Further Education) college or at a private college specialising in your particular area of interest.
“I’m enjoying being in a college environment”
Explore the idea of studying from home
You can also explore the option of studying from home. Teaching and learning activities are delivered online and this allows you to work at your own pace. You can find more information on distance education in your state at goodschools.com.au.
“The Distance Education Centre gives me lots of support and I can work in my own time”
Further information you may find useful:
The views, experiences or comments shared on this website are not medical advice and may not reflect opinions or beliefs of Cystic Fibrosis Community Care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health.
