“Their career plans are many and varied,” careers advisor Janet Lake told The Free Press
“Half the year group applied for and were offered early entry to the university studies of their choice which has been particularly reassuring as due to COVID, there has been a surge in the number of students opting to commence their tertiary studies immediately upon graduating from school, rather than taking a gap year and working.
“In light of COVID, many students have felt that they would not secure gap year employment.”
Hard work paid off for Jacob Read who secured an ATAR score of 94.65. Jacob excelled in his subjects including Extension Mathematics, Business Studies, Chemistry and Advanced English.
Last year, Jacob was the recipient of the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement.
“I was very happy with my results. This year I’m hoping to study a double degree Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Science at Monash University in Melbourne,” Jacob said.
“I’ve always been interested in maths and science, particularly maths.
“I started considering computer science while doing software design at school. There are always jobs available, and the jobs are always evolving. I really want to be part of that because I enjoy learning.
“I see myself doing software engineering or cyber security work in the future. Fortunately, the course really opens up my options on what I can do so something else might become of interest to me.”
Valerio Jansezian will be commencing a combined Bachelor of International Studies, majoring in Chinese studies and a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University in Sydney.
Val, who has a keen interest for debating and public speaking decided on his career path in Year 10.“Being a lawyer ticks all the boxes and incorporates all the things I am passionate about,” the 18-year-old said.
“I am pretty stoked with my achievement. I’m looking forward to moving away and commencing study. Part of the university course requires some study overseas so I’m hoping to study in either Tsinghua University in Beijing or Seoul University.”
Natalie Miller has chosen a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Charles Sturt University in Albury.
“My older sister is a speech therapist and I know she really enjoys what she does. I became interested in the field because of her,” Natalie said.
Bridey Ryland will study a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science, specialising in Diagnostic Radiography at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.
“I have always been interested in helping people,” Brydey said.
Bailey Minogue will move to Canberra to study at Bachelor of Primary Education, majoring in Health and Physical Education and Pedagogy and Practice at the University of Canberra.
Meanwhile Saskia Van Leeuwen has taken a very different pathway from her peers. Recently she was accepted into the Royal Australian Navy, as a Combat Systems Operator, a role which will see her analysing radars and data in order to detect unknown ships.
“I have a 22-year old brother in the army and his own experiences motivated me join too, but I’ve known I wanted to join the navy since about Year 9. It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do,” Saski said.
“I am very excited mainly just to get out of the small town and start my life. I’m actually very lucky that my job doesn’t require any specific marks or prior experience. Just a lot of interviews, paperwork and passes in years 10
“I play hockey for CR United and tennis for Wahgunyah and hopefully I’ll have an opportunity to play for the Navy hockey team which would be such a dream come true.”
Corowa High School Careers Advisor Janet Lake said the school was pleased with the overall results and paths chosen of the Year 12 2020 cohort.
“I know that our students are working hard with various employers in our community; we are so fortunate to have so many generous business owners, who continue to offer our students incredible opportunities to further their knowledge and skills, as they gain valuable nationally recognised qualifications,” she said.
“I know that some will choose to undertake studies at our new CNC (Connected Learning Centre), whilst others will take up the incredible array of apprenticeships and traineeships.“Well done and congratulations, Corowa High School Year 12 graduates.”
