“Individual careers counselling is the basis upon which students build their vocational knowledge and make realistic choices for their futures”. Mrs G. M. Cartwright, Careers Counsellor

Effective careers counselling is imperative for students to make realistic choices for future studies and careers. Individual Careers counselling is the basis upon which students build their vocational knowledge and make realistic choices for their futures. The process of building Careers knowledge is part of each students' personal development. Our counsellor offers advice which is an integral part of the Year 12 experience, with students taking advantage of the extensive information available in careers reference material as well as the counsellor's personal expertise and knowledge.

The careers process begins during Year 9 and continues throughout the following 3 years. Most importantly, career options influence students' subject choices for Year 11. By the commencement of HSC exams, each student should have a short list of appropriate, well researched tertiary options. Select students participate in integrated vocational/school learning programs through the Independent Transition programs (I.T.P's). Most Danebank students graduate to Tertiary education courses leading to professional careers.

A more detailed description of the program follows:

Aims of Danebank's Careers training program
We aim to encourage and assist students to:

§ gain an awareness of their abilities, interests and values and the way in which these are related to their career planning
§ acquire a knowledge of the world of work and further education and training
§ be well prepared to make career decision, based on self-knowledge and the range of options available
§ acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to implement their decisions

Elements of the program
At Danebank we see careers education and counselling as part of the ongoing process of personal development. During this process students gain whole-life skills.
Our program is unique. We believe that the most effective careers counselling is that which is given on a one-to-one basis. Based on this rationale, our Careers Counsellor works mainly with individual students, providing help which is tailored to the girl's individual ability and needs.

The role of the Careers Counsellor
Our Careers Counsellor provides ongoing current careers education and counselling by:
§ maintaining a collection of current resources regarding further study and the world of work.
§ giving individual counselling in relation to subject choice and choice of levels in individual subjects for Years 8, 10, 11 and Year 12.
§ co-operating with parents to provide information and advice as they support their daughters in choosing subjects, levels and further study/work options.
§ administering careers interest tests for students in Year 9 and 12, interpreting results and giving advice on future directions.
§ through units of classroom work, leading Year 9 students through the process of identifying their abilities, likes and dislikes and giving them the skills to investigate individual careers.
§ introducing Year 9 students to the resources available in our careers resources area.
§ disseminating information to staff, students and parents about tertiary open days, course information for tertiary study and job opportunities.
§ organising information sessions for Year 10 students to enhance their knowledge of career options and the tertiary study applicable to those options.
§ organising visits to universities to experience a day in the life of a university student.
§ assisting Year 12 students with tertiary entry and scholarship applications.
§ giving individual assistance to students who need help in preparing resumes, job folders and applications.
§ encouraging students to explore areas of work previously considered non-traditional for women.
§ working co-operatively with members of other faculties to integrate knowledge of tertiary study options and careers prospects into teaching across curricula.
§ helping students with study and self organisation problems to develop good study habits and skills for secondary and tertiary study, including individual counselling where necessary.
§ organising presentations on study skills, by outside experts.
§ maintaining links with the business community by individual contact and by encouraging students to participate in programs such as Young Achievement Australia and E Team.
§ keeping up-to-date professionally by attending conference, open days and information sessions and by professional development and inservice training.

Outcomes of the program
The results are very rewarding for our students:

§ Students and parents understand the necessity of and benefits obtained by proceeding to Higher School Certificate study.
§ Danebank students achieve above average results in external examinations.
§ Our students obtain tertiary placements well above the State average.
§ Students have gained prestigious university scholarships.
§ We graduate students who are well prepared for further study and/or the world of work.