For today’s students, a successful future goes beyond textbooks and tests. Recognising this, Caloundra City Private School (CCPS) has taken the lead in prioritising a holistic approach to education. The school actively fosters a connection between the classroom and the real world. We find out more about how its innovative career development program empowers students to not only excel academically but also explore career paths and develop crucial transferable skills sought after by employers.
Education beyond the classroom at Caloundra City Private School
Caloundra City Private School views the world itself as a vital ‘third educator’, offering unique and irreplaceable learning opportunities. Its program dismantles the classroom walls by connecting students with businesses, charities, organisations and tertiary education providers. The focus is on providing senior school students with early engagement in the world of work, opening doors to experiences that spark curiosity, illuminate career possibilities, and allow students to extend their learning outside of the classroom.
Caloundra City Private School student Spencer Lush is pursuing a career in animal conservation.
Building a skills resume
At Caloundra City Private School, transferable skills are not just buzzwords. The school has identified a distinct set of 10 transferable skills to nurture and track in students during their senior school years, and set students up for success in life. These skills are a global perspective, a future orientation, teamwork, creative problem solving, learning and social networking, interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, literacy and numeracy, scientific process, communication and self-mastery.
The program doesn’t stop there. It offers a comprehensive toolbox for future success. Mock interviews provide valuable practice, industry speakers bring real-world knowledge to the classroom, and career forums facilitate dialogue with professionals. Caloundra City Private School even equips students with the necessary navigational tools to chart their course. They receive guidance on subject selection, explore pathways like university head starts or apprenticeships, and learn job application and search strategies.
Caloundra City Private School student Abi Wotton has started a career in medical imaging.
Empowering informed decisions
Caloundra City Private School’s dedication to career development goes beyond simply offering experiences. As Kris Naiker, Career Development Coach at CCPS, says, “We actively empower students to make informed decisions about their future.”
Through a combination of exploration, skill-building, and support, the program enables students to identify their passions and connect them to potential career paths. They graduate not just with academic knowledge but also with a roadmap for success—a roadmap built on a foundation of transferable skills and real-world experience.
With its forward-thinking approach, Caloundra City Private School equips students to navigate the world of work and thrive in it. By connecting education with the real world, the program empowers students to become active participants in shaping their own futures.
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