Principal's Message Week 5 Term 3

Recently the College hosted a Careers Expo where a variety of universities, training colleges and other employer groups were on the campus to provide useful information about post-school opportunities.

While many young men will not yet know what they would like to “do” once they leave school, events like these provide inspiration, possibility, and information that might just spark an interest in a field, or occupation that may not have even been in a boy’s mind. Having some broad (and even specific) aspirations while still at school focuses academic energy and promotes discipline towards study. After all, if we have a goal, it is easier to narrow our energies towards meeting that goal as a tangible target to attempt to reach.

I accept that many will commence in one career, and during their working life change careers a number of times. That’s ok, and in a rapidly changing world, almost expected. There are countless careers that our children might inhabit that do not even exist at this time.

When I was young there was scarcely any advice provided about careers. My parents’ only advice was that I might like to become a bank teller one day because I was good with numbers and it would be a really secure job, for life! Who would have guessed what banks might look like now.

The important bit is the opportunity to hear from people who inhabit a variety of professions, with a range of educational institutions also available to display the myriad certificates, trades, diplomas, degrees and degree combinations that are available. It is about discovering what is possible.

I only ever offer this advice to school students when it comes to subject choice and pattern of study, even for Years 11 and 12: Do what you have an interest in, find enjoyable, and might be (or already are) good at. These days there are few prerequisites for life beyond school. If there are, then of course, find out what these are, particularly for some degree courses. The fact of the matter is that about 30% of undergraduate students change their degree choice in their first year of study anyway. I always encourage students to get a certification in something. It doesn’t matter what but get qualified in something.

We educate not just as an end to a means. We don’t just educate so that students get a job. It must be a much grander aim than that. We educate to provide students with a meaningful and purposeful life. We educate so that students will think, and think critically about what they read, and what they see. We also educate for life – for leisure, as well as learning.

Thanks to the many students and parents who came along to the Careers Expo, and grateful thanks to our careers pathways coordinator Anna Webb.

Dr Craig Wattam

College Principal

DISCOVERY TOUR - Thursday 27 August

Join us for a Discovery Tour on Thursday 27 August, 9am to 10.30am and see ATC in action! Meet College Principal Dr Craig Wattam, connect with staff and students, and explore our state‑of‑the‑art facilities. Experience the energy of a boys’ school and see how our outstanding educators inspire hard work, motivation, and a love of learning. Discovery Tour: Book Here