Careers Corner 

The final edition for 2024 - Wow!  Where did that go? 

I am going to begin this edition with some information for Year 12 2024 Graduands: 

• Your ATARS will be released next Wednesday 18 December. Please let us know your result. 

• Your access to your school email ceases on 9 November.  Please make sure that you have provided a personal email address to NESA, UAC or any other company that contacts you re important information that has been previously sent to your school email. 

From UAC 

ATARs are almost here!  2024 NSW HSC and ACT Senior Secondary Certificate students will be able to access their ATARs on the UAC website at 9 am on Wednesday 18 December.  NSW students, by 9 am we'll send you an email and SMS with a quick link to the ATAR login. 

You will have until 11:59 pm that day, Wednesday 18 December, to finalise your course preferences for the first round of ATAR-based university offers.  Those offers will be released at 7:30 am on Monday 23 December. 

Here is everything you need to know about getting your ATAR, and what to do once you’ve got it. 

What is an ATAR? 

The ATAR is a rank, not a mark.  It is a number between 0 and 99.95 with increments of 0.05.  It allows us to compare the overall achievement of students who have completed thousands of different combinations of HSC courses.  An ATAR of 80.00 places you in the top 20 per cent of your age cohort. 

The ATAR enables universities to rank applicants for selection in a fair and objective way.  It is designed to be used as an indicator of readiness for university study:  there is no notion of pass or fail. 

Download our short publication ATAR Essentials for an explanation of how and why the ATAR is calculated, how it is used for selection to tertiary study, and its relationship to HSC marks. 

How will I get my ATAR? 

You will be able to access your ATAR on the UAC website from 9 am on Wednesday 18 December. To log in, you’ll need your Year 12 student number and your UAC PIN.  If you have lost your Year 12 student number, call NESA on 1300 13 83 23 (if you're a NSW HSC student) or contact your school.  If you have lost your UAC PIN, call UAC on (02) 9752 0200. 

NSW HSC students 

When you view your ATAR, you'll see a list of the ATAR courses you studied and their category, and the number of units of each ATAR course that contributed to the calculation of your ATAR. 

While you are there, remember to download and save your official 2024 ATAR Advice Notice.  It's free until 12 March 2025:  after that you will need to buy it through the UAC Shop at a cost of $73. 

You can also access your ATAR via UAC's free digital wallet, CredFolio.  CredFolio allows you to securely store and share your ATAR. 

How to get your ATAR via UAC's website and the CredFolio digital wallet

I have questions about my ATAR 

Take a look at our FAQs about the ATAR to see if your question is answered there. 

If you have specific questions about your ATAR once you've received it, you can call UAC’s ATAR Enquiry Centre on (+61 2) 9119 5012 on the following dates: 

Make sure you have your Year 12 student number (or UAC application number) ready when you call the Enquiry Centre. 

General enquiries about your application: Contact UAC on (+61 2) 9752 0200 or via the online enquiry form. UAC's Customer Service call centre will be open extended hours – until 6.30 pm – on Wednesday 18 December. 

Questions for institutions: You can also contact the universities you are applying to – most will have special telephone lines and information days to give you advice. Check their websites for details. 

HSC results: If you have questions about your NSW HSC results, released by NESA from 6am on Wednesday 18 December, visit the HSC results area of the NESA website, or call the Student Enquiry Centre on 1300 13 83 23. 

When I get my ATAR, should I change my course preferences? 

You might be happy to leave your preferences as they are, even after you’ve received your ATAR. But if you're still unsure about the courses you've chosen, here are some tips: 

1.  Put your dream course first: Even if your ATAR wasn’t what you’d hoped for, leave your first preference in place, because lowest selection ranks change from year to year. 

2.  Check if you are eligible for adjustment factors: You might be eligible to receive university selection rank adjustments, which are additional points that sit on top of your ATAR and increase your selection rank into particular courses at particular universities. This means you could get an offer to a course even though your ATAR is below the lowest selection rank. Do your research on university websites to see what adjustment factors you can get so you can take that into account when choosing your preferences. 

3.  Have a plan B: Research the full range of courses in the field that you’re hoping to study in. Look for courses that have previously had lower selection ranks and consider adding them to the bottom of your list of preferences. This way, if you miss out on your dream course, you'll have a good chance of getting an offer to something similar. 

4.  Include a course that matches your ATAR: Make sure that you have at least one course within your UAC preference list that has previously had a selection rank that matches your ATAR. 

5.  Find another path: Many students don’t go straight into their first preference in their first year of tertiary study. You could instead start in a general degree, foundation or pathway program, and apply for your preferred course later. (Some unis may allow you to apply for an internal transfer.) Uni info days, which are run by many institutions at the end of December, are a great way to get your last-minute questions answered about your options. 

6.  Make the changes before the deadline: For the first round of ATAR-based uni offers (December Round 2), you have until 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 December to make changes to your preferences. For the following offer round (January Round 1), released on Thursday 9 January 2025, you have until 11.59pm on Thursday 2 January to make changes. 

How do I change my preferences? 

You can rearrange the order of your preferences, add new courses or delete courses as many times as you like until the change of preference deadline – and there's no charge. Simply log in to your application using your UAC application number and UAC PIN. 

How to get your ATAR 

ATARs out 18 December

By 9am on Wednesday 18 December we'll send NSW HSC students an email or SMS with a quick link to the ATAR login. You'll then have until 11.59pm that night to lock in your course preferences for December Round 2. 

Here's everything you need to know about getting your ATAR, choosing and changing your preferences, and asking for help. 

What to do once you've got your ATAR

On 7 February we are holding our Dux Assembly.  If you think this might be you, can you tentatively write this date down.  We would love you to attend to receive your award.  I would also love for many of our Year 12s to be on site if you are around as a catch-up and for you to talk to and discuss your experiences with the Year 11/12 students.  Obviously, many of you are moving away, but if you are local at the time, GREAT! 

Thanks to Mrs Lovern for doing such an excellent job with this cohort.  I am looking forward to seeing their results and finding out what pathways they will pursue post school.  I am more than happy to assist whenever possible so please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any help. 

The Year 12 Graduation was excellent.  Congratulations, Year 12, on completing your schooling! 

We have had many students doing Work Experience this year, and, in some cases, this had led to employment.  If you are interested in this, you will need to come and see me to collect the paperwork.  For next year, there will be someone assisting me with Work Experience and as soon as the position is finalised, I will let you know who you will need to go to.  I will keep you posted in early 2025, and I will have the paperwork ready to go at the start of the year. 

Careers Association of Australia 

The latest information from the Careers Association of Australia is as follows: 

Information Sessions for Students & Parents 

The University of Sydney’s Campus Tours | 11–18 December (weekdays) Join USYD student ambassadors for a 30-minute campus tour of iconic spots, followed by a field-specific tour led by a current student in specific areas of interest. They'll showcase teaching spaces and share their experiences. Learn more and register now at:

The University of Sydney’s Parents and Caregivers Webinar | Monday 16 December, 5pm On December 18, ATAR release and UAC preferences will coincide, creating a unique decision-making challenge for school leavers. Join this webinar to understand these changes and discover ways to support children in preparing for different outcomes. Learn strategies to empower a child’s future and maximise their options for university study in 2025. Register here:

Australian Institute of Music Information Day, Sydney | Wednesday 18 December Deciding on a post-school path can be overwhelming, but for those passionate about music, AIM is here to help. AIM's Sydney Info Day offers students the chance to gain first-hand insights into studying at the institute. Students can register here:

The University of Sydney’s UAC Preferencing Webinar | Wednesday 18 December, 7pm This presentation will explain how UAC preferences and offers work, covering the process from ATAR release to the final offer round for Semester 1, 2025. Gain confidence in prioritising preferences and navigating the offer rounds to increase chances of securing a dream degree. Register here:

‘Explore Your Options’ at Macquarie University For graduating Year 12 students - have questions answered at Macquarie University's Explore Your Options. From Tuesday, 17 – Saturday, 21 December, receive personalised advice through 1:1 consultations and discover cutting-edge facilities and stunning grounds on a campus tour. Register at:

Sydney Design School Info Session Online Only Trying to decide on a creative course for early 2025? Don't miss the Sydney Design School Information Session Thursday 9 January, 6.00pm (online only). Find out about their accredited Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Interior Design starting on campus 3 February 2025. Register on their website to join

ACAP University College Information Night | Sydney and Byron Campuses ACAP University College are holding an on-campus information night where attendees can find out about their degrees in psychology, social work, counselling and criminology and career paths available. Visit ACAP's Sydney or Byron campus. Thursday 16 January 2025, 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Register at:

SAE University College Information Night | Sydney and Byron Bay SAE are holding an information night at their Sydney and Byron campuses on Thursday 16 January at 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Explore their creative and technology courses, meet industry experts and chat to the campus teams about student life. Take a tour of their facilities and check out some of the student projects on display. Register at:

CIT Twilight Enrolment and Information Session | 30 January 2025 – CIT Bruce Take the opportunity to speak directly with CIT staff to learn more about learning and career pathways. With a wide range of courses commencing in February 2025, including free TAFE qualifications and short courses, there has never been a better time to study at CIT. Thursday 30 January 2025, 4.00pm – 6.30pm. CIT Bruce Hall, Building H

Bradfield Senior College Year 11 2025 | TAFE NSW For students interested in a traditional HSC, or for creative industry specialisation Bradfield Senior College have spaces available in Year 11 2025. For Bradfield’s project-based learning in Year 11 Bradfield is collaborating with Luna Park. So, whether looking at a traditional HSC, or to explore animation, music, or fashion design, it’s not too late. Book a tour. Accepting applications until 1 February. Visit:

Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) Admissions Now Open for 2025 Affordable fees and FEE-HELP available. ATAR of just 50 or special non ATAR enrolment. Convenient campus location. Hands on experience and internships available. Feel free to apply directly via website at

Any questions or concerns please feel free to call 02 9955 0488 or email info@cihe.edu.au.  

VET Pathways | Connect with MEGT The 2024 Jobs and Skills Report highlights the importance of VET in shaping the workforce. It's estimated that over 90% of job growth in the next 10 years will be in jobs requiring post-secondary qualifications, and that 42% of these jobs will require VET pathways. Contact MEGT to learn about apprenticeships and traineeships:

National Fashion College National Fashion College is already at 60% capacity for February 2025, now is the time to enrol. No ATAR, value in education, flexible study, industry experience, taught by experts, course developed and updated yearly, New York fashion week, no exams, weekly industry icon networking events, boutique class size, on-campus resources, access all areas to events across the fashion industry, incredible community.

Master Builders Can Visit Schools in 2025 Master Builders can visit high schools and deliver a 20-minute presentation to students from Years 9-12 highlighting the diverse range of career opportunities within the Building and Construction Industry and includes the importance of apprenticeships. Additionally, Master Builders can attend school career expo nights. Visit

to book a presentation.

Courses & Workshops for Students 

TAFE NSW Pathway with the University of Newcastle The dynamic tourism, hospitality and events industries offer students a career filled with vibrant experiences. This pathway begins with an Advanced Diploma at TAFE NSW with students then able to transition into the Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events (484400) at the University of Newcastle. Find out more:

TAFE NSW Align Visitor Economy Training with Industry Needs Explore a career in the visitor economy with the modernised Certificate III in Tourism (SIT30122). Learners will gain in-demand skills for a range of fulfilling career paths. With the sector set for substantial growth, there’s never been a better time to go places in this dynamic industry.

Become a Designer for a Day 17 January 2025 - School Holiday Workshop Join Sydney Design School for an insight into their creative world. Get hands on and develop an interior space, create a mood board, play with colour and materials, and visualise space in 3D using the latest computer software. Designer for a Day Workshop for high school students 17 January 2025, $99 per person. Book a place at:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways Information for Students  

The University of Sydney’s Scholarship for Prospective Students This scholarship, offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, supports asylum seekers or refugees starting an undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney. It covers up to $50,000 per year in tuition fees and $12,000 per year for living expenses for the duration of the course. For more information, please visit here:

Jobs & Work Experience for Students

Master Builders Association is Taking Applications Now for Apprenticeship Opportunities in Sydney Master Builders have opportunities within multiple trades for all ages and entry levels. Suitable for those who have the commitment and drive to commence and complete an apprenticeship in the building and construction industry. For more information, please email careers@mbansw.asn.au.

Last Friday 6 December saw our Year 11 Sports Coaching students walk down to the pool with Mr Rowe to help officiate at the St Joseph’s Taree Primary School Swimming Carnival.  As well as being fantastic workers on the day, the boys won the Staff vs Year 6 students’ relay.  Mr Rowe had this to say: 

On Friday 6 December five Sports Coaching students attended the annual St Joseph’s Swimming Championships:  Josh Capes, Rory Clarke, Hunter Jennens, Kan Kityanyong, and William Lott.  The students completed six hours of their required work placement as timekeepers for the event.  The conditions on the day were warm, extremely humid and sunny.  The students displayed terrific professionalism in their work as timekeepers throughout the day and are to be commended on their efforts.  During the lunch break students were able to cool off ready for the afternoon events.  For the final relay of the day students were invited to enter a relay team to compete against the Year 6 students and St Joseph’s staff teams.  Josh Capes, Rory Clarke, Hunter Jennens & William Lott representing St Clare’s performed well to come away with a narrow victory. 

Thanks very much to Mr Rowe for accompanying the students. 

It has been wonderful that St Clare’s has been included in the RIEP program again this year.  There have been some excellent information sessions regarding many different local Industry pathways.  Thanks to Erin Lute from RIEP who has organised these for us.  I am looking forward to next year’s sessions. 

At the start of next year, we will run a dedicated Careers Day for the Year 12 students and hopefully they will gain a great deal from this day.  They will continue to have a Careers session each week.  Year 11 students will be having a Careers session every two weeks and we are looking at possibilities for Years 9 and 10. 

Have a wonderful and safe Christmas break.  Enjoy your time with friends and family and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2025.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser