Pathways

PATHWAYS

EVERY GIRL, EVERY PATHWAY

At MLC, there is no single road to success. We offer two equally prestigious Senior Years pathways — PURSUIT and STRIVE — with the flexibility to blend courses so each girl can design a program that reflects her strengths, interests and ambitions. Launched for current Year 10s (Class of 2028), our futures-led approach empowers HER to learn, grow and lead in HER own way.

PATHWAYS AT MLC

Two pathways. Many possibilities. One purpose: HER future.

From Years 11–12, students choose between the PURSUIT Pathway and the STRIVE Pathway or combine elements of both to create a personalised Senior School experience. Each option is fully supported through Futures counselling, academic mentoring, and strong partnerships with industry and tertiary providers.

The PURSUIT Pathway	The STRIVE Pathway
Pursue University Readiness through Scholarship, Understanding, Inquiry and Tenacity. Designed for students who enjoy academic challenge and are aiming for direct entry to university in WA, interstate or internationally. PURSUIT develops advanced research, writing, analytical and exam-readiness skills.	Success Through Real-world Industry, Vocational & Employability Skills. Designed for students who learn best through doing, and who value real-world experience, industry qualifications or alternative university entry.

PURSUIT PATHWAY

The PURSUIT Pathway — guiding HER toward excellence and university study.

Ideal for girls seeking academic rigour and preparing for competitive tertiary pathways.

What PURSUIT includes:

• 5 or 6 ATAR courses
• University-style research, writing and analytical skill development
• Academic extension and mentoring
• Preparation for competitive undergraduate entry and scholarship opportunities

What a PURSUIT program might look like:

• English ATAR
• Mathematics Methods ATAR
• Chemistry ATAR
• Modern History ATAR
• French: Second Language ATAR
• Sixth subject: ATAR or a General course/on-site Certificate III

Where PURSUIT can lead:

• Direct entry to university (WA/interstate/international)
• Professional pathways such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Commerce and the Arts
• Academic scholarships and leadership programs

STRIVE PATHWAYS

The STRIVE Pathway — empowering HER towards capability, opportunity, and future success.

Ideal for students who want practical experience, hands-on learning and nationally recognised industry qualifications.

What STRIVE includes:

• A mix of General and/or selected ATAR courses
• VET Certificates (II–IV) through RTOs and TAFE
• Workplace Learning or traineeships
• Career workshops, industry mentoring and employability skills

What a STRIVE program might look like:

• STRIVE: General Careers & Employability (compulsory)
• English (ATAR or General)
• General Mathematics
• General Media & Production
• ATAR Drama
• Certificate III/IV (e.g., Allied Health Assistance) or Workplace Learning or University Enabling Program

Where STRIVE can lead:

• TAFE and higher VET
• Traineeships and apprenticeships
• Direct employment
• University via enabling programs or portfolio entry

Note: STRIVE requires commitment to off-site learning and workplace expectations.

STRIVE PLUS

Showcasing HER strengths beyond grades.

Students undertaking STRIVE PLUS participate in MLC’s Learner Profile and Credentialling program (part of the New Metrics for Success national initiative). It builds evidence across competencies such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and citizenship.

Graduates receive the Australian Learner Competency Credential.

FUTURES: SUPPORTING HER EVERY STEP

Every decision is supported — from subject selection to making HER transition beyond school confident and purposeful. Here’s the Futures support we offer in the Senior Years to help her choose:

• Year 9 – Future Foundations: Includes agency, goalsetting, personality insights and alumni industry networking
• Year 10 – Pathways Exploration: Includes information sessions, taster electives, access to selected Cert IIs and personalised counselling
• Years 11–12 – Ongoing Futures Guidance: Includes mentoring, study skills, university/TAFE/employer connections and transition planning

Explore the MLC Futures Hub

SENIOR SCHOOL LEARNING SNAPSHOT

UNDERSTANDING COURSE TYPES

ATAR COURSES

ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) courses are academically rigorous subjects designed for students seeking direct entry to university.

ATAR courses:

Prepare students for competitive university admission
Meet prerequisites for many tertiary degrees
Require substantial independent study and commitment
Culminate in SCSA-set external exams in Year 12

Ideal for students who excel in academic settings and enjoy theoretical, analytical learning.

GENERAL COURSES

General courses offer a practical, applied approach to learning.

General courses:

Focus on real-world skills and practical application
Provide rigour and challenge without external ATAR exams
Include a compulsory Externally Set Task (EST) contributing 15% of the final mark

Suitable for students who prefer hands-on learning and may be pursuing vocational pathways, employment or alternative university entry.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses

VET courses allow students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while at school.

VET programs:

Are competency-based and aligned to industry standards
Lead to Certificate II–IV qualifications
May include structured workplace learning
Are delivered on-site or through external RTOs/TAFE

Industry options include Health, Business, Education Support, and more.

ENDORSED PROGRAMS

Endorsed Programs sit outside WACE courses and VET but offer valuable, future-focused learning.

University Enabling Program
Delivered within the school timetable, this program builds academic skills for university study. Successful completion can provide direct entry to WA universities for many courses, without an ATAR.

Workplace Learning
A structured off-site program where students spend one day per week in a real workplace, developing employability skills and logging competencies for WACE.

PATHWAY FAQS

LET’S PLAN HER PATHWAY TOGETHER

Our Futures team is here to help HER choose with confidence. Book a pathways conversation with our Head of Futures today.

Eleanor Wood
Head of Futures
ewood@mlc.wa.edu.au