For Bella, finding the right Senior School pathway was less about fitting into a single mold and more about creating a structure that worked for how she learned. By choosing a combined pathway that included UniReady alongside ATAR and General subjects, Bella shaped an approach that supported her academic goals, reduced unnecessary pressure and ultimately opened doors to where she wanted to go next. 

“There were multiple reasons I chose this mix,” Bella explains. UniReady offered the equivalent of a 70 ATAR while also building practical university skills, giving her flexibility at a time when she was still exploring her future direction. ATAR subjects allowed her to study areas she enjoyed and needed for university entry, while General subjects gave her space to learn without the added pressure of ranking. Together, the pathway gave her choice, confidence and momentum. 

This balance was particularly important given Bella’s learning profile. As a student with dyslexia and dysgraphia, traditional approaches to study sometimes created barriers. Rather than limiting her, these challenges encouraged her to develop strategies that worked. Writing notes by hand, having texts read aloud and allowing herself extra time to process information became integral to her success. Crucially, her teachers understood and supported these needs, adapting materials and ensuring she felt empowered rather than defined by difficulty. 

For Bella, finding the right Senior School pathway was less about fitting into a single mould and more about creating a structure that worked for how she learned. By choosing a combined pathway that included UniReady alongside ATAR and General subjects, Bella shaped an approach that supported her academic goals, reduced unnecessary pressure and ultimately opened doors to where she wanted to go next. 

“There were multiple reasons I chose this mix,” Bella explains. UniReady offered the equivalent of a 70 ATAR while also building practical university skills, giving her flexibility at a time when she was still exploring her future direction. ATAR subjects allowed her to study areas she enjoyed and needed for university entry, while General subjects gave her space to learn without the added pressure of ranking. Together, the pathway gave her choice, confidence and momentum. 

This balance was particularly important given Bella’s learning profile. As a student with dyslexia and dysgraphia, traditional approaches to study sometimes created barriers. Rather than limiting her, these challenges encouraged her to develop strategies that worked. Writing notes by hand, having texts read aloud and allowing herself extra time to process information became integral to her success. Crucially, her teachers understood and supported these needs, adapting materials and ensuring she felt empowered rather than defined by difficulty. 

Drama emerged as a space where Bella thrived. A subject she had loved for years, it allowed her creativity and confidence to flourish. “Every practical task was so much fun, even when it was an assignment,” she says. From improvisation to exploring characters far removed from her own experiences, Drama challenged her in ways that felt energising rather than overwhelming. Performing in front of others built confidence that extended far beyond the stage – including the ability to speak up, trust herself and be seen. 

Some of Bella’s proudest moments came through Drama and co‑curricular life. Being involved in the College Production for four years remains a highlight, not only for time on stage but for the relationships built with cast members and the sense of belonging that came with it. Academically, she is also proud of achieving the grades she had set for herself – particularly in subjects others had doubted she should take. Most of all, she values the shared achievement of finishing school and graduating alongside her friends. 

Teachers played a defining role in Bella’s growth. She credits many educators across her journey, with gratitude for her Year 12 UniReady, Drama and English teachers, who helped guide her decisions and belief in her own potential. Her Mentor Teacher also left a lasting impact – offering consistent support, listening carefully and giving thoughtful advice over several years. “He supported whatever choices we made and always wanted the best for us,” she reflects. 

Bella is now studying a Bachelor of Psychology, Criminology and Justice at Edith Cowan University (ECU), a course she is thoroughly enjoying. University life has brought independence, new friendships and, admittedly, the pleasure of sleep‑ins. Outside study, she is embracing the freedom to spend some down time and plan what comes next. 

Looking ahead, Bella is comfortable with not having every detail mapped out. She hopes to travel, stay active, and create meaningful memories with friends and family while completing her degree and exploring where it might lead. Her advice to younger students reflects the heart of her own experience – find a pathway that gives you options. “UniReady gave me choice without the pressure of needing a certain score,” she says. Everyone learns differently, Bella adds, so understanding what works for you early and practicing key skills like time management can make all the difference. 

Bella’s story is a powerful reminder that success looks different for every learner – and that when students are supported to choose pathways that suit how they learn, those pathways can open doors far beyond school.