As the academic year unfolds, Grace Christian School’s Year 11 and 12 students are achieving significant milestones and shaping their futures with an array of engaging experiences.
Grace’s Careers Teacher and VET Coordinator, Mr Keith Knauf, said the Year 11 and 12 journey in 2023 had been enriched with a series of memorable experiences, fostering personal growth and skill development.
Mr Knauf said from having a dedicated common room to the School Ball, that brought students together for a night of celebration, the camaraderie and sense of community this year have been exceptional.
“Venturing beyond the classroom, students had the chance to bond during Year 11 camps and explored the thrill of the annual Country Week held in Perth,” Mr Knauf said.
“Notably, students have been diligently working towards completing qualifications that will lay the foundation for their future endeavours.
“Grace’s commitment to equipping students for full-time employment has positioned them to succeed in a competitive job market, and our intriguing array of senior electives empowered students to pursue their passions.”
Senior students reflect on why they’ve found value in staying at Grace beyond Year 10:
“We are a great group of friends, and it has been good completing schooling together.”
“Your friends help to push you further than you would push yourself.”
“Christian Education is at the centre of everything we do.”
“Getting qualifications and the WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education).”
“Small classes here at Grace allows us to have more one-on-one assistance from our teachers and other support staff.”
“Having an open relationship with your teachers makes Year 11 and 12 more enjoyable.”
“Kind, compassionate teachers that are invested in your personal outcomes.”
For the last 14 years at Grace, Mr Knauf has played a significant role in guiding students towards their vocational aspirations.
Mr Knauf helps design tailored training programs for each student, ensuring they are well-prepared for their chosen paths.
He provides opportunities for students to explore various industries through taster programs and work experiences, aiding them in confirming their vocational interests.
“My goal is to help our students recognise their God-given identities and align this with future work roles,” he said.
Grace students are empowered, encouraged, and equipped to venture confidently into the world, with not just qualifications but a deeper understanding of their passions and purpose.
“Over the last 14 years, the highlight has always been seeing my students succeed in an area of their own interest and passion,” he said.
“Whether it is accessing a premium work experience at a big local business, being offered a placement in a highly competitive vocational course like electrotechnology, transitioning successfully to a traineeship or an apprenticeship, or being awarded a lucrative scholarship to study your chosen degree.
“Seeing a student rewarded for the hard work and effort that they, their parents and teachers have invested into the journey, is a reason for celebration. I thank God that those celebrations are frequent in my line of work.”
Mr Knauf said Grace supports students to pursue a variety of external qualifications through the South Regional TAFE, Bunbury Regional Trade Training Centre (BRTTC) and Health Science Hub, as well as work-based methods of study, like school-based traineeships and apprenticeships.
He said a wide variety of ATAR courses of study are also available through face-to-face delivery and online studies via SIDE (Schools of Isolated and Distance Education).
Key certificates include:
Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation
Certificate III in Music
Certificate III in Visual Art
As Year 11 and 12 students start to wind up for the 2023 academic year, Mr Knauf encouraged his students to be proud of their achievements and dedication this year.
“You can achieve whatever you want at Grace Christian School, accessing pathways to become anything, from an electrician to a surgeon,” he said.
“You can do this in a Christian environment, where Christian staff encourage students in their journey of faith, as well as spurring them on to honour God, through excellence in education and work.”
For more information on Grace Christian School, please visit the website at www.grace.wa.edu.au and check out www.gracecareers.com.au for support in making decision about your future career and life beyond school.
