Pathways and the surprises they can reveal
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending two Wesley OWCA/Foundation events, the first in Bangkok, followed by a second in Jakarta, with OWCA/Foundation Director, Jack Moshakis. In attendance at the event in Bangkok was the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, His Excellency, Paul Robilliard, and the Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, Layton Pike. Layton is an alumnus of Glen Waverley 1997. Both events were very well attended and interest in Learning in Residence and Wesley’s forthcoming sesquicentenary was extremely high.
What was notable for me was the story told by Layton Pike about his pathway at Wesley from Year 10, to his current role as the youngest Australian to have been posted anywhere in the world as a Deputy Head of Mission in an Australian Embassy. Layton’s personal story is relevant at this time of year for all those students and parents currently in Years 9 and 10 considering which pathway to choose in the Senior School. Layton didn’t follow the conventional pathway. His message is that we need to correct the myth that vocational programs like VET are for the less academically able. Layton chose to study VET at school to give him a broader range of experience beyond the boundaries of the classroom. He recalled quickly becoming re-energised and excited about learning because of the practicality and relevance of VET for him. As part of his program he also studied VCE subjects. As a consequence of choosing a pathway which suited him, he excelled in Year 12 and went on to study Law. The rest, as they say, is history. As he said “…perhaps what is most important is the power of practical learning, real life experience and enjoyment that one can extract from such a course. VET leads to industry but it doesn’t mean it closes other doors. Hands on experience in industry can combine with degrees in many disciplines such as Commerce, Business, International Relations, and many more…the practical learning of VET enhanced the classroom experience for me and helped me to succeed…”
Choosing a course, whether VCE, VET, IB Diploma or Senior Years Learning Framework, requires a great deal of thought. We all learn differently. What is most important is unlocking the right door for each individual to lead to real enjoyment in learning in the senior years. After all, it is only this engagement and enjoyment which will produce an appetite for learning and knowledge to last a lifetime.
With best wishes to all for a safe and happy term break.
