Beyond the Classroom: Year 10 Work Experience
August 1, 2025
In the first week of term, our Year 10 students traded textbooks and timetables for real-world workplaces, embarking on a journey that opened their eyes to the many possibilities beyond the school gates.
This annual work experience program, delivered by the Fairholme Pathways Centre, offers students the chance to explore industries they’ve long been curious about or discover new passions. During the week, the girls stepped into roles that spanned a fascinating range of professions: from the high-tech world of cybersecurity to the hands-on care of veterinary clinics and physiotherapy practices.
Some students experienced the fastpaced environments of surgery centres and radiology clinics, while others found themselves immersed in the precision of equine veterinary services or the creativity of marketing and jewellery design. Careers in education were popular too, with placements at kindergartens and primary schools, and for those drawn to justice, law firms offered an insightful glimpse into the legal world.
Many of these choices reflect the Specialist Elective Programs the students are pursuing, including qualifications like the Diploma of Business and Social Media Marketing, Certificate IV in Crime and Justice, Certificate III in Fitness, Certificate III in Early Education and Children’s Services and Certificate II in Animal Care.
Our Year 10 students are provided with six hours per fortnight in their timetable to dedicate to completing a Specialist Elective Program, providing real-world experiences that help bring classroom learning to life. Together, these programs and real world experiences help bridge the gap between study and future careers.
One of the highlights of the week was the immersive placement for students undertaking the Certificate II and III in Health Services Assistant. These students travelled to the Mater Hospital in Brisbane, where they participated in two transformative days of hands-on learning.
Partnering with Mater Education, they stepped into real hospital scenarios, learning about patient care, wound dressing, feeding assistance, vital sign monitoring, and even midwifery. Beyond clinical skills, the girls built invaluable connections with patients, gaining a deep understanding of compassion in healthcare.
At Fairholme College, preparing students for life beyond school isn’t just about what happens inside the classroom. Thanks to the dedicated work of our Pathways Centre, initiatives like the Year 10 work experience program ensure that each student steps forward equipped not only with knowledge, but with vision, purpose and real-world insight.
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One of the exciting parts of being Principal at Fairholme College is embracing tradition and innovation in creative tension. In our March 2026 Edition of At Holme and as we reflect on the month just past, this balance has been visible across every corner of school life - reminding us that while our history grounds us, it is our willingness to look forward that enables us to flourish. This theme is especially timely as we continue the development of our next Strategic Plan. The conversations taking place with staff, students, parents and Old Girls have been thoughtful, honest and energising. They reflect a community deeply proud of its heritage, yet equally committed to ensuring that a Fairholme education remains purposeful, courageous and relevant for the young women we serve today - and tomorrow. We look forward to finalising this over the coming term and sharing this with the community in Semester 2. It was with a particular pride that Fairholme was involved recently in the Motherland Conference held here in Toowoomba. This event brought together regional women from across Australia to celebrate motherhood, leadership, enterprise and community and our girls were there too. Fairholme was proud to be a sponsor, and it was deeply affirming to see values so closely aligned with our own: strength, service and a belief in the power of education to shape lives and regions. Supporting initiatives such as Motherland reinforces our commitment to the wider community beyond our school gates – particularly, in the empowerment and support of regional, rural and remote women. Within our own community, we celebrated a remarkable individual achievement with Helen Yong attaining her AmusA Diploma - an extraordinary accomplishment that speaks to discipline, talent and perseverance. It is a powerful reminder that tradition, in the form of rigorous musical excellence, continues to thrive when paired with contemporary opportunities and expert mentoring. Leadership has also been a strong focus this month. Our interviews with the Prefect for Service, Grace Taylor and the Prefect for Ministry, Lira Lerato offer thoughtful insights into what leadership looks like in action - quiet, purposeful and grounded in care for others. Their reflections reminded us that service and faith are not static traditions, but living commitments shaped anew by each generation of students. Challenge and growth were on full display during the recent Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey, where students navigated both literal and metaphorical waters while sailing on Moreton Bay. Confronting unpredictable conditions, teamwork demands and personal limits, our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability and courage. It was lovely to receive an email from the President of the sailing organisation, commending the girls on their composure and positive engagement. Challenges such as these remain a cornerstone of a Fairholme education, blending long held values of character development with experiential, real world learning. Innovation and creativity took centre stage during our annual Melbourne Fashion Festival trip, where students immersed themselves in the dynamic world of fashion week. Exposure to design, industry professionals and creative expression expanded horizons and sparked aspiration. It was heartening to see how confidently our students engaged with contemporary culture while drawing on the strong sense of self, fostered here at Fairholme. Closer to home, the energy and camaraderie of Interhouse Cross Country reminded us that traditions endure because they bring us together. Congratulations to Stephens House for their win in the secondary competition, and at the time of writing, leading the Junior School competition (Prep to Year 2 were still to run!). Spirit Sticks, enjoyment, determination and mutual encouragement were evident at every turn, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in shaping belonging. This year also marks a significant milestone: 40 years of the Fairholme Equestrian Program. What began as a visionary commitment has grown into a celebrated and well attended feature of our school. Hosting the Fairholme Pittsworth event in April will be a fitting celebration - honouring decades of excellence, partnership and opportunity, while looking ahead to the program’s future. It stands as a powerful example of how tradition, when nurtured and evolved, becomes enduring legacy. Finally, I encourage our community to engage with FACETS , our annual art exhibition – with tickets now available. FACETS showcases the imagination, skill and voice of our community through selected artists, capturing both technical mastery and contemporary expression. It is a visual testament to the dedication of creative spirit thriving within our school. As we move forward, may we continue to honour what has shaped us while boldly embracing what lies ahead - confident that Fairholme’s strength lies in doing both, with purpose and heart.
Inspiring, imaginative and the ultimate celebration of creativity, the 2026 Melbourne Fashion Festival trip was one to remember for our Year 11 and 12 Fashion Students. Across three inspiring days, students immersed themselves in world-class design, bold artistic expression and the evolving future of fashion. Students explored the joyful and imaginative ‘Let’s Party’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Drawing from the gallery’s renowned Fashion & Textiles Collection, the showcase celebrated playful accessories, inventive silhouettes and the expressive power of dressing up. Seeing fashion presented within a fine-art context proved eye-opening. Pieces were bold, theatrical and delightfully unexpected, encouraging students to view clothing not just as garments, but as creative statements. The visit also included a stunning display of works by iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. Her fearless use of colour, texture and form captivated the group, offering a masterclass in how fashion can challenge conventions while remaining unmistakably beautiful. In a powerful celebration of women in the arts, students next explored the dazzling Diva collection at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. The exhibition featured breathtaking costumes worn by icons including Cher and Cate Blanchett. A tram ride to Lygon Street brought a shift in focus from glamour to responsibility at MIND: The Regenerative Fashion Store, which returned for an exclusive three-day appearance as part of the festival. Beautifully curated and thoughtfully presented, the space encouraged students to reflect on their relationship with clothing and textiles. The visit highlighted an important message that fashion isn’t just about what’s trending on the runway, it’s about responsibility, sustainability and investing in the future. Of course, no Melbourne Fashion Festival experience would be complete without the runway, and our students were treated to some breathtaking productions. Between inspiring exhibitions and runway moments, the experience was rich with creativity, individuality and discovery. The students have returned buzzing with ideas and inspiration, ready to channel what they had seen in their own creative work. Heartfelt thanks go to our Fashion staff for providing such a valuable learning opportunity for our students.
Our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award girls experienced the true spirit of adventure on board the South Passage Sailing Expedition for their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. From the moment they stepped aboard, the girls were immersed in life at sea. They quickly developed practical sailing skills, mastering essential sailing knots, learning navigation techniques, and taking part in the daily routines that keep a vessel moving, including hoisting halyards, steering the vessel, and stepping up for night watch duties. Beyond the technical, there were also opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and swimming in beautiful Tangalooma Bay. Designed to be challenging, rigorous and enjoyable, this Adventurous Journey certainly delivered on every level. To their credit, the girls presented with great courage and grace under pressure. Rod Burgess, President of South Passage – Adventure Under Sail, praised the group’s conduct and spirit. ‘Moments like these highlight the value of experiential learning and the purpose of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Sailing places young people in a dynamic environment where teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience are not just concepts but essential life skills. The Fairholme students supported one another, remained composed, and continued to engage positively with the voyage despite the challenging conditions. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the students for the way they conducted themselves on board. They represented Fairholme College exceptionally well, and our crew commented on their positive attitude and willingness to rise to the occasion.’ For the students themselves, the experience left a lasting impression. Year 9 student Emaya Fegan reflected on the journey with gratitude. ‘I just wanted to properly thank you for all that you did for us over the weekend. Although the weather was a bit crazy at times, with the rain and wind, it actually made the experience more exciting and memorable. I really appreciated the time and effort that you put in for us—it made a big difference, especially in those tougher moments. Your support, guidance and willingness to help everyone did not go unnoticed. It truly helped make the whole trip a success.’ Experiences like the South Passage expedition and the Duke of Edinburgh program are a great reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through challenge and adventure, students discover not only new skills but also their own strength of character. We are incredibly proud of these future leaders and their tremendous effort and contributions throughout the voyage.
