Birchip P-12 School is setting a powerful example for how rural schools can successfully prepare their students for life beyond the classroom, with a growing focus on career pathways, hands-on opportunities, and direct links with tertiary institutions.
Recently, Year 12 student Allie Knights made her mark by graduating from the prestigious Step-Up Program run by the Australian Catholic University (ACU).
The program, designed to give high school students a head start on university study, saw Allie attend ACU’s Ballarat campus for two intensive six-day sessions – once in the July 2024 holidays and again in January 2025.
During her time on campus, Allie completed two first-year university units in Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine. These units count toward further study in a number of ACU degrees, including the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Paramedicine, and the combined Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine. By successfully completing these units, Allie has not only gained valuable insight to university life and academic expectations, but also strengthened her eligibility for early university entry.
Programs like ACU Step Up are helping students gain early exposure to academic writing, university-level coursework, and student support systems, all while still at school – an advantage that Birchip P-12 School actively promotes.
Careers Expo
Meanwhile, Birchip’s Year 11 students recently took part in the Western Victorian Careers Expo at the Wimmera Events Centre in Longerenong, where they explored a wide range of post-school options. From university degrees to apprenticeships and skilled trades, the expo offered something for everyone.
Students were able to meet representatives from universities across Australia, engaging in meaningful conversations about courses, campus life, and future careers. A wide variety of TAFE providers were also in attendance, opening students’ eyes to vocational opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, community services, and more.
Displays
Perhaps the most exciting part of the day was the presence of interactive industry displays, where students got hands-on experience trying out different trades – from construction and electrical work to automotive technologies.
“We want students to leave school with a strong sense of direction and real-world knowledge,” said a staff member from Birchip P-12. “Whether it’s university, TAFE, apprenticeships or work, we are committed to giving them the tools and exposure to make informed decisions.”
As Birchip P-12 School continues to invest in programs that support students’ transition into adulthood, it’s clear that their efforts are paying off. Through academic extension opportunities like Allie’s Step-Up Program and practical experiences like the Careers Expo, students are gaining confidence and clarity about their futures.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 22 July 2025.
