School Pathways and what I need to consider

Hi, my name is Natalie.

I’ve created a support resource called Understanding Student Pathways – A Guide for Parents, because I know firsthand just how confusing this stage of schooling can feel.

I’ve worked in the TAFE sector as a trainer and lecturer, and for the past eleven years, I’ve also worked closely with secondary schools, supporting Year 11 and 12 pathway programs, including Certificate courses offered to students.

But beyond my professional experience, I’m also a parent. I’ve helped my own teenagers navigate their pathway choices, and I’ve supported close friends through the same process. What I see time and time again is that schools provide a lot of information — but often the language is complex, unfamiliar, and hard for parents to confidently interpret.

Many parents tell me they’ve recommended certain pathways simply because they felt like the “safe” or familiar option. Others have stepped back altogether, worried about saying the wrong thing or pushing their child in the wrong direction — not because they don’t care, but because they don’t feel confident enough to explain the options.

That’s where this resource comes in.

My goal is to simplify the pathways schools offer, explain them in clear, parent-friendly language, and help you truly understand what the options mean — not just now, but for your child’s future.

This is about empowering you as a parent. When you understand the pathways, you can have more meaningful conversations, ask better questions, and feel confident guiding your child toward a pathway that suits them — their strengths, interests, and goals.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need clarity — and that’s exactly what this guide is designed to provide.