HSC Pathways

Southern Cross Catholic College offers three distinct learning pathways designed to give every student a head start on their future. Whether through a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT), the Southern Cross Advantage (SCA), or the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) pathway, each option provides a unique combination of academic achievement, industry qualifications and real‑world experience. These pathways ensure that students graduate not only with their HSC, but also with the skills, credentials and confidence to pursue further study, enter the workforce, or advance directly into university.

All Southern Cross graduates achieve a HSC Certificate plus one of the following three pathways.

  HSC Credential  

School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship

Southern Cross Advantage

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank
  • Attain your HSC and multiple Certificate II or III nationally recognised vocational qualifications.
  • No HSC exams – Non ATAR.
  • Work one day each week with an employer in your chosen field earning an income.
  • Complete your first year of an apprenticeship while at school.
  • Attain your HSC and multiple Certificate II or III nationally recognised vocational qualifications.
  • No HSC exams – Non ATAR.
  • Use Certificate III as a pathway directly to university.
  • Build an impressive resume with qualifications and experience.
  • Gain an ATAR as a pathway to university.
  • Limited range of subjects due to ATAR requirements.
  • Must complete optional VET and HSC examiniations.
  • By application only, based on academic performance and abilities.

Year 10 students at Southern Cross Catholic College have the opportunity to Early Commence VET courses in place of traditional electives, allowing them to complete units ahead of their HSC year. This head start frees valuable time for industry experience, employment, further study or the pursuit of personal passions.

In addition, the SBAT and SCA pathways provide the unique option of an Exam Free HSC, where students complete all school‑based assessments as normal but are not required to sit the final HSC examinations.

These innovations ensure that students graduate with recognised qualifications, practical experience and the flexibility to shape their own future.