St Mark’s Partners with The University of Western Australia for New UWA Pathway Programs

We have never believed there is a single pathway to success. Every student is different. Every student has unique strengths, aspirations, talents and passions and we believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that all our students are provided with opportunities that reflect who they are and who they hope to become. This philosophy has long shaped the way we approach teaching, learning and career pathways at St Mark’s, and it is why we continue to lead the way in creating innovative opportunities for students across the Northern corridor.

For many years, we have built a strong reputation as a school that looks beyond traditional models of education to create diverse and meaningful pathways into university, training and the workforce. Whether a student’s future lies in medicine, engineering, business, education, the arts, design, health sciences or emerging industries yet to be imagined, we believe every young person deserves a pathway that allows them to flourish and achieve their dreams.

It is this commitment to innovation, excellence and student-centred learning that has led to St Mark’s being selected as one of 15 schools in Western Australia to partner with The University of Western Australia to pilot its newly launched In-school Pathway Programs for 2027.

We are incredibly proud to be working alongside UWA in bringing this initiative to life in Western Australia.

This partnership did not happen by chance. Universities seek schools they trust; schools with a proven record of delivering successful outcomes for students and embracing innovative approaches to education. St Mark’s has consistently demonstrated this leadership through initiatives such as the highly successful Curtin UniReady program and a broad range of pathway opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Our willingness to embrace new ideas, challenge traditional thinking and advocate for students has positioned St Mark’s as a lighthouse school in the northern corridor. We are a school recognised for opening doors, creating opportunities and ensuring students are empowered to pursue futures that are right for them.

Over many months, Mrs. Pearce and Ms Madden worked closely with the team at UWA to develop a partnership built on a shared belief that university pathways should be accessible, supportive and flexible. Together, we recognise that the transition from secondary school into higher education looks different for every student, and programs like these are designed to provide both confidence and clarity for young people as they prepare for life beyond school.

Through this exciting initiative, Year 12 students will have access to an innovative university preparation program delivered by UWA academics onsite at UWA one day per week. The program has been designed to strengthen academic foundations, build confidence and provide meaningful pathways into undergraduate study through streams tailored to students’ future aspirations.

Importantly, St Mark’s staff will work alongside UWA throughout the delivery of the program, ensuring students are supported every step of the way while helping establish a sustainable and long-term partnership between the School and the University.

The pathway streams include:

• UWA Catalyst – STEM Pathway Program for students interested in science and technology.
• UWA Thrive – Health and Nursing Pathway Program for aspiring healthcare professionals.
• UWA Headway – University Pathway Program supporting entry into fields such as arts, business, education, communications, music, design and social work.
• UWA Aboriginal Orientation Course – Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through a culturally safe and supportive transition into university study.

This partnership reflects the very heart of a St Mark’s education — ensuring every student is known, valued and supported to pursue a future pathway that aligns with their strengths, interests and ambitions.

Year 11 students and their families are encouraged to attend the upcoming careers events at St Mark’s to meet with the UWA team, ask questions and learn more about these exciting opportunities:

Tuesday, 23 June 2026 – Careers Expo
Students and families are invited to attend and ask questions about admission requirements and university courses.

Friday, 24 July 2026 – UWA Information Presentations
Current Year 11 students will hear directly from the UWA team ahead of subject selections in Week 3, Term 3.