Cranbrook partnered closely with The Careers Department to redesign its subject selection process, moving from a static, information-heavy experience to a guided, student-led journey. Together, they co-developed a dynamic Subject Selection Tool that is now being scaled nationally across schools.
Careers Program Integration
Subject selection is positioned as the first step in a broader career development journey.
All Year 10 students are onboarded onto The Careers Department, where they complete a customised Subject Selection Quiz. This is supported by clear communication, including timelines, next steps, and guidance on how to interpret their results.
Importantly, the tool is not designed to prescribe decisions. Instead, it acts as a conversation starter, helping students explore suitable subject combinations aligned to both HSC and IB pathways.
Students are then directed to updated school booklets, with embedded links ensuring they are reviewing accurate, current subject information. This encourages deeper research and more informed decision-making.
How TCD is Used
The Subject Selection Tool sits at the centre of the process, guiding students through:
A personalised quiz aligned to school subject offerings
Suggested subject combinations based on interests and pathways
Direct links to HSC and IB subject information
The process is refreshed annually, with Cranbrook providing updates on subject changes to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Mentors and staff are also engaged in the process. Year 11 mentors can access student results, allowing them to support discussions during mentor time and increase overall engagement with the platform.
Key Features Used
Custom Subject Selection Quiz: Tailored to Cranbrook’s subject offerings
Pathway-Aligned Recommendations: Supports both HSC and IB decision-making
Direct Booklet Integration: Ensures students access up-to-date subject information
Mentor Access: Enables staff to support and guide student decisions
Centralised Communication: Combines timelines, setup, and guidance in one experience
Impact
The redesigned approach has transformed subject selection into a more engaging and informed process.
Students are no longer selecting subjects in isolation, but are instead guided to explore options, understand implications, and have meaningful conversations with teachers and mentors.
By embedding the tool into a structured rollout, Cranbrook has created a scalable and repeatable model that can be easily updated each year.
The success of this approach has led to the tool being refined and scaled for use across other schools nationally.
Feedback
The co-design process has ensured the tool aligns closely with real school needs.
Its flexibility allows Cranbrook to adapt content annually, while maintaining a consistent structure for students and staff.
By combining personalisation, accurate information, and guided exploration, the Subject Selection Tool has become a key part of the school’s careers and pathway planning strategy.