In the first of a new series of interviews with our 2025 graduates, our Master’s Coordinator Kristina Bennett speaks with Jordanna Hall. Jordanna is Head of Year at a secondary school in West Australia, and is strongly committed to fostering safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for young people. She brings over two decades of experience in secondary education, with a particular focus on adolescent wellbeing and pastoral care.

Jordanna recently completed her Graduate Certificate in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne. She reported that the program greatly deepened her understanding of the challenges facing young people and strengthened her capacity to support them holistically, as outlined below.

When did you start your Graduate Certificate with us?

I started my first unit in 2022. It took me a bit longer than expected to complete the course and the juggle with full time work was a balancing act at first! The flexible nature of the course (online learning) was a positive as I had the freedom to fit in study when I had free time.

How did you find out about the Adolescent Health and Wellbeing courses at the University of Melbourne?

I wasn’t sure exactly what postgrad course I wanted to study at first but did know that I wanted to build upon my knowledge and understanding of adolescents in the current culture. I initially started a Grad Cert in Teen Mental Health but worked out quicky that it wasn’t exactly what I was after. Whilst viewing the first orientation seminar with Professor Susan Sawyer, I knew instantly that this was the perfect course for me.

How long did it take you to decide to enrol in the Graduate Certificate/Diploma course after finding us?

It was a quick decision after deciding that the Teen Mental Health course wasn’t what I was looking for.

What was the most surprising thing you learnt during your studies with us?

At first, I wasn’t confident that I would adapt to online study after completing my previous university study in-person over 15 years ago. It took a bit of getting used to, but I soon saw the merit in the flexibility that it enabled.

What was your favourite subject during your Graduate Diploma?

I really enjoyed the Young People in Context unit as I found it incredibly useful and informative in my role in pastoral care in a secondary school. The research and study articles were recent and relevant.

What has been the most significant change, for you, as a result of doing the course?

I have tangible ideas on how to make school settings more positive spaces for young people and have successfully implemented these. I have also developed a more in-depth understanding of young people themselves and some of the challenges they face in our current world.

Why is this significant?

My number one goal is to make the school experience as positive as possible for the young people in my care. By implementing creative, interesting and relevant programs into daily school life, I can make this space (which they spend 6 hours a day in) a warm and inviting place.

What difference has it made?

I approach new ideas with confidence which is underpinned by my research and knowledge from the Adolescent Health and Wellbeing course.

Any last thoughts for people considering starting a course in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing?

If you are interested and work with young people, then this is a fantastic course. You will learn about real-world issues that affect young people and provide a greater context to the supports they require from the significant adults in their lives.