Disclaimer

Please note that this blog is intended for the students and parents associated with MacGregor State High School. Please check areas of interest as seen on the blog to confirm dates and other information as there will be occasions when dates will change and the information may not be included in the blog as it may not have been received by the school. Posts prior to July 2021 may have reference to different schools as this blog was initially developed for students when I was the Guidance Officer at another school.








Tuesday 19 July 2011

The University of Melbourne - New IT majors

The University of Melbourne is introducing two new IT undergraduate majors in the Bachelor of Science from next year.
The new majors, Computing and Software Systems and Informatics, will offer solid pathways to graduate courses, as well as the option for graduates to pursue their IT careers following their undergraduate course.

Computing and Software Systems

This major is for those with exceptional problem-solving skills and technical expertise in computing who are interested in working within teams on cutting-edge projects.
Students will be exposed to advanced programming techniques and will get a thorough grounding in the systematic processes involved in the software development lifecycle.

Informatics

Informatics is fundamental to modern-day research and industry. Students will develop significant experience in using computers to work with digital information. They will gain competency in programming, and learn about the tools and technologies to solve problems in all types of settings, such as finance and economics, biology, geology, chemistry, engineering, health, communication and social networking.

The University of Melbourne - A competition to transform the way we learn

Think you can design a re-locatable, recyclable classroom for the future? Be recognised as a dynamic young thinker and you could win one of five iPads!
Did you know that re-locatable classrooms accommodate up to 30% of Australian primary and secondary students? These buildings have not been designed to be environmentally sustainable and do not cater for 21st century learning. The need for change is now!

The University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Environments program is offering students in Years 10, 11 and 12 the opportunity to engage in both some blue sky thinking and design.

Step 1: A written statement (up to 750 words) in which you:

Identify the opportunities and challenges associated with re-locatable classrooms
Explain how your design idea(s) addresses education and sustainability issues
Suggest how your re-locatable learning environment could be transported.

Step 2:  Submit a physical and/or web-based version of your design

This is just some of the thinking that we seek to engage in through our Bachelor of Environments program. 

For more information check out our competition website at: www.msdincubator.com/fps

The University of Melbourne - Important information for very high-achieving students

As a result of a planned review of guaranteed entry for school leavers into graduate programs, The University of Melbourne is very pleased to announce changes that the University will be introducing for entry from 2012 to 2014.

The University of Melbourne will introduce two major changes: the Chancellor’s Scholars’ Program, and a single GPA requirement for entry into graduate programs for those with an ATAR above 96.00.

Degrees for very high-achieving students: Chancellor’s Scholars’ Programs

The University will be introducing the following degrees for entry in 2012. They provide a package of additional benefits:

·         Bachelor of Arts (Chancellor’s Scholars’ Program) [VTAC codes 39001/39003]
·         Bachelor of Biomedicine (Chancellor’s Scholars’ Program) [VTAC codes 39011/39013]
·         Bachelor of Commerce (Chancellor’s Scholars’ Program) [VTAC codes 39021/39023]
·         Bachelor of Environments (Chancellor’s Scholars’ Program) [VTAC codes 39031/39033]
·         Bachelor of Music (Chancellor’s Scholars’ Program) [VTAC codes 39041/39043]
·         Bachelor of Science (Chancellor’s Scholars’ Program) [VTAC codes 39051/39053]

These degrees will be available for students to select when they apply through VTAC for entry in 2012.

Benefits
Students selected into one of these degrees will receive the following:

Domestic students will receive a Melbourne National Scholarship, providing:
·         HECS exempt Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP); and
·         Annual allowance of $5000; or
·         For interstate students an annual allowance of $10,000 and one return flight home.

International students will be considered for International Undergraduate Scholarships that range from full fee remission down to $10,000 fee remission.

For additional information, please see me.

Qld Studies Authority Student Profiles for the December issue of Exit Lines

The QSA are seeking interest from current Year 12 students to feature their profile in the December issue of Exit Lines. Student profiles highlight the flexible learning options and pathways available, and they are looking for students with varying interests and achievement levels. View the June issue of Exit Lines for examples. If you are interested in applying to be featured in the December issue of Exit Lines please see me.

Griffith University GUESTS Program


The Griffith University Early Start to Tertiary Study (GUESTS) program offers students the opportunity to stretch their academic boundaries and sample university life by studying a single course (subject) at Griffith University while they are simultaneously undertaking semester one or two of Year 12.
As a GUESTS student students will be enrolled as a non-award Griffith University student and will receive a student ID card. Being enrolled as a non-award student means that the course enrolled in does not lead to the award of a degree. However, once students successfully complete their GUESTS course, they are eligible to apply for a 'Guaranteed Offer of Entry' into an associated undergraduate Griffith degree program. Upon the commencement of the degree in the following year, students will receive full credit for the course and it will then count towards the requirements of their degree.

Please note that guaranteed entry to some programs may depend on the grade achieved in the GUESTS course. The GUESTS program does not provide guaranteed entry into some degree programs, so please see the 'Guaranteed Offer Exemptions' section below for further details.

GUESTS students are not required to pay any tuition fees or Student Contribution. However, they will have to meet their own personal study costs (for example - text books, stationery, photocopying etc).

James Cook University Open Day

James Cook University will be hosting their open days. Details are as follows:

Cairns - Sunday 21 Aug 10am – 2pm
Townsville - Sunday 28 Aug 10am – 2pm

Please visit jcu.edu.au/opendays for more details

Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) Information

QSA has also changed the learning account login process to help students log in more easily and let them recover their login details online if they forget their LUI and password, rather than having to contact their school or other learning provider.

As from 10 June 2011, the initial password for all students in Years 10–12 is their day and month of birth (ddmm format). Information about this has been added to the login screen on the Student Connect website. This will ensure a successful log-in when a student attempts to access their account for the first time.

When students first log in to their learning account on the Student Connect site, they will need to reset their password and to enter a personal (not school) email address. This email address will authenticate users and enable students to recover their LUI or password online if they have trouble logging in. This means students can now edit their personal email address and recover their login details online after their school email address has been closed.

By streamlining the login details, students will have easier access to their Learning Accounts, which will encourage them to access their learning during the senior phase of learning, and help to minimise any problems when they access their final results and OP at the end of Year 12.

To celebrate the launch of Student Connect, and to encourage students to log in to their learning accounts, QSA is giving students the chance to win an iPod touch. All students in Years 11 and 12 who log in to their learning account before 1 September 2011 will go into the draw.

Central Queensland University - Health and Medical Science News

Introducing the Bachelor of Oral Health

An exciting new oral health program will commence at CQUniversity Australia in 2012*. The Bachelor of Oral Health is a three-year undergraduate degree that includes a large amount of work integrated learning to ensure graduates are work-ready upon completion. Graduates will have the opportunity to gain employment as an oral health therapist in a wide variety of settings such as school and community dental clinics as well as private, general and specialist dental practices.

The program will be offered at CQUniversity Rockhampton, with some courses in the first year of the program available to study by distance education. To register your interest in this program please visit ww.cqu.edu.au/interest.

New Allied Health Programs under consideration

Following the successful introduction of four new health programs in 2011, CQUniversity is investigating the introduction of additional allied health programs. The study areas under consideration include health science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry and physiotherapy. CQUniversity will keep you updated with information on these proposed degrees. You can register your interest to find out more about these programs at www.cqu.edu.au/interest.

*Subject to final approval.

Melbourne University Entry

Access Melbourne can help your students gain a place in their preferred course, even if their ATAR is below the published Clearly-in Rank. In some cases Access Melbourne applicants are even guaranteed a place in their preferred course!

If you can satisfy all of these requirements then The University of Melbourne may have a place for you in 2012:

1.        Complete Year 12 in 2011
2.        Submit a VTAC application and submit appropriate supporting documentation for one or both of the following SEAS (Special Entry Access Schemes) categories:
            1. Location and identity (students must be from a rural or isolated area to be eligible for the guarantee)
            4. Disadvantaged financial background.
3.        Students must include one or more of these Melbourne undergraduate degrees in their VTAC preference list:
·         Bachelor of Arts
·         Bachelor of Biomedicine
·         Bachelor of Commerce
·         Bachelor of Environments
·         Bachelor of Science
4.        Meet the prerequisites and any other entry requirements for their preferred course.
5.        Achieve the following ATAR (or notional ATAR) for their preferred course:
Arts, Environments and Science:                78
Commerce:                                                 88
Biomedicine:                                                92                                           
For more information about our guaranteed places visit: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/access-guarantee
Even if a student’s SEAS application is for categories other than 1 and 4, or their ATAR is below that listed above for their preferred course, note that all Access Melbourne applications are considered on an individual basis, so students may still be offered a place.
For more information about our other Access Melbourne categories, visit: www.access.unimelb.edu.au
Note: All Access Melbourne applicants are considered for one of up to 150 Melbourne Access Scholarships
VTAC applications for 2012 entry open on Monday 1 August and close on Friday 30 September. See the VTAC website for details on submitting a VTAC and SEAS application: www.vtac.edu.au

UMAT

UMAT comprises three independent sections, all presented as one exam paper.
The exam is now two hours and forty five minutes in duration (2:45).
The number of questions and time limits as such are:
Section 1 - 44 questions in 65 minutes (88 seconds per question) Section 2 - 40 questions in 50 minutes (75 seconds per question) Section 3 - 38 questions in 50 minutes (79 seconds per question)

Registrations for the 2011 UMAT closed last friday. Under no circumstances will any further registrations be accepted. The UMAT will be sat worldwide on Wednesday July 27. Best wishes for any students who have registered to do the UMAT.

FAME Theatre Company

Fame Theatre Company has contacted me to inform me they are offering a one-year full-time Certificate IV in Music Theatre for post Year 12 students, in 2012. They are a nationally Recognised Training Organisation.

The course is suitable for anyone wanting to undertake a Performing Arts Degree Course, and who is unsuccessful in initial auditions.

The course rounds out the student’s training in the major areas of vocal training, singing, movement for stage, drama and dance. It is an intense academic and practical, registered Certificate IV.

I have been informed that 100% or their 2010 students were accepted into Degree courses for 2011.

If you would like further information, please see me.

University of Queensland Open Day

UQ Open Day is all about your students! It’s about student experiences and choices to help them reach their full potential. Open Day is a great opportunity to meet university staff, attend presentations on study areas and careers, tour the campus, libraries and museums and take part in a range of activities. It’s their chance to find out what going to uni at UQ is all about. There’s more to discover at UQ Open Day! To create a personalised itinerary click here. Copies of the Open Day program will be in schools next week.

  • St Lucia campus – Sunday 7 August (9am – 3pm)
  • Gatton campus – Sunday 21 August (9.30am – 3pm)
  • Ipswich campus – Wednesday 24 August (2.30pm – 6.30pm)

UQ Music Auditions Now Open

Audition applications for the 2012 UQ Bachelor of Music are now open. To apply for an audition, complete the audition form found here. Applications must be submitted by Friday 12 August with auditions being held on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September. Further auditions will be held on Saturday 1 October.
For information, contact UQ School of Music:

Phone:
(07) 3365 4949
Email:
Web:

Latitude Global Volunteering

Although the application deadline for 2012 has recently passed, Latitude still has gap year placements available in a wide range of countries next year.  If you are still interested, please apply as Latitude are still accepting applications.  If you have any questions or would like to chat with a past volunteer, you can contact Latitude on (03) 9826 6266 or info@lattitude.org.au

The University of Queensland Sports Scholarship

The University of Queensland (UQ), and UQ Sport in partnership with the Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland are pleased to offer sporting scholarships to outstanding sports people enrolled at UQ each year.

Scholarship holder benefits include:

    • Financial assistance
    • Free access to UQ Sporting facilities
    • Academic support
• Free education programs
    • Access to high performance support services

In 2012 the following scholarships are on offer:
UQ Sports Achievement Scholarships:
$6,000 for one year plus support services valued at $1,500.

Clem Jones Sporting Scholarships: $6,000 plus support services valued at $1,500 per year for 3 years. To apply: All applications are made online only. Application forms, further eligibility requirements and information may be found in the scholarship section of the UQ Sport website

Myer Mannequin Art Competition

The Business Liaison Association Inc, in conjunction with Myer Cairns is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the Myer Mannequin Art Competition 2011. This competition is offering Individual students in the Far North the opportunity to use mixed media to create a spectacle of art on the torso of a nude mannequin.

All students currently in Years 11 and 12 throughout the Cairns Region are invited to participate in this Artistic mixed media competition.
·         The top 4 Entries will be included as featured artwork in the 2012 BLA Annual
·         calendar
·         All entries will be included in a montage in the 2012 BLA Annual calendar
·         Your finished mannequin will be displayed in Centre Court Cairns Central Shopping Centre during the BLA INTAD Display and Awards Night. (October 24 - 27th 2011).
·         Invitation to attend the Awards.
·         Your Mannequin will then be displayed at the BLA Annual Awards 2011, throughout the Myer 2011 Festive season and throughout 2012.
·         Certificate of Participation and prizes are presented at the Annual Awards
·         Presentation. (December 1st 2011.)

A presentation function will be held on 1st December at a venue to be advised and invitations will beforwarded at a later date. We encourage you to participate in this exciting competition.

QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme

There's a new option in the QTAC application process this year. QTAC's Educational Access Scheme is being introduced to replace the former Special Consideration of Disadvantage process. The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is for Year 12 and non-Year 12 applicants who have experienced difficult circumstances that have adversely impacted on their studies. There are eight categories of disadvantage including: disrupted schooling; financial hardship; home environment & responsibilities; English language difficulties; personal illness or disability; refugee status; school environment and natural disasters. More information can be located here.

Australian Catholic University - Early Achievers’ Program Update

ACU recognises that students have more to offer than their academic results. Our Early Achievers’ Program (EAP) considers the contribution students have made to their community through school or workplace, local community organisation, culture, sport and/ or a religious group.

Online applications open 14 August 2011 and close 14 October 2011. The online application must be completed in addition to a VTAC application for students to be considered. Offers will be sent out during November with all EAP outcome advices being sent to candidates by 28 November, 2011.
For more information visit: www.acu.edu.au/eap or contact the recruitment team

Pilot Training Information – Provided by “Pilot Aptitude Training Systems” (PATS)

The following articles are published in Australian military magazine. This information has been provided by PATS Manager Jonathan Ryan.

Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Education Award


ADFA Education Award is presented to 120 Year 12 students who are considered most suitable applicants applied for ADFA annually. 
  • 200 laptops to be won; excellent interview preparation; put students on the fast track for an ADFA offer
  • Application opened on May the 1st 2011
  • Open to current year 11 students who are interested in going to ADFA on completion of year 12

Defence Force Open Days


  • ADFA Open Day - Saturday August 26th @ ADFA Canberra - Full day open day which is fantastic for people thinking of ADFA. It also has some great information session for those wanting to become ADF Pilots either via ADFA or Direct Entry.
  • HMAS Cerberus Open Day - Sunday October 23rd @ HMAS Cerberus - HMAS Cerberus is the Navy base where basic training is done for all enlisted RAN Personnel. Excellent information available for people interested in Navy General Entry (non-officer) jobs.

Airline Pilot Cadetships


Increasing trend over the past five years for airlines to set up ab-initio (from the beginning) training programs to satisfy their future needs for pilots. A much more secure outcome for trainees as the "airline section" component is done and secured prior to investing both time and money into training.

Programs that year 12 graduates are eligible for include:
  • Jetstar Pilot Cadetship - two programs based in Australia and NZ - applications are open - read more
  • Cathay Pacific Pilot Cadetship - open to ALL Nationalities - applications are open - read more
  • Rex Airlines Pilot Cadetship - applications are open
  • Qantas Airlines Pilot Cadetship - read more
For further information about PATS, please see me.

Australian Catholic Universities – Pixel Prize competition

Entries are currently open for the Pixel Prize 2011 photography competition. Pixel Prize is open to all high school students who have a passion for photography, and aims to encourage the use of photography as a means of expressing thoughts, feelings and opinions on the theme of ‘Community Spirit’.

The University is committed to fostering and empowering young people to engage in the Visual Arts.
This is an opportunity for students to:
Win $1000 for first prize
Develop their knowledge of photographic practice
Have their work displayed in the ACU Brisbane Campus’s Peter Sheehan Art Gallery
Attend an awards night and meet with current visual arts university students, staff and industry professionals
Visit the website www.thepixelprize.com.au for further information and to submit entries.

College Accommodation

If you are looking to study in a place other than Cairns and you will need to make living arrangements, now is the time to start applying for accommodation. Please consider where you will be studying in 2012 and begin NOW to apply for accommodation if it will be required. Please see the link in this blog to university accommodation places or see me.

Union College – The University of Queensland

I have received information about college life and applying for Union College at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Please see me if you are interested in applying for accommodation at Union College.

Course Guides

Please see me if you would like to look at a specific course guide for a university course as I have started to receive the 2012 program and course guides for universities.

The University of Queensland’s Young Scholars Program (YSP)

The University of Queensland's Young Scholars Program (YSP) provides high achieving secondary school students with an opportunity to discover, learn and engage with UQ's academic community and like-minded students from across Queensland. Designed to nurture and develop future leaders, the Program also presents students with a unique opportunity for academic extension and enrichment.

The 2011-2012 UQ Young Scholars Program involves:


       A five-day (four night) Residential Camp at the St Lucia campus
(Sunday 27 November-Thursday 1 December, 2011)


       A two-day (overnight) Residential Camp at the St Lucia campus
(Monday 25-Tuesday 26 June, 2012)

Students will gain valuable insights into university life and fields of study they may not have encountered as part of the school curriculum. They will hear from leading thinkers and engage in discussions and collaborative forums in group settings. A range of social, sporting and cultural activities will complement the academic program.

While on campus, students are housed in single rooms in one of UQ’s residential colleges. The Program is administered and supervised by University staff and Student Mentors.

For more information, download the UQ Young Scholars Program brochure.

A copy of the 2010 UQ Young Scholars Residential Camp Program is available to interested applicants upon request.

The 2011 Residential Camp Program will be distributed to successful Young Scholars in Term 4.
UQ Young Scholars are challenged to think critically about some of today's major global issues and throughout their participation, are exposed to a wide range of potential study areas and career opportunities.

Please see me for a brochure if you are interested.

The University of Queensland’s UQ in Year 12 program (ESP).

The University of Queensland’s Enhanced Studies Program (ESP) provides high achieving students with an opportunity to extend their studies by completing a subject in 1st semester of Year 12. The Enhanced Studies is offered at no cost to students.

Two new science courses have been added to the courses on offer to challenge students with a strong interest in science, who wish to extend themselves to develop a deeper understanding of chemistry or physics.

Chemistry Structure and Reactions will be offered in “external” mode in 2012 which is very helpful for Smithfield High School students.  Students will be able to complete this first year UQ science course, including the practical lab experiments. Mechanics and Thermal Physics, a 1st year UQ Physics course has also been configured to be delivered (largely) as an external course.

Students who successfully complete an ESP course will be eligible to receive 1bonis point towards their university entrance rank through UQ’s Bonus Rank Scheme. Other subjects included in the ESP program can be found at the website which is http://uq.edu.au/esp/ .