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NEWS

13 August 2020

Senior School

Year 12 Tertiary applications
Applications for university entry in most States of Australia opened on Monday August 3 and close on Wednesday 30 September. All Year 12 boys have been provided with resources to support their applications and the Careers Counsellor has conducted sessions with the Year 12s to explain the application processes and other considerations. Any boys wishing to discuss their plans for 2021 and beyond or need any assistance with their applications can arrange to meet with the Careers Counsellor.

References
Often students require school references for tertiary applications (in particular overseas applications) or residential college applications. The references can usually be categorised as being academic or personal/character type references. The School does have a policy to support students requiring a reference or school based referees. Any student requiring a reference or seeking a staff member to be a referee should contact the Careers Counsellor in the first instance. This is so the type of reference required can be ascertained and appropriate arrangements made to prepare a suitable reference. References, transcripts of results and academic statements cannot be prepared immediately. A minimum of two weeks notice is required to effectively prepare the reference, transcripts and/or academic statements, and students should factor this time requirement into any planning for applications.

UniTEST – Flinders University
uniTEST is an aptitude test that has been designed by ACER to assess the kinds of generic reasoning and thinking skills that are needed for students to achieve success in tertiary education. uniTEST assesses this reasoning and thinking across the broad domains of mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences. At Flinders, uniTEST is available for school leavers and has the potential to effectively improve an applicant’s selection rank as the uniTEST result is weighted at 40% and considered alongside the applicant’s ATAR (weighted at 60%) during the selection processes for Flinders Uni courses. For details about the test, go to https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/pathways/year-12-entry/unitest

Bond University – Scholarships
Bond University’s Scholarship Program offers a number of full-fee and part-fee tuition remission scholarships. These scholarships are available to students who show leadership, academic excellence, sporting prowess, community involvement or ‘all round’ abilities. Scholarships available include:

  • Vice-Chancellor’s Elite Scholarship
  • Bond University Indigenous Scholarship
  • Sporting Scholarships
  • Excellence Scholarship
  • Leadership Scholarship

For scholarship and application details, please go to – https://bond.edu.au/future-students/study-bond/how-apply/scholarships. The scholarship applications have different closing dates, usually between 9 August and 6 September.

The University of NSW Co-op scholarship
The Co-op Program is a career development scholarship for high potential undergraduate students. It offers industry training, leadership and professional development, networking opportunities, mentoring and financial support of $19,600 p.a. tax free for up to four years. Australia’s leading companies take part in the training and professional development of the Co-op scholars with a view to recruiting high-potential young professionals. The scholarship is offered for study in many areas, including engineering, science and business. More details can be found at https://www.coop.unsw.edu.au/. Applications (https://www.coop.unsw.edu.au/apply) close on 30 September. The latest brochure can also be accessed here: https://www.coop.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/download/2021_Co-op_Brochure.pdf. The application may require applicants to prepare a short video ‘snapshot’ presentation. A School contribution is also required, so any boys intending to apply need to see Mr Colsey in the first instance.

St Andrew’s College
St Andrew’s is a residential college associated with the University of Sydney. Applications for the St Andrew’s Scholars Program are closing on 31 August 2020. The scholarships offered as part of the program provide full fee relief and are awarded for the entire duration of each student’s undergraduate degree.

To be eligible, students must:

Intend to study full-time at one of Sydney’s universities (including the University of Sydney, the University of Technology Sydney and the University of NSW) next year;
Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen/permanent resident or the holder of an Australian humanitarian visa;
Be available for an interview with the selection panel in Sydney on 25 – 26 September 2020.

COVID-19 exemption: Ordinarily, applicants are also required to have a predicted ATAR of 95+ to be eligible to apply for the Scholars Program. However, if an applicant’s Year 12 studies have been detrimentally affected by the pandemic, the Selection Panel may deem it appropriate to lower the ATAR threshold commensurate with the detriment suffered. Scholarship details can be found at https://www.standrewscollege.edu.au/scholarships-3/ .

Studying in the UK
Applications for most UK universities can be commenced now and submitted from the beginning of September 2020. Applications for Oxford, Cambridge and for courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Science close on the 15 October. Other key dates can be found at www.ucas.com/apply/key-dates. Students wishing to apply for a full-time undergraduate course at university or college must use the UCAS online service called ‘Apply’. Apply is a secure, web-based application system which is available 24 hours a day. The UCAS application process is outlined at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/ucas-undergraduate-getting-started. Students considering tertiary study in the UK will benefit from registering for the UCAS Hub (https://www.ucas.com/what-are-my-options/create-your-ucas-hub-today) which will allow students to easily explore tertiary options, commence planning their Personal Statement and provides a ‘to – do’ list.

The School is a registered UCAS Centre. Consequently, the Careers Counsellor will need to guide the applicant for the initial set up of their UCAS application, which includes the issuing of a buzzword to the applicant. This buzzword will allow them to apply and link their applications to the Centre. While the deadline for most UCAS applications is in early January, to guarantee that the all the documentation can be submitted by the School, the UCAS application must be completed by the student by the last day of the school year – Friday 4 December 2020. The British Council provides information and advice on studying in the UK, go to www.educationuk.org/Higher-Education for this information. There are also numerous resources available to prospective students and their parents on Keystone – learning resource ID of 8WPSZ9.

The following information outlines how institutions are engaging/communicating with potential students and families in an online mode, including Open Days.

University of SA
Uni SA conducted an information session on applying to Uni SA last week. These sessions were recorded, and can be accessed via the following links:

Applying to UniSA, Pathways and Ordering Preferences – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UQNDVCJsuw&feature=youtu.be

How to apply – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B-Is7QJeZA&t

2021 Uni SA career and study guides can be found at – https://study.unisa.edu.au/study-guides/

University of SA Open August: www.unisa.edu.au/openaugust

Step on Campus – City West – Sunday 16 August

Step on Campus – Mawson Lakes – Tuesday 25 August

Step on Campus – Magill – 26 August

Flinders University Virtual Open Days
Flinders University Virtual Open Days 2020 will run from 10 August – 14 August, and will be an opportunity for Year 10, 11 and 12 students to:

  • View over 60 video presentations on careers, study areas and University life
  • Learn about course options and career pathways
  • Chat online with study area experts
  • Hear from current students and alumni
  • Take a virtual campus tour

This event should assist Year 12 students finalise their SATAC preferences, and assist Year 11 and Year 10 students with subject selections for next year. The virtual platform supports a personalised experience and requires unique registrations. These are now open for each student to book a virtual Q&A session at a time and day that fits within their school timetable and other activities. Please visit flinders.edu.au/opendays for more information about participating in the event. Alternatively, contact Flinders on (08) 8201 5322.

Monash University Information Evenings – webinar
Monash Information Evenings are an opportunity for parents and students to have their questions answered on undergraduate study at Monash. These events will now be run as webinars until the end of June. Register to attend a date that’s convenient to learn about:

  • Monash courses
  • How to apply and access schemes
  • Student life
  • Accommodation options

For details and registrations, please go to https://www.monash.edu/information-evenings?

The University has also established a hub for information on courses and potential students can also book a 1 to 1 session with an adviser. Details are available at: https://www.monash.edu/y12hub?

Monash University Open Day
The Monash University Open Day will be an interactive digital experience held over three days: Saturday 29 August 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, Sunday 30 August 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, and Monday 31 August 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Even though an online event, participants will receive a unique look into Monash life as a student via:

  • Interactive Q&A panels, online lectures and information sessions about courses, student life, scholarships and support services
  • Live chat with current Monash students, alumni, academics and support staff to have their questions answered
  • Virtual campus tours and walk-throughs of buildings and learning spaces
  • A 360-degree immersive display of the award-winning A Future Without Change exhibition
  • A swag bag of digital course guides and brochures
  • Student ambassadors to help guide their digital experience on the day

Students will have the flexibility to personalise their experience to match their interests, and the freedom to explore our campuses at their own pace, from home. Students interested in attending Open Day 2020 should register at https://www.monash.edu/open-day?utm_campaign=openday2020 and will also receive event updates.

Australian National University (ANU) Virtual Open Week
The ANU Virtual Open Week is being held on 22–28 August 2020. Participants will be able to access exclusive events and seminars throughout the week. As well as learning about degree options from our experts, participants will get the opportunity to speak with current students and learn about their experiences at ANU. For details and to register, please go to https://www.anu.edu.au/study/events/virtual-open-week-2020.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) study pathways
CDU is offering online information on the institution’s study options and pathways to the University. This can be found at: https://www.careersevent.com/seminar/charles-darwin-university-your-study-pathways/.

UNSW Virtual Open Day
This will be held on Saturday, 5 September. Open Day will include streamed info sessions on degrees, entry requirements and admissions, the chance to connect digitally for a 1-on-1 conversation with educators, admissions, scholarships and student experience experts. For details, please go to https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/openday?.

Western Sydney University Open Day
The WSU virtual Open Day is being held on 15 & 16 August. For details and registration, please go to: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/register-for-open-day?cid=em:openday_2020-parents-invite-register

Federation University (Victoria) Virtual Open Day
The Open Day is being held on Sunday 16 August from 10am to 4pm. The day offers live information sessions, course and pathways advice, virtual campus tours, scholarship information and an opportunity to chat with the university community members. For details please go to https://federation.edu.au/openday

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) events
AIE is holding a virtual Open Day on Sunday 16 August. There will be opportunities to explore game development, 3D animation and visual effects. Go to https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/open-day/? To register and for more information.

AIE Information Evening
AIE is holding an information evening on Wednesday 16 September. There will be two sessions: 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm and 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. The evening will include presentations on different areas of industry to get into as well as information about AIE full-time and part-time courses and entry requirements. For more information, please go to: https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/information-evening/?

CDW Open Days
These are being held on Saturday 29 August at the CDW studios, Level 4 of the Myer Centre in Rundle Mall. There will be three separate sessions and due to covid restrictions bookings are essential. The sessions are 11.30 am-12.30 pm, 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm, 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm. Details available at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/cdw-studios-open-day-tickets-115449413303.

University of Tasmania Virtual Open Day
This is being held between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 August. Details can be found at https://www.utas.edu.au/open-day?

Marcus Oldham College Virtual Open Day
Virtual Open Day is scheduled to run on the 16 August from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm AEST. Participants need to register at https://explore.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au/. During registration, participants will be asked what course information sessions they would like to attend and a personalised schedule will be sent out.

St Hilda’s (residential) College Virtual Open Day
St Hilda’s College Virtual Open Day on Saturday 15 August at hildas.unimelb.edu.au/College-Tours or via this link. All registrants will go in the draw to win a prize. The Open Day virtual event will provide an opportunity for students, parents and school representatives to meet the Principal, talk to our current students and leaders, and participate in forums on moving away from home.

UCAS (UK) Virtual Exhibitions
UCAS is conducting virtual exhibitions that are designed to help students focus their research within their chosen subject area. The details are:

  • Business, law, and finance – 29-30 September
  • Biological and physical sciences (including sport sciences) – 16 October
  • People studies and teaching (including psychology, sociology, geography, politics) – 23-24 October
  • Maths, engineering and computing – 2-3 November
  • Creative subjects – 13-14 November

Students interested in exploring these study areas in the UK need to register at www.ucas.com/virtual-exhibitions. These exhibitions allow students and parents to explore courses at numerous universities and colleges all around the UK. There will also be a chance to speak directly to key subject specialists, teaching staff and admissions experts, listen to topical seminars and ask questions, and pick up digital prospectus’ and gain other information.

The following information outlines alternative entry arrangements that institutions have made in response to the covid-19 pandemic.

University of Adelaide – alternative entry
The University has indicated that it will be establishing an alternative entry pathway for admission based on Year 11 results (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/year11-entry-pathway/#). This alternative pathway aims to enable 2020 Year 12 students to apply for entry into the majority of undergraduate degrees based predominantly on their 2019 Year 11 subject results. Should the student be successful, they could receive an offer of admission as early as September, about one month after SATAC applications for this new alternative entry pathway close. The ‘traditional’ ATAR and subject-based entry pathways will still be available. Year 12 parents/guardians have been sent an email outlining the arrangements for this entry. The School must receive parent consent by Monday 17 August for students to be considered for this pathway – no late requests will be considered.

Western Sydney University (WSU): alternative entry
Due to the pandemic, Western Sydney University is establishing an alternative entry pathway for admission to the University based on the best results from Year 11 or Year 12. Called the HSC True Reward Early Offer Program. Students interested in the program will need to register with the University. Details can be found at https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/application-pathways/hsc-true-reward.html?cid=em:2020.

University of Tasmania: School’s Recommendation Program
The University of Tasmania has introduced a School’s Recommendation Program. This program is to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by any challenges they face this year. The program aims to give students confidence in completing year 12 and receiving a university place in 2021. Students can apply now directly to the University of Tasmania and be considered for this program. The School will then submit additional information required. Please note: not all degrees are covered by this program. For more information, please go to:https://www.utas.edu.au/undergraduate-study/your-path-to-2021.

Torrens University Early Entry Program
Students can apply for a place at Torrens University Australia through their Early Entry Program, with no obligation. Eligible students will receive a conditional offer for 2021, before receiving their ATAR. Early Entry is open to all Year 12 students in NSW, QLD and SA. Torrens University class sizes are small and can fill quickly via this pathway. For more details, please go to https://www.torrens.edu.au/apply-online/early-entry-program?

Mark Colsey
Careers Counsellor