As we come to the end of Term 1, 2020, I reflect on the themes of my articles in Illalong, as well as the seemingly volumes of letters I have written home in order to keep our community informed on the hygiene precautions we are taking at the College, our constant reinforcement of effective handwashing techniques, advice on how to speak to your children on COVID-19, and above all, a focus on optimism and gratitude to help us face these challenges.
Of course, there will be a day when the pandemic is over. We will hug our neighbours, our friends and our extended families. We will then return to our classrooms, gyms and coffee shops. Our borders will reopen to freer movement. Our economies will one day recover from the forthcoming recession. We are just at the beginning of our journey, and for many people, we have not come to terms with the fact that the world has already changed.
Yesterday, I had an email from Child Psychologist, Dr Judith Locke, author of The Bonsai Child who has had a connection with our College for many years. She has frequented many of our New Parent Information Sessions, as well as our Parent Teacher Social Evenings, where she delivers information and advice on how to grow confident and capable young men and women who can contribute positively to society. In light of the parenting advice Judith has provided on many occasions and our current COVID-19 situation, I flip my own thinking to believe that there may be a silver lining in our shared collective situation… bear with me.
We are collectively, geographically paralysed because of COVID-19, however, it is possible, in terms of child development, that something good could come of it all; a possibility to press the reset button for our children, even in these insanely anxiety provoking times.
Over this past decade, my colleagues and friends from across the world have made mention of the increase in childhood anxiety, with the National Institutes of Health indicating that nearly one in three adolescents has an anxiety disorder. Being driven to school, supervised on playdates and participating in an abundance of adult-run extracurriculars means our children aren’t given the opportunity to gain the confidence that comes from taking complete ownership of a task from start to finish, or gaining experience in handling life’s roadblocks.
Across the parenting spectrum, each of us try to make our children’s lives perfect — and by default, we deprive them of the chance to wrestle with problems on their own... and grow up in the process.
Schools across the globe have been steadily closing and almost every after-school clarinet/flute/singing/soccer/ hockey and ballet lesson has also disappeared, leaving households with an abundance of time. With a majority of parents now home-schooling their children, it is also now impossible to organise every hour of their every day. Instead, our days are strangely free-form – ironically, more free under lockdown, than many kids have ever been.
Consequently, we have observed our students and children starting to do many things they haven’t had the time to do previously. We are already hearing about marathon Lego sessions, cookie baking, sibling-sitting and we have received some pretty amazing videos of our students showing what they are doing with their unleashed time. The therapeutic value of play at a time like this cannot be overstated. Play is not only helpful for our children, but for us too. Play doesn't require us to make sense of things and can take away our worries for a short time too. It is imperative that we build time for play into our day wherever we can. Further, to continue to build a community of sharing, we would love to share the fun, creative and innovative ways you are helping to make the A.B. Paterson College Online Learning Plan a success in your home, and the wonderful things you are doing as families to ensure this school break is one to remember, for the most uplifting of reasons. Please email us a photo or two, or perhaps a short video to marketing@abpat.qld.edu.au and remember to hold your phone sideways when recording. We have a strong, wonderful community, so let’s share the fun moments, support each other and stay connected!
Over the course of this past week, our College teaching staff have engaged with our students on many different levels – we have enjoyed watching videos of them making pancakes, riding their bikes, or introducing us to their pets! Now, with entire countries of children staying at home, and with online learning taking a fraction of the long day, it’s a whole new (indoor, trophy-free, child-organised) ballgame.
Our A.B. Paterson College Online Learning Plan is being refined again for Phase Two in Term Two, where our teaching staff have tried to incorporate all of your feedback to make our teaching better and better for our students. Next term includes House Challenges, some longer lessons and longer breaks for different year levels, interaction with teaching staff via Teams, feedback loops and for our Prep to Year 6 students, our teaching staff and College leaders are hosting a 20 minute reading session for children in the middle of each day to allow parents to have a break.
Research at the University of Colorado at Boulder, found that the students who have more free time to create and structure their own activities, develop stronger executive functioning skills. Executive functioning skills mean better planning, better problem-solving and better completion rates of tasks, when compared with students whose lives are more continuously structured by adults. Executive functioning skills are precisely what our students need to succeed at school and in real life (that thing we used to partake in, before Zoom or Teams). When disruption occurs, learning is the inevitable end result. Online learning is the disruption, and our children are learning largely because they have no choice.
So, my silver lining is this: I believe that childhood needed a course correction, and while I would never have thought it possible, it is happening now to all of us.
As I have indicated many times before, Coronavirus presents many challenges to parents and teachers, but staying calm, keeping informed, and adjusting our own habits to include a focus on optimism and gratitude, helps us face these challenges.
I send you the warmest thoughts this holiday break and may your days be filled with family, love and laughter!
Joanne Sheehy Principal/Head of College
View the 3@3@A.B. posts on the College Facebook page
A Message from our 2020 College Leaders
Our 2020 College Captain, Sascha Lawton and Vice Captain, Parker Britton reflect on Term 1, 2020 at A.B. Paterson College and look forward with confidence and courage to the unique challenges and opportunities that Term 2 will bring.
Many parents were fortunate to see Rachel Downie speak at the Parent Information Nights on 11 & 12 February 2020. Founder of ‘Stymie’, an organisation that seeks to address and support youth through cybersafety and bullying, Rachel was recently voted the 2020 Queensland Australian of the Year. Those of you who were able to see Rachel speak, and those of you who have seen her speak before, know that she is a candid and direct communicator. Accordingly, given the topics she addresses, her talks can be confronting.
With the school break now upon us, and the need to stay connected with one another more important than ever before, we thought it prudent to highlight the dangers around some of the apps currently being used frequently by our students, as emphasised by Ms Downie.
Ms Downie’s main topic of concern in her presentations this year was the rise, and risk of online video sharing platform TikTok. TikTok is a Chinese owned and operated video-sharing app that allows users to make, share and watch 15-second videos on any topic. What distinguishes TikTok from other video-sharing apps is the lack of control over privacy settings, and the unfiltered nature of the content from the consumer’s point of view.
Let’s unpack both of these issues. TikTok fingerprints and tracks devices through audio settings, leading the CEOs of Reddit and Facebook to label the app ‘fundamentally parasitic’. Even with privacy settings enabled, a consumer’s username and profile information are still publicly available. TikTok itself has stipulated a 13+ years of age regulation for any user to use the app, and Common Sense Media recommends any user of TikTok be 15+ years of age.
The unfiltered nature of the content on TikTok also raises concerns to Rachel Downie. She states that multiple parents express concern about “behaviour, privacy and bullying, grooming, sexualized content, mental health issues, shame and mindless time-wasting”.TikTok regularly features challenges, some of which are innocuous, but some of which actively promote physical and self-harm. Users can also be given ‘gifts’, which cannot be filtered.
Ms Downie, as she always does in her presentations to A.B. Paterson College parents, emphasises that social media platforms such as TikTok are not seeking to protect children, but that as parents and guardians we absolutely must do so. Accordingly, she offers simple and practical advice for parents such as:
Establishing technology as a privilege, not a right
All technology must be parent-approved
No technology is to be used behind closed doors
Phones don’t come to the dinner table
‘Turn it off’ is not a negotiation
Jobs and homework come before TV or video games
Devices are handed in before bed time
Family is valued over technology at all times
Ultimately, Ms Downie believes that children are not ready for any social media platform until they are emotionally and socially capable of making a relationship and breaking a relationship. TikTok is the latest in a number of social media platforms and apps that present dangers to our students, as highlighted in this article. TikTok will certainly not be the last app that presents such dangers and we need to be fully aware of how platforms such as this operate in order to maintain online safety. With the school break beginning, I urge all families (particularly those in the Junior School) to revisit your protocols and awareness of your child’s online life and reach out to us at the College if you would like more information or advice.
Steve Clacher Deputy Head of Junior School: Pastoral
Career Pathways News
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCES
ADF Gap Year applications are closing soon Now is the time to apply for a 2021 ADF Gap Year and experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, without committing to a longer period. Places are strictly limited, so apply early. Visit the Gap Year website for more information and to apply.
Defence University Sponsorship Defence University Sponsorship (DUS) is for people who, after starting university, decide that they want to join the Australian Defence Force. If you're already studying for a relevant degree, DUS will pay you to complete your degree and pay your remaining fees. Click here to find out about:
What is DUS
Commitment
How to apply
Job search
Courses that qualify
Frequently asked questions
How to start your career exploration
Education and training pathways, including apprenticeships, VET courses (e.g. Certificates and Diplomas at TAFE) and higher education (e.g. a bachelor’s degree at university or an accredited private institution)
Defence Work Experience Program Update Defence is undertaking precautionary measures to COVID-19. As a result, the Defence Work Experience Program will cease until further notice. Please contact DWEP if you have any queries or have already enrolled for a program in 2020.
Upcoming Defence Force Information Sessions Stay informed about important upcoming Queensland and National ADF events and information sessions by visiting the Defence Jobs website. View the specific events information link for more details including location, times and to book your tickets. Further information about these events and Army Reserve Information Sessions can be accessed on the ADF Facebook site. Note that some of these events are during the Easter holidays.
Patrick Wright from ABC Life reported on Remya Ramesh who has had a lot of success in her career, and she puts it down to setting good goals. She has just landed a great job in London running the design team of a global tech giant. How did she get there? Besides working hard, Remya puts it down to setting good career goals. Find out how she did it by clicking here.
The Good Careers Guide
The Good Careers Guide (GCG) is a helpful resource for students starting their career exploration. It provides up-to-date information on over 400 jobs. It also includes useful information on:
Defence is undertaking precautionary measures to COVID-19. As a result, the Defence Work Experience Program will cease until further notice. Please contact DWEP if you have any queries or have already enrolled for a program in 2020.
Upcoming Defence Force Information Sessions
Stay informed about important upcoming Queensland and National ADF events and information sessions by visiting the Defence Jobs website. View the specific events information link for more details including location, times and to book your tickets. Further information about these events and Army Reserve Information Sessions can be accessed on the ADF Facebook site. Note that some of these events are during the Easter holidays.
Four steps to achieve your career goals Patrick Wright from ABC Life reported on Remya Ramesh who has had a lot of success in her career, and she puts it down to setting good goals. She has just landed a great job in London running the design team of a global tech giant. How did she get there? Besides working hard, Remya puts it down to setting good career goals. Find out how she did it by clicking here.
The Good Careers GuideThe Good Careers Guide (GCG) is a helpful resource for students starting their career exploration. It provides up-to-date information on over 400 jobs. It also includes useful information on:
How to start your career exploration
Education and training pathways, including apprenticeships, VET courses (e.g. Certificates and Diplomas at TAFE) and higher education (e.g. a bachelor’s degree at university or an accredited private institution)
How to get funding for your education and training
How to get a job
GCC comes in several formats:
e-book – The e-book version of GCG has the same information as the hard copy version.
Hard copy - Your school may have hard copies of GCG. Ask your school Guidance Officer/Counsellor. You can also purchase it from the Good Education Bookshop.
Online - The online version of GCG has a job search function; blog posts on lots of career related topics (e.g. ‘Your guide to choosing a career’); and Career Ladders (these list jobs in broad subject categories e.g. Chemistry, Maths, Computing, Environmental Science).
GCG App - This App, called Good Education AR is available for Apple and Android mobile devices. The App compliments GCG by allowing you to interact with elements of GCG content.
Note that the current GCG is the 2019 edition. A 2020 edition will be released in May. Meanwhile the 2019 edition is a great place for beginning your career exploration.
Why you will fail to have a great career In this funny and blunt talk, Larry Smith pulls no punches when he calls out the absurd excuses people invent when they fail to pursue their passions. This TED talk is another way to think about how to identify a career/job pathway. Click here to watch the video.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Changes to Tuckwell Scholarship Applications In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and in recognition of the unprecedented challenges facing school students and teaching staff, the due date for Tuckwell Scholarship applications has been extended by 7 weeks. Also, the Stage 3 in-person interviews will not take place in Canberra in July 2020. The new dates for Tuckwell Scholarship Applications are:
Candidate Stage 1 applications due 3pm, AEST Monday, 25 May 2020
Teacher and Head of Year Reference due 3pm AEST, 1 June 2020
Notification of Stage 1 outcomes - July 2020
Click here for more information on the scholarship application and timelines.
INTERSTATE & INTERNATIONAL
Crimson Education - Study Overseas Crimson Education specialise in tutoring students throughout the complex application process of applying to study abroad, most specifically in the US/UK. They have produced a podcast episode titled 'What do Top Universities like Harvard Look for in Admissions?' They also have many resources including free eBooks, Blog Posts, YouTube Videos and much more on their website.
Exploring college options in the USA and SAT through Khan AcademyKhan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalised learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. They tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Their math missions guide learners from kindergarten to calculus using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. The Khan Academy ‘exploring college options’ web page provides a helpful process for exploring tertiary courses in the USA. The Khan Academy website also has a free SAT preparation module.
Going overseas to study Studying overseas can be exciting and rewarding, with new cultures, languages and travel opportunities to explore but it's important to be prepared. The Australian Government Smart Traveller provides advice for all travellers. This information is for Australian students undertaking study overseas. If you are an international student wanting to study in Australia, see the Study in Australia website. Read on to learn about:
Courses at Billy BlueBilly Blue design courses deliver courses that are industry-driven and delivered by designers for designers. See if your passion matches up with one of their university-equivalent bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, a starting point certificate or inspiring short-courses. Their courses include:
Branded fashion design
Communication (graphic) design
Creative technology
Digital media design
Interior Design
Photography
General design
Short design courses
Double degrees
Looking at a career in aviation?Aviation Australia is a world class, registered training organisation, established by the Queensland State Government in 2001 to support the development and growth of aviation and aerospace industries in both the Australian and international markets. They pride themselves in training excellence, offering courses in cabin crew, engineering and pilot training to aspiring individuals, looking to pursue a career in the aviation industry. For those already leading a successful career, Aviation Australia provides the opportunity to upskill or gain professional development, with a variety of short courses to further advance within the industry. As a result, Aviation Australia is a partner to over 60 airlines and aerospace companies, governments, defence forces and regulatory authorities, with over 1000 graduates working worldwide. Visit their website for upcoming events including information sessions and expos.
UNIVERSITY UPDATES
Australian Catholic University
2021 Undergraduate Course Guide The Guide provides information on the courses to be offered in 2021 at all the ACU campuses in Australia (including the Brisbane campus at Nudgee), scholarships, pathway programs, how to apply and much more. It can be download from the ACU website or you can get a copy from Mrs Maxwell, Head of Pathways.
Choose your pathway or entry program There is always another way. If you need more options for entering the undergraduate course of your dreams, you should consider one of the ACU pathways or entry programs. Get started by choosing the pathway or entry program category here that’s most relevant to you. You can also find out:
What are pathways and entry programs
work and life experience
recent secondary education
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Vocational education and training study
Pathway certificates and diplomas
International pathways
Didn't get the ATAR you wanted
About the ACU student cohort
Passion for Business ACU's Passion for Business (P4B) will see you use your passion and commitment to take care of business. ACU has designed a Passion for Business (P4B) program to provide you with everything you need for an early, competitive edge in your future career. You will receive numerous benefits from P4B, including:
an early conditional offer from ACU prior to completing your final exams
direct entry for QLD and NSW meaning you do not have to apply through TAC to come to ACU
access to our Academic Skills workshops, CareerHub and networking events
study abroad opportunities
$500 textbook vouchers awarded to the top three P4B students at the end of Semester 1
access to the Leading with Impact program
an invitation to the Business School’s First Years’ welcome event.
Virtual Campus Tour Want to take a look around the ACU Campuses from the comfort of your own home? Well you can! ACU has a 360 Virtual Tour of their Melbourne, Strathfield, North Sydney and Brisbane Campuses.
Australian National University
Application process and time lines Semester 1, 2021 ANU undergraduate direct entry applications are now open and close on 25 May. There are two ways to apply to ANU: Apply direct to ANU if:
You will complete your Year 12 studies in 2020 or an International Baccalaureate Diploma in November 2020; and
You'll be applying for an undergraduate program that starts in 2021
You are a domestic student, this includes:
Australian citizens;
New Zealand citizens;
Holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa; and
Permanent residents of Australia
By applying directly to ANU, you could get an early conditional offer.
What you need to know:
Applications open 4 March 2020 and close 28 May 2020
For more information visit the Domestic applications - ANU undergraduate webpage.
Bond University
Are Bond events going ahead or will they be cancelled? The circumstances surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are developing quickly. We are monitoring the situation carefully and will be responding accordingly to protect the health of our community. Unfortunately, this may require us to change some of our plans with short notice. In those circumstances, we will do our very best to keep everybody who is impacted fully informed. The University has reviewed all of its major events and we have no University gatherings scheduled that fall outside of the Government guidelines.
Medicine at Bond Bond is one of only a few universities in Australia offering medicine as a program commencing at the undergraduate level. Their medical program is built on the principles of evidence-based practice now embraced by practitioners worldwide. It follows a holistic learning strategy with extensive clinical experience and patient contact integrated from early on in your studies. It is made up of two sequential qualifications - the Bachelor of Medical Studies and the Doctor of Medicine. Students are required to complete both degrees for registration as a medical practitioner. Both degrees are awarded at the completion of year 5. Applications for the Bachelor of Medical Studies are through QTAC. They usually open mid-January and close early February each year for commencement in May of that year. Click here (scroll down) to watch short videos about:
Getting in
The clinical years
Medical placement in the Solomon Islands
Graduating and internship
Emergency simulation with bond
Central Queensland University
CQUni Life Blog If you are interested in finding out what it’s like to be a CQUni student, check out the CQUni Life Blog. The blog follows experiences of CQUni students. Their posts will give you an insight into life at CQUni. Click here to find out about:
CQUni life
Blogs already posted
Our student bloggers
Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) is an enabling course that provides a pathway for students wishing to gain entry to and excel in higher education. If you are interested in keeping informed about timelines and information sessions for CQU’s STEPS courses, you can register your interest here. To apply for STEPS, you will need to complete an application. The course is suitable for students who:
Have not met the prerequisite subjects for their preferred diploma or degree
Have not achieved their desired ATAR to get into their preferred course
Need some additional support with the transition from school to further study.
The STEPS course is a Centrelink approved course. You may be eligible for various forms of financial support while undertaking the course. The STEPS course is FREE of tuition fees, however, there are minimal costs associated with textbooks, stationery, photocopying and printing. For more information visit their website. It may also be an acceptable bridging program for other universities in Queensland (check with the institution you wish to enter). Visit the STEPS website for more information about the course. Phone the university to find an information session near you.
Griffith University
STEM Ambassador Conference/Showcase The STEM Ambassador Conference scheduled for 27 March 2020 at Parliament House is postponed. It will now be at the same location on the 28 October 2020 (the original date of our STEM Ambassador Showcase).
Melbourne University
Studying Law at the University of Melbourne The JD (Juris Doctor) is a three-year full-time course. The requirements for entry are the completion of an undergraduate degree other than Law. In addition, all applicants for the Melbourne JD must sit for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) before applying. Only University of Melbourne Guaranteed Entry applicants are exempted from sitting the LSAT. Visit the website for more information about the course and LSAT.
The Melbourne University curriculum The curriculum structure at Melbourne University is different from other Australia universities. At Melbourne University, you start by completing a three-year undergraduate degree. You can then enter the workforce or apply for a graduate program. To enter many professions (e.g. nursing, journalism, medicine, law, engineering, etc.), you must complete a graduate program. Find out more about Melbourne’s graduate programs here. A Guaranteed Entry scheme is available for very high achieving Year 12 applicants. This scheme guarantees entry to graduate programs after the completion of an undergraduate degree at Melbourne.
Queensland University of Technology
Focus on Bachelor of Public HealthThe Bachelor of Public Health offers the flexibility to concentrate your studies in areas that align with career opportunities. You may choose to tailor the program for further study and a career as a registered environmental health officer or occupational health and safety officer. It is a three-year full-time course offered at the Kelvin Grove campus. OP threshold in 2019 was 13. Course highlights are:
Choose an elective area of study such as community nutrition, Indigenous health, family and gender issues, health management, and general studies in psychology.
Complete 180 hours of professional placements, both in Australia and overseas, to gain real experience and industry contacts.
Prepare yourself for a career in health education and promotion, policy development, epidemiology, risk management and disease prevention.
QUT 2021 Welcome Guide The 2021 Welcome Guide is now available. The Welcome Guide includes information on QUT’s undergraduate degrees, support services, campuses, and how to apply. Click here to view the guide online.
Starting university in 2021 and beyond It's never too early to start your university research. If you are planning to apply for entry to QUT for 2021 or beyond, there are some changes to subjects and the qualifications that they will consider. Each university will have their own policies for entry in relation to VET qualifications and subjects so make sure you check with each institution. QUT have the following links to provide you with valuable information regarding their policies:
Students in regional or rural areas There are several ways you can access information about QUT, even if you live in a rural or regional area. You can search for course information and access QUT publications (these are 2020 editions but will give you an idea of courses that may be offered in 2021 until 2021 guides are available). QUT staff and students will be available to talk at career markets throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales. Your school can request a Skype presentation from QUT. There is also a dedicated web page with everything you need to know about moving to Brisbane for university.
Vice-Chancellor’s STEM Conference Applications are open for the QUT Vice-Chancellor's STEM Camp. Join in a week-long conference-style program which will provide students in Years 9 to 12 with a program of exciting talks, hands-on workshops and research projects to explore a future that combines creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship through STEM. A range of hands-on workshops and research projects will see you engage with QUT academic staff and student who are involved in cutting-edge research and study. You will be able to expand your STEM skills and find creative and innovative ways to solve real world problems. The Conference will be held in the school holidays between 28 September and 2 October 2020. Click here to find out about:
cost
eligibility requirements
how to apply
subscribe to get updates
QUT STEM scholars’ program
Why choose a double degree? A double degree combines two bachelor degrees into a single course of study, doubling both your study and career options without doubling the study time. Check out some good reasons to consider a double degree, find out how it works, and browse the list of QUT double degrees at Why choose a double degree?
The University of Queensland
Cancellations of events As a precautionary response to slow the rate of community transition of COVID-19, UQ has made a decision to cancel all University events unless they are critical to teaching or research. This includes student, academic and public events on and off campus until the end of June 2020. The following events have been cancelled:
FEAST
Careers that shape the world
Idea Hub Discovery Program The UQ Ventures Discovery program supports Year 8 to 12 students to think and act with an entrepreneurial mindset. The program aims to foster a resilient, flexible and problem-solving mind-set in high school students. The Discovery newsletter will be launched in April and include news of what is going on in entrepreneurship education, research, ecosystem and program information. Sign up for the Discovery newsletter here and find out more at Discover more.
St Lucia campus tours UQ have notified that following recent communications from the Government around COVID-19, the University is currently reviewing best practice to manage the health and wellbeing of our staff and the community we engage with. During this time, we have made the decision to postpone all Future Student Campus Tours until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. For regular updates please visit The University of Queensland website home page. Click here to keep informed about campus tours later in the year. Please note that self-guided tours are not permitted.
University of Southern Queensland
Two Day Experiences Student two-day Experiences are an engaging and immersive way to explore their fields of interest. You can choose a study stream and participate in interactive sessions led by USQ's team of academics. You will also learn about pathways and scholarships, as well as take tours of the campuses and residential colleges (Toowoomba). The current university students get involved offering you the opportunity to learn about their journey to university. Student two-day experiences will be offered at the USQ Springfield and Toowoomba campuses - each with a focus on the specific study programs and state of the art facilities and equipment on offer at each campus. This interactive event helps to reinforce your study goals as well as to highlight post-school opportunities and help with decision-making. For more information visit the USQ Two Day Experiences. Here you will find information on what to expect at each of the individual experiences.
University of the Sunshine Coast
High Performance Student Athlete Program If you are competing in a sport at national or international level, you can apply for this program once you get accepted into a course at USC. The program assists athletes to manage the demands of study as well as sport. More information on the website.
USC COVID-19 Update University of the Sunshine Coast is posting regular updates regarding changes to their programs and calendar events due to the impact of COVID-19. You can check these changes on their website.