We’re living in interesting times with offices closing, streets increasingly empty, and some people locking themselves away. The uncertainty that we are grappling with is challenging enough for adults, but it’s also hard on our children. The College Fun Fair and discos have been postponed, sports are off the table, and even play dates are increasingly frowned upon. And, to top it off, our holiday isn’t going to be a normal holiday either.
Often our first reaction is to remind children that ‘the disco is really not a big deal’, but that’s not true for children. It really isn’t the cancelled Fair or Formal, it isn’t that schools aren’t the same as they were a few weeks ago or that all their afternoon activities have been cancelled, it is actually the sudden unpredictability of life that tends to cause most concern. Even for many adults, it is difficult to accept, but there is a realisation that this is a necessary step in order to ‘flatten the curve’, for the greater good. There is so much noise and reporting on the COVID-19 situation, its effect on countries, cities, individuals and of course on our way of life. Social media and news stories bombard newsfeeds with negativity, and even as an adult it is difficult to buffer. While I keep abreast of this changing situation all day, when I switch focus away from work, I try to focus on gratitude. Feeling grateful increases my wellbeing and can be used to counter balance the anxiety caused by the constant news updates regarding COVID-19. I often talk to students and colleagues about what I am grateful for – it tends to switch my mindset from what is lacking, to what is abundant. Situations such as ours today also remind us that disasters are opportunities as well as oppressions. For example, we may soon have a lot more time together as families. We have the opportunity to do those things we have always wanted to do with our children. We can learn to make pasta or build a fort in the garden. It may not be a perfect situation but embracing change is much better than focusing on the negatives. This also models resilience for our children. I am also reminded that we can continue to be hopeful. Globally, we are going through changes, we are seeing massive disruptions to the way we do things, and I am hopeful that this will ultimately improve how we live, who we are, and what we value. Daily there are people working on solutions to problems that will eventually revolutionise aspects of our life. What this situation has also shown me, is that A.B. Paterson College is more than just a teaching institution. Our A.B. Paterson College teaching staff, our learning assistants, our IT staff and our administration team have created an amazing Online Learning Plan that has allowed the continuation of our students’ education. Our College staff have revolutionised their teaching practices across one week in order to bring you a program that can be delivered at home. Furthermore, our staff are not resting on their laurels, but are meeting daily to refine ideas and share resources to ensure their lessons are creative, intentional, interesting and interactive. We are also incorporating new ideas and Interhouse Challenges for our online learning next week to inject another element of fun into our Online Learning Plan. So in keeping with my theme of gratitude, I was so grateful to read all the positive parent feedback about our Online Learning Plan, I thoroughly enjoyed the children’s reactions to our staff videos, and I am so grateful to be part of a team, and a community who see the value in education, and who privilege our students above everything. The Coronavirus presents many challenges to parents and teachers, however staying calm, keeping informed, and adjusting our own habits to include a focus on optimism and gratitude helps us to face these challenges. Joanne Sheehy - Principal/Head of College
From the Year 1 Classrooms
Stepping up into Year 1! It is crazy to believe that the first term for the 2020 school year is almost over. All students in Year 1 have had a wonderful first term together with many significant moments including meeting new friends, new teachers, new playground routines and areas, and most importantly, learning. Thank you to all Year 1 families in collectively making Term 1 a great start to the 2020 school year. Throughout the duration of Term 1, the Year 1 students have already shown themselves to be particularly resilient. Year 1 teachers have noticed that all students have settled into their new learning environment and grasped the routine of Year 1 life outside of the ‘Prep gate’ in a very quick time. At the beginning of this term, the students met their new teachers and new class members for the 2020 school year, we saw each child’s confidence growing, and we are now seeing some very interesting and funny personalities emerge. All students are developing socially, working on building new friendships with the other students and adjusting to the new routines that life in Year 1 brings. As our school day commences at 8:25 am, it has been wonderful to see all students arriving on time to school and developing their self-independence and taking responsibility by organising themselves when they arrive each morning. All children are to be commended for showing perseverance and resilience while adapting to our new online education program. It has been wonderful to see the support of our College community embracing this new learning environment. Parents, please remember that all class teachers are here to help and support you and your family in this process. Please do not hesitate to contact your teacher by email. We wish all students and families a restful and safe Easter break and we look forward to another exciting and fun term of learning! Year 1 Teachers – Georgie Burrows, Trent Davis, Jana Kubaska and Jade Lucy
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.
