Pathways and Transition

To contact the Head of Pathways and Transition, Jane Hedley, you may call 9383 0416 or email pathways@johnxxiii.edu.au You can also make an appointment to see Ms. Hedley using this booking link: https://calendly.com/johnxxiiicollege-pathways-transition

In this week’s Pathways and Transition newsletter read about:

• Pathways & Transitions at JTC
• University news
• Scholarships
• Australian Defence Force careers
• Medicine News
• Training and VET news
• Senior school opportunities
• Career-building opportunities and resources
• People with a disability news
• Spotlight – Land Surveying

PATHWAYS & TRANSITION AT JTC

Jane Hedley delivered two parent presentations as part of the Secondary Parent Information Evening in Term 1, Week 3. One presentation focused on the role of Pathways & Transition in the College and the senior secondary pathways available to our students. The other presentation focused on expectations of students studying offsite courses. Slides of the presentations are available in SEQTA Documents, under ‘Pathways’. You may also view them here:

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Early Offers for 2025 courses in WA

WA universities are participating in an early offers process (for students entering WA universities in 2025.) 

Applications open: 1 May via TISC for all WA universities. As in previous years, students may apply to Notre Dame University directly via their website.

Early offers will commence after the Semester 1 examinations. Offers will then roll out on a one-day-per-month schedule. Some courses such as Medicine and Podiatry will close applications at the end of September.

Other updates of note:

Notre Dame University (Fremantle campus) is offering Assured Pathway to Medicine for the first time in 2025 (students will need to sit the UCAT in 2024 to be considered)

The Grad Dip- Teaching, (one year intensive for those already holding an undergrad. degree) has relaunched (after some years of hiatus) at ECU and Curtin Uni. 

Which other universities have early entry programs? 

Here’s a list:

• Australian Catholic University
• Australian National University
• Bond University
• Campion College
• Charles Sturt University
• CQUniversity
• Curtin University
• Deakin University – Regional Access Scheme & Indigenous Access Scheme
• Edith Cowan University
• Federation University
• Flinders University
• Griffith University
• James Cook University
• La Trobe University
• Macquarie University – Leaders and Achievers,  ATSIEP & Gifted and Talented
• Murdoch University
• Queensland University of Technology
• RMIT University
• Southern Cross University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• Torrens University Australia
• UAC
• University of Adelaide
• University of Canberra – Fast Forward & Portfolio Entry
• University of Melbourne – through the Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme only
• University of Newcastle
• University of New England
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Southern Queensland
• University of the Sunshine Coast
• University of Sydney – Portfolio Admissions,  CASAS & Gadigal
• University of Tasmania
• University of Technology Sydney – Early Entry & Edge
• University of Western Australia
• University of Wollongong
• UNSW (excluding UNSW Canberra/ADFA)
• Victoria University
• Western Sydney University – HSC True Reward & ATSI Pathway Program

Don’t see your chosen university on this list? You might like to contact them directly anyway and ask about their pathway options.

Note: many of these programs are still showing information from 2023, and it is up to the university whether they will be offered again in 2024. Dates, courses, and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

University Rankings

Read about how WA universities performed, according to student satisfaction data, in the Good Universities Guide 2023/24 and via QILT/CompareEd. 

University Open Days 2024

Attend University Open Days 2024 to find out what’s available and which campus suits you.

University Admissions 2026

For students who are in Year 11 in 2024

1. How to apply for a place at university, requirements and different pathways
2. Pre-requisites
3. Check out the University Admissions 2026 for a comprehensive list of prerequisites from each West Australian university. 
4. Make an appointment with Ms. Hedley and go through university courses that you might choose. 
5. Make sure you are doing the subjects you need to get into those courses. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program

If you are aiming for an ATAR of 98+ consider going for a Fogarty scholarship. This is a prestigious scholarship that is awarded to 10 outstanding Year 12 graduates each year. To be eligible you must demonstrate outstanding achievement across Years 11 and 12. 

Find out about the program HERE.

Tuckwell Scholarship for 2025

Australian National University (ANU) launched the Tuckwell Scholarship Program in 2013.  The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at the ANU is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia.  A Tuckwell is not just about a students’ intellect.  It is also about their desire and determination to use their natural abilities to realise their full potential so that they can make a difference in the world.  All up, one could say, this is no ordinary scholarship!

Scholarships are awarded based on four criteria:

• academic potential and achievements to date;
• other significant achievements to date, of any type;
• demonstration of the Attributes of a Tuckwell Scholar; and
• a desire to eventually give back to Australia.

Tuckwell Scholar students receive:

• $26,000 per annum (2024 rate) (increasing with inflation) for each year of the length of their undergraduate degree, to cover on-campus residential costs, books, and general living expenses
• from 2024, a one-off payment of $1,500 relocation grant for first year Scholars.
• priority access guaranteed to ANU-approved student accommodation
• travel allowances to assist with the move to Canberra and to support two annual return journeys (e.g. airfares) between the Scholar’s home and the University for each year of their degree.
• an allowance to help cover the transport costs for their parents to attend Commencement Weekend at the start of the program, and
• an  ANU Sports Centre membership for the length of their degree.

Applications will open in March 2024.  For more information, browse Tuckwell Scholarship. 

UniMelb | Hansen Scholarship Program online information evening

21 February, 2024

Are you a high achiever completing Year 12 in 2024?

The Hansen Scholarship Program is the University of Melbourne’s most generous undergraduate accommodation scholarship, valued at up to $108,000.

The program rewards high-achieving Year 12 students from across Australia who have faced adversity and are committed to helping others. Hansen Scholars receive free accommodation at Little Hall, generous financial support, tailored academic mentoring and more throughout their undergraduate degree at Melbourne.

Applications for the 2025 program will open on 5 February 2024. In this online information session, you’ll discover more about the range of benefits on offer, as well as the eligibility criteria and tips on submitting a competitive application. You’ll also hear from a current Hansen Scholar and have the chance to ask any questions.

Find out more

Australian Defence Force careers

Click here to browse face-to-face and online events from ADF Careers. Events take place every week and are repeated throughout the year. Here are some happening soon:

MEDICINE NEWS

NIE | Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry Live Webinar

20 February, 2024

This forum is an excellent opportunity for teachers, students and their parents to find out about the UCAT, pathways into medicine, and have all questions answered by an expert teacher who has been working in the field since 1999.

The session is packed with invaluable information during which we will be covering the following topics, and more:

• What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?
• Year 10, 11 and 12 – things to consider now.
• The Undergraduate Selection Criteria
• Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry
• When and who can sit the UCAT
• GAMSAT
• Can you prepare for the UCAT?
• Undergraduate interview process
• What, how and why about Gap Year?
• Alternative degrees and career choices
• Work experience advice
• Q & A

Find out more

Getting into Medicine in WA

There is good reason to believe medical students are outstanding. 

If you want to apply for medicine:

• Take chemistry: Chemistry is a pre-requisite subject for medicine at most universities across Australia. 

Entry to Medicine for 2025 (UCAT)

Only Curtin University in Western Australia takes students into medicine straight from school*. It was designed as a pathway for West Australian school leavers. 

Candidates from rural and regional areas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised. 

• Rural and remote applicants: The Medicine Faculty at Curtin is keen to address the shortage of doctors in the bush in WA. Contact Associate Professor Keith McNaught - Rural Academic Lead, Curtin Medical School at Keith.Mcnaught@curtin.edu.au

There were over 3000 applicants for the 120 places being offered at Curtin in 2024.

• Applicants must have an ATAR of 95 or higher, including Chemistry, with a final score of 50 or higher. (See P4 of the Admission Guide for details.)
• A competitive score on the Universal Clinical Aptitude Test. Bookings for the Test open 5 March. Testing begins 1 July. 
• Applicants then take the Casper Test which was introduced by Curtin last year. 

Please refer to the Domestic admissions guide for information. 

School leavers with an outstanding ATAR may be granted an Assured Pathway into post-graduated medicine or dentistry degrees at UWA.  Find details here:

Doctor of Medicine : The University of Western Australia (uwa.edu.au)

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

Year 9 and above - Construction Futures Try a Trade 

Gain construction experience with CTF’s fully funded Try-A-Trade program. Participants get a taste of careers in the building industry and learn what to expect in various trades.

The Try-A-Trade program gives students in Year 9 and above, school leavers and mature-age job seekers, a chance to try various construction trades. 

Selected Registered Training Organisations deliver the courses on behalf of CTF at locations throughout Western Australia. Find details HERE. 

Get an electrical apprenticeship at Electrical Group Training 

Electrical Group Training (EGT) is the largest employer of electrical apprentices in Western Australia. Our apprentices are amongst the safest and best trained in the electrotechnology industry.

See how to get an apprenticeship by going to the EGT site. 

19 additional occupations added to the Australian Priority List

Western Australia is way ahead in prioritising occupations that are free or low-fee paying VET courses.

 The WA Government now delivers 130 free training courses. 

The Commonwealth Government has now added these 19 additional fee-free courses: 

There are now so many free or low-cost VET courses that fees should no longer be a barrier to becoming a highly skilled technician. 

Subsidies for Apprentices

The Commonwealth Government has created incentives for apprenticeships. You can find an overview of incentives for employers and employees HERE. 

SMTAFE Women in Defence Scholarship

Delivered in partnership with industry, the Women in Defence Industry Scholarship provides 6 months of free technical engineering and electronics training. Applications generally open around October/Nov for Semester 1. For information contact Martin.Turnbull@smtafe.wa.edu.au 

Fee-Free Training in 2024 

Find details of the 130 courses that a fee free in 2024.

NOTE: Students must still pay for their tools, uniforms and equipment.

Find details HERE. 

Notre Dame to deliver free Diploma of Nursing

Notre Dame is delivering a Diploma of Nursing in 2024 under the FREE VET courses offering being subsidised by the WA government. 

• Students can undertake the 18-month Diploma, which leads to work opportunities as an Enrolled Nurse. 
• Students may also choose to use their diploma to gain one year credit towards a Bachelor of Nursing. 

There will be a resource fee; however, the course delivery will be subsidised. 

For more information go HERE or email to VETAdmin@nd.edu.au .

SENIOR SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

31 March 2024: Applications Close for Rotary Youth Exchange 2025

Rotary Youth Exchange students spend 12 months in a foreign country with board and accommodation provided by host families. 

Students make lifelong friends, expand their worldviews, and have a brilliant time.  

Students must be between the ages of 15 and 18 on the 1 January of the year of their exchange.  Contact Rotary Youth Exchange Western Australia for details on how to apply. 

Fully supported volunteering overseas 

Projects Abroad supports students aged 15 to18 who would like to volunteer to work overseas for approximately two weeks. There is a range of fantastic opportunities available and Projects Abroad support participants through all stages of the experience. Programs cost about $3000.

The most popular High School Special projects include:

You can find more HERE. 

Senior School Language

Here is a quick guide to some of the acronyms and initials that you will her in senior school.  You can download a free copy HERE. 

Weekly WA Police Recruitment Sessions – Saturday mornings 

There is no age limit to apply for the WA Police Force. You must be 17 years and 6 months or older to apply for a Police Officer (Entry-level) and over 17 to apply for Cadet or Police Auxiliary Officer roles. You can register for a session HERE. 

Year 12s - Register NOW for Scholarship Alerts

Set up your infrastructure to support your transition from school at the end of the year. Register for scholarship email alerts at universities of your choice at:

• Good Universities Guide Scholarships page. 
• Your local TAFE college

Check out special needs scholarships like:

• Australian Indigenous Education Foundation
• Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training 

2025 Scholarships to Boost Diversity in STEM

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has announced 116 scholarships to support women and diverse people to thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

Applications for the Elevate program commencing in 2025 will open in early 2024.

Gap Year Study

If you think you might like to do something different in 2025, you could try studying overseas. You can find courses @hotcoursesabroad. 

Crimson provides services that link you to universities in the US or UK. Crimson staff come to Perth and give presentations each year. Register on their site for updates. 

For information about Gap Year opportunities for the end of the year check School Leavers 2025 Gap Year Opportunities HERE. 

CAREER-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

Special presentation by Evan Laske, NASA Robotics Engineer! 

Courtesy of US Consulate and Fogarty Foundation.

Date: Monday, 19 February

Time: 3:50 for 4.00pm – 5.00pm including brief Q&A

Venue: Beasley Hall

Bookings essential: www.trybooking.com/CPFEA

   Evan Laske

“For work, I’m a Robotics Engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. I’ve been there for over 10 years now, and it all started when I was in college. I am lucky enough to have turned my hobby into a job, so I truly never work a day in my life. In addition to my work at NASA, I try to involve myself in engineering work in my off hours. That includes tinkering in the maker-space and open-source myself or working with startups as a consulting engineer.”

Achievements

Education:

M.S Mechanical Engineering – Specialisation in Dynamics and Controls | B.S Electrical Engineering | B.S Computing Engineering | Certificate Hybrid Engineering

Patents:

Grasp assist system with triple Brummer soft anchor |Grasp assist system | Grasp assist device with automatic load control logic |Control of a glove-based grasp assist device

Publications:

Registering Articulated Objects With Human-in-the-loop Corrections | Affordance Template Registration via Human-in-the-loop Corrections | Development and Testing of Robotically Assisted Extravehicular Effort and Fatigue | Robotically Assisted EVA Gloves for ISS and Exploration | RoboGlove  - A Grasp Assist Device for Earth and Space

STEM Women Careers Event 20 March

Register HERE.

Famelab Academy 2024

FameLab Academy is an initiative for Years 9 and 10 students to encourage their interest in STEM and develop their science communications skills.

FameLab is the world’s leading science communication competition. It aims to discover charismatic early career scientists who can inspire people to see the world from new perspectives.  To find out more, go HERE.

Fogarty Foundation Opportunities

Families seeking new opportunities to support their students to achieve their full potential can connect with the Fogarty Foundation, which is committed to ensuring all young West Australians can receive high-quality education. 

Opportunities include:

• Fogarty Scholarships. These highly sought-after scholarships are for high-achieving, high-potential students. You can read about the scholarship program HERE. 

• EDfutures CoderDojo offers free sessions to help 7 – 17-year-olds be creative and solve problems using computers. You can find out more at CoderDojo@Curtin.

• The Smith Family program provides opportunities for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. 
• ABCN Fogarty Accelerate Scholarships provides intensive mentoring scholarships. 

You can get regular updates about the Fogarty Foundation programs by connecting HERE.

WAAPA Junior Academy for secondary school students

The WAAPA Junior Academy is designed specifically for young people who have a passion for performing.

The program runs in eight-week blocks from February to December each year, in accordance with the school terms.

2024 Courses

• Acting and Performance Making - School Years 7 to 12
• Music Theatre - School Years 7 to 12
• Tell Your Story - (For CALD Students)

Education Coordinator: Gabrielle Metcalf Phone: (+61 8) 6304 6775Email: explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au

MyFuture – your one-stop shop for career information 

Do quizzes, watch career videos, check out courses, and see what happens when you get into the job. MyFuture takes you on a career exploration pathway. 

• MyFuture is thorough and delivers loads of free information.
• It is supported by ALL Australian governments. 
• The information is not biased by someone trying to sell you something. 
• They have a strong privacy policy and DO NOT share your data. 

You can register HERE.

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY NEWS

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them reach their full potential as skilled workers. A range of assistance is available, including tutorial, mentoring and interpreting services, as well as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) incentive, which is paid to employers.

Find out more and how to claim HERE.

Can Do Training for people with disability.

Marilyn Garbin has been around the WA careers education world for some time. She is providing short courses that develop soft skills, for people with disability.   Some courses like these have been cut from TAFE, and Marilyn is addressing the needs identified by families of people with disability.  I went to the graduation of the Term 4 group in December and all participants were supported by a family member or carer. 

Check out the pictures and find out about the courses HERE.

Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual Disability

Everyone Can Work is a website designed to help people with intellectual disability and their families to understand the supports available to get into open employment.

School Leavers kit for students with Disability

A School Leavers Information Kit specifically designed for school leavers with disability has been developed. You can find a copy HERE. 

Entry Roles Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

Find information about entry roles supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing HERE.

SPOTLIGHT 

Land Surveying

What is Land Surveying?

Interested in Geography, Maths, Science, IT and/or the outdoors?  Looking for a job that won’t tie you to a desk? Surveying is the measurement and mapping of our surrounding environment using mathematics and specialised technology.  Land surveyors are involved with a diverse variety of projects from land subdivision to tunnel building and major construction.  Importantly though, there is much more to surveying than taking measurements outdoors and then analysing them back in the office.  Surveyors are often the first people on site during any construction process; they are the guardians of property law, and the creators of land titles.  They are also the ones who can sign off on the position of new title boundaries.  In all, surveyors are an integral part of the process in a wide variety of scenarios.

Note: Surveying courses are offered in WA at both Curtin University and TAFE

Students who wish to find out what surveying is, what surveyors do, where to study, and what it takes, might like to browse A Life Without Limits.

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@johnxxiii.edu.au