Pathways and Transition

JTC Career Tools

Thank you for taking the time to read through the Pathways and Transition component of the John XXIII College weekly newsletter. To get in touch regarding matters concerning Pathways and Transition, please contact Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition: 9383 0416 or jane.hedley@cewa.edu.au John XXIII College students and parents can also book a time to see Jane using THIS LINK.

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

• Pathways and Transition at John XXIII College
• Career conversations (support for families)
• University open days 
• Defence Force events
• University news
• VETDSS courses 
• Medicine News
• Gap year resources
• Training and VET news
• Senior school opportunities
• Career-building opportunities and resources
• People with a disability news
• Spotlight – 5 things to consider when looking for a tertiary course of study

Pathways and Transition at John XXIII College

At the Parent Information Evening held in Term 1, Jane Hedley delivered a presentation titled, 'All about Pathways and Transition'. Jane outlined the Pathways and Transition services and education program offered to students at John XXIII College. She also outlined the three main pathways offered at John XXIII College (in Years 11 and 12) To review the slides from the presentation, click the button below. These are also accessible via SEQTA documents, under 'Pathways and Transition'.

Career Conversations (support for families)

Career Conversations events 2023

The Department of Education along with assistance from CEWA and AISWA will once again deliver career conversations events for families and schools throughout the state in 2023. 

Career Conversations: bringing families together

This time around we are encouraging families to attend these events together.

Armed with accurate, up-to-date information, families can explore together the full range of options and pathways open to young people.

Encourage parents and students to join the conversation about post school options at our free family events in your local area to hear about:

• exploring university and training pathways
• career pathway information for young people with disabilities
• where to find accurate, up-to-date career pathway information
• where the jobs are
• what employers and industry are looking for

Parents and students can register using the attached Career Conversations flyer.

University open days 2023

Click the hyperlinks to register for upcoming university open days.

Open Day Cheat Sheets

Open days can feel a little overwhelming. These posts from WA Career Development Practitioner Bev Johnson may help you to have fun and increase your chance to find a path that speaks to you. 

Year 12 – Choosing your university: Tips and Advice for Open Days

It is getting to crunch time. Early applications for university in 2024 open on 1 May. You need to get into some serious research to make sure you are making the right decision. 

To read quick tips and advice on how to make the most of your day go HERE.

Year 11 – A Step by Step Guide to Open Days I 2023

Year 11 results are taken into account if you apply for an early offer. By knowing what university you want to go to and what course you want to take, you can focus on achieving the required ATAR and prerequisites. 

Big Tip: Plan to go with a friend. If they know the sorts of things you are looking for, they will ask questions that you may not think of, and give you good feedback. 

To read the Step by Step Guide go HERE.

Year 10 – Ready, Steady, Go to University Open Days

Before you make your Year 10 subject selection, go to university open days to find out what courses you are interested, what ATAR score you need and what prerequisite and recommended courses you should take. 

To get information and advice on how to make the most of Open Days go HERE. 

Defence Force events 

Check here to learn about and register for several events held over the coming weeks in Perth and online. Some events of note include:

• Perth: Trade Careers Information Session 22 March

UNIVERSITY NEWS

University offers 2024 (what we know so far)

• Curtin University, Edith Cowan University and Murdoch University will use TISC to facilitate their course offers for secondary students applying to study in 2024
• TISC will open for applications (for 2024 courses) on 1 May 2023
• Curtin will begin accepting applications from current Year 12 students via TISC from 1 May 2023. Curtin’s Admissions Office will use a students' Year 11 results to generate a predicted ATAR and use this to assess their application for an early offer. Predicted ATARs are not shared with students. See Curtin’s Early Offer webpage for more information about early offers and achievement scholarships.

Studying Law at Bond University -  Let Bond Law drive your career! 

Recently Bond University introduced a new specialisation that focuses upon the law, the science, and the human, social and commercial implications of climate change.  Students in the Bachelor of Laws have the option of specialising in climate law and practice by completing a Climate Law specialisation.  Interested students are encouraged to browse the website to familiarise themselves with the structure of the Bachelor of Laws course and browse the Climate Law specialisation and read the list of climate law subjects. 

Applications for 2024 Entry

Current domestic Year 12 students who intend applying directly to ANU for undergraduate study in 2024 are advised that direct applications open on Wednesday 1 March 2023, and close on Monday 15 May 2023. 

Students can start their applications at any time and log back in, as needed, to complete the process.

• Students will need to include their co-curricular activities with appropriate supporting documentation, as well as complete a Year 11 Results Form.   

Students are advised to read through the Application Information before applying at Applying to ANU. 

ANU Course Information 2024

Ms. Hedley recently travelled to ANU to attend their Career Adviser Day and Open Day. There are some updated resources for students to consult in the Pathways and Transition office- please visit. Those interested in attending ANU should also browse this resource to see all the latest information and tips for applying to courses in 2024. 

ANU Tuckwell Scholarship for 2024

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!

So, Tuckwell Scholar students will receive:

• $23,000 per annum (2022 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
• priority access guaranteed to ANU-approved student accommodation
• an annual allowance to assist with their move to Canberra and to support two annual return journeys (e.g., airfares) between their home and the University for each year of their degree.  The allowance will be dependent on the proximity of their family home to ANU.
• 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.

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.

Applying for a Tuckwell Scholarship is a three-stage process which commences with an initial application from yourself and a recommendation from a schoolteacher.  Applications will begin in March 2023 and submissions must be made before the April 2023 deadline.

For more information browse Tuckwell Scholarship.

New Admission Pathway to UWA

The University of Western Australia has launched Experience-based entry, a new pilot program to enable a broader range of students to apply for entry to study at UWA. The program recognises there are many ways to measure a student’s potential to succeed at university and will consider students’ backgrounds, experiences and circumstances when assessing applications.  Entry is a points-based system; applicants require 100 points for successful admission to one of UWA’s  Comprehensive bachelor degree courses. 

Some examples of points* include:

*points weightings are subject to change- use Eligibility Checker for best indication of likelihood of entry.

Read more from UWA here and use the UWA eligibility checker here.

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 & 12. 

Find out about the program HERE.

UWA Parents Space

Help your teenager figure out what to study or navigate their transition from secondary school to uni! Find advice, tips and all the info you wish you knew when you were a teenager, shared by other parents and guardians like you.

New Courses at UWA

We have an exciting range of new courses on offer for 2023. To meet the growing demand for skills that address today’s shifting economic, social and technological landscapes, we're expanding our internationally recognised degrees. 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

A degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice draws broadly on knowledge and perspectives from a range of disciplines including Law, Psychology, History, Anthropology, and Geography. Be exposed to the breadth of contemporary Criminology and Criminal Justice issues with UWA's new Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Bachelor of Modern Language

The Bachelor of Modern Languages enables students with a particular interest in world languages and cultures to study two languages in depth. Students achieve a high competency in the four macro skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing, while acquiring a range of transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. 

Choose from Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. All languages are available to absolute beginners. Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian and Japanese also have higher entry points depending on prior study or background knowledge.

It is also possible to combine the Bachelor of Modern Languages with another degree, such as the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Philosophy (Honours), Science, Arts or Business. More info: tinyurl.com/4teajkn2

Scholarships

At UWA, we award more than 600 scholarships to our coursework students, totalling $6 million – the most of any WA university.

Applications for scholarships in Semester 1, 2023 close Monday 6 March.

For scholarships enquiries, contact the UWA Scholarships team on 08 6488 3834 or courseworkschols@uwa.edu.au.

UWA Grand Challenges: Making A Difference Grant

After a successful launch in 2022, UWA Grand Challenges (Next Gen) grants are now available for 2023. The grants are worth $500 and are available to WA high schools (students in Year 10, 11 and 12), who want to make a positive difference by creating a social and/or environmental impact initiative in their school and/or connected communities. The initiatives need to address one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and one or more of the UWA Grand Challenges: A more just and equitable world and Climate Change.

Applications are due by 5pm, Friday 3 March. Contact grandchallenges@uwa.edu.au for more details.

Changes to Notre Dame English Language Entry Requirements

From 2023, the minimum English language requirement for entry into Notre Dame Undergraduate programs will be:

• Successful completion of secondary studies in Australia (WACE in WA).
• Successful completion of an AFQ Certificate IV or higher from an Australian RTO[1]

Programs also have academic requirements which may be at a higher level. 

Notre Dame Core Curriculum

Notre Dame has always had a Core Curriculum for undergraduates. They have updated it this year. 

Notre Dame is launching a new core curriculum. At the undergraduate level, students will now undertake the following two courses.

1. ‘Foundations of Wisdom’ is a course which integrates faith and reason, theology and philosophy.
2. One of five new elective types embedded in the study of philosophy and theology.

The core curriculum primarily serves to build essential critical thinking skills. It allows students to collaborate between disciplines, tackle ethical problems and consider how they can achieve their career ambitions while building a better world.

Find details HERE. 

Notre Dame Undergraduate Diploma of Exercise & Sport Science

Eligible school leavers can undertake our new Undergraduate Diploma of Exercise & Sport Science as a pathway into some programs at Notre Dame University. 

This specialist program will introduce students to methods used in exercise science to assess health status, provide basic exercise delivery, and understand the beneficial effect on human physiology. It also develops student’s study skills for further study or work.

Murdoch to get new $320m agricultural biosecurity and primary industries facility

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is replacing its old laboratory facilities in South Perth with new facilities at Murdoch University to be in 2027. 

Students interested in practical and research agriculture science and technology will have a world class facility located on the south eastern corner of the campus. 

VETDSS Courses

John XXIII College offers our non-ATAR senior students the opportunity to travel offsite one day per week to undertake VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students.) The table below lists some of our partner RTOs (Registered Training Organisations). Click the links to browse the courses on offer. Please get in touch with Jane Hedley or Kelli Beaton, should you wish to discuss how you, or your child, may combine offsite VET with their senior school studies at John XXIII College.

For families who already have a student studying an off-site VET course, please take the time to review the College and RTO expectations for students studying offsite VET- click the button below for an overview of expectations and tips for students (and parents of students) studying offsite VET. When parents and students understand what is involved in undertaking an off-site VET course, they have the best chance of succeeding in their endeavours. 

MEDICINE NEWS  

Curtin Medicine admission update

There are some important updates to entry applications for our 5-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery course.

Changes to the entry requirements for the 2024 intake

Applicants will be required to undertake the Casper test and can register for one of four set dates. Further information will be available in our Admissions Guide, which will be updated in late May.

Predicted ATAR forms are no longer required for those undertaking their WACE. The Curtin Medical School will use the TISC system for predicted ATAR calculations, which should alleviate the workload for schools.

We would also like to stress to school leaver applicants that bridging units are not sufficient to meet the chemistry prerequisite. Though not a change, it is a question that is often raised by school leavers.

Changes to the entry requirements for the 2025 intake

As well as the above, the chemistry prerequisite needs to be met within the 5 years prior to admission to the course. This will not affect school leavers but will affect non-school leavers and graduates who are applying to study medicine after completing other studies.

iCanMed Webinar 28 March 4:30pm

John XXIII College students are welcome to join the webinar that iCanMed will be doing for Penrhos on Tuesday 28 March from 4:30pm.  

The purpose of the webinar is for students to get exposure to the nature of the selection process of Medicine and its competitiveness to plan your coming years more strategically and realistically. Ray, iCanMed's education advisor, will spend 2-hours:

1. Breaking down the UCAT and interview in the same comprehensive way as the previous event to help students realise the importance, uniqueness, and challenges of each assessment.
    
2. Providing the opportunity for students to attempt the latest questions used in the UCAT and interview to realise the technical complexities of the assessments while identifying immediate skill gaps.
    
3. Providing a comprehensive preparation plan adapted to the timeline of year 10s, 11s and 12s candidates while taking into account additional commitments (e.g. ATAR, voluntary work, etc) to help students stay organised to maximise efficiency and minimise stress.
   
   Agenda

• UCAT
• Interviews
• Medical School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Who can attend? Anyone with the event link can attend  

Registration Link:

https://www.bigmarker.com/icanmed/Penrhos-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Plan-Successful-Medicine-Entry-for-Year-10s-11s-and-12s

New Pathway to medicine at UniSQ

If you’re looking to become a Doctor, you know you’ll need to study one of the few (and competitive) degrees out there that lead to your chosen career. The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) are now making it easier for regional students to realise their dreams, launching the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway). Upon successful completion of this degree (with a GPA of 5.0) you’ll automatically gain entry into the Doctor of Medicine at the UQ Rural Clinical School in Toowoomba.

Read more here.

Getting into Medicine in WA

There is good reason to believe medical students are outstanding. This year there were one hundred successful applicants for medicine at Curtin from 2700 applicants. 

If you want to apply for medicine:

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

Check Do you want to study medicine in WA post.  

Entry to Medicine for 2024 (UCAT)

University Clinical Aptitude Test 

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs.  Universities requiring the UCAT are listed at this link - Universities requiring the UCAT.  Students intending to apply for courses requiring the UCAT at any of these universities are reminded that they will need to book a test. 

Bookings will open on 1 March 2023 and close 17 May 2023.  The testing dates will be from 3 July 2023 to 12 August 2023.

Students who are preparing for entry into any of these courses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the format of the test at UCAT Test Format  and the practice tests and preparation material provided at UCAT Preparation.

Institutions that will require the UCAT are:

Find out more at UCAT.

Medicine Matrix February 2024

Open the below PDF to see the 2024 Medicine Matrix – a list of where students can study Medicine around Australia, a snapshot of the entry requirements for each place and whether it is offered as an undergraduate or graduate course.

Free Online Student Guide

Students considering studying medicine or dentistry are invited to access the iCanMed website for information about where to study medicine and dentistry, what the entry requirements might be, and all things related to the UCAT test required for most medicine courses.  This is an excellent ‘go to guide’ to use as a resource.

Medicine Updates from Notre Dame University

New Graduate Diploma in Paramedicine

New Biomedicine Pathway into Medicine

From 2024 Notre Dame will offer a guaranteed pathway into the Doctor of 

Medicine for their own top Biomedical Science Graduates.  

In 2024 there will be 15 places granted based on:

1. Their Grade Point Average in Biomedical Science degree (how good their results are). You can check how the Grade Point Average is calculated for medicine at Notre Dame HERE. In 2022 students commencing Doctor of Medicine had a Grade Point Average of 6.53 (out of a possible 7)
2. Their GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admission Test) results
3. An Interview – These are a series of mini interviews which are rapid fire and stressful. 

Pre Medicine Certificate

Notre Dame delivers a Pre Medicine Certificate that students undertake in addition to their full undergraduate degree. Successful completion of the course guarantees AN INTERVIEW if you meet the required Grade Point Average and GAMSAT requirements. It does not guarantee a place in the Doctor of Medicine course. Students must assess how much doing the Pre Medicine Certificate will impact on their Grade Point Average and GAMSAT scores. 

GAP YEAR RESOURCES

Letz Live Gap Year Opportunities

Have the time of your life by taking a Gap Year after school or live and breathe a new city with a working holiday. Either way, get out there and live in the real world!

Applications for 2024 Gap Year programs are now open with applications closing on 9 April 2023.  Letz Live offers Gap Year and Working Holiday  opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Thailand or the United States of America. 

Year 12 students are encouraged to browse the links provided to determine if any of the programs on offer appeal.

Gap Year Opportunity – AgCareer Start

During COVID lockdowns, backpackers from all over the world couldn’t come to Australia. The government set up AgCAREERSTART program designed to address the worker crisis and introduce Australian school leavers to a variety of careers in agriculture. 

You can identify where you would like to go and what sort of farm you’d prefer. There is funding for travel and support from the AgCAREERSTART team. 

If you are not sure what to do when you leave school, or if you would like to earn some money before you start uni, check out the opportunities at AgCAREERSTART. 

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

How much do apprentices get paid in 2023?

If you're thinking about an apprenticeship but want to know how much you'll get paid, this article from Group Training Organisation, MIGAS, will help. 

For some young people, apprenticeships may be the perfect way to start building a career and getting paid while doing so. But how much can you expect to hit your bank account every week?

Here is an infographic from MIGAS, illustrating the difference in pay between university students and graduates and apprentices.

Take the Leap

North Metro TAFE has a new game that helps you to discover why you do what you do. It leads to an end game jobs map. You can check it out HERE. 

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways 

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways is an Australia-wide information hub. Students and parents can find an abundance of resources and tools here, to learn about Australian Apprenticeships and research career options. Check out their Students section to learn more about what an apprenticeship is, read through the information for parents and friends or take some of their career quizzes to see what kind of apprenticeship might suit you. The Insiders and Advisers section contains some useful downloadable resources such as career flowcharts for different industries and career areas- see the automotive career flowchart example below. 

Try a Trade Term 1 Holiday Program for Year 9 and older

The Construction Training Fund delivers fully funded opportunities for students in year 9 and above to experience careers in the building industry during holidays. 

You can find details and register your interest HERE. 

South Metropolitan TAFE gains key role in WA defence industry plan

South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia will receive new state-of-the-art training equipment under the state’s latest defence industry blueprint that will give it a key role in naval manufacturing. 

The Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27 was launched last week. It sets out the approach to skilling WA's defence industry workforce through collaboration across schools, TAFEs, specialist training providers, universities, and unions.

Construction Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship Program

Take the first step towards a career in construction while still at school with our Scholarship Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The course is designed to combine work experience, training and education while helping students explore and plan career options.

The Construction Training Fund Scholarship Program is an innovative way to get a head start and work towards a building and construction apprenticeship. Suitable for Year 11 and Year 12 students, our Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship Program is highly regarded by employers and may provide credits or reduced time as an apprentice.

Each year scholarships are awarded to students in Western Australia with a passion for the building industry. Gain experience and unlock job-ready training while completing school.

Register HERE.

Construction has started on the new Balga TAFE Campus

Work on this long overdue upgrade of the Balga TAFE campus has begun. It will provide new facilities for building and construction, electrical and automotive trades. 

There will be new facilities for English and migrant education programs as well as computer laboratories and a new library. 

The new buildings are due to be completed by the end of 2024. 

See how a VET qualification can be the door to a wonderful life

This is a fantastic OECD article that talks about how a vocational qualification can be a ticket across academic and professional higher education levels. 

You can find it HERE. 

Electrical Group Training has apprenticeships waiting to be filled

The skills shortage was hitting our building industries even before the floods in Fitzroy Crossing put more pressure on the industry to deal with that crisis. 

If you know of anyone who is interested in taking up an electrical apprenticeship, Electrical Group Training has been in touch saying that they have positions waiting to be filled. 

You can contact them HERE. 

SENIOR SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

The Top 10 High School STEM Competitions You Need to Know About (from Study Work Grow)

If you’re passionate about science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, you might like to show off your skills and knowledge by entering a competition. There are heaps of high school STEM competitions out there, so we’ve rounded up our top 10 for you to check out.

Top 10 High School STEM Competitions

Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – combine your knowledge of science with a knack for filmmaking and create a video exploring the 2023 theme ‘Green’. Entries for the 2023 competition are open now and close Friday 14 April.

Big Science Competition – a 50 minute, multiple choice competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Ask your teacher or school if you’d like to register.

UNSW Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing – sharpen your STEM and writing skills by responding to a set essay topic. Dates for 2023 are yet to be announced, so keep an eye out.

Australian Mathematics Competition – an engaging 30-problem competition that demonstrates the importance and relevance of mathematics in students’ everyday lives. This year the competition is set to run from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 August. Ask your teacher or school if you’d like to register.

Web.Comp – a week long competition where students can design their own web pages and submit their creations to compete against other students’ designs. The competition is free to participate in for all Australian students, and starts on Monday 8 May.

Australian Brain Bee Challenge – compete your way through 4 rounds of challenges, learning all about the brain and its functions and finding out about careers in neuroscience. Round 1 is an online quiz run throughout March. Ask your teacher or school if you’d like to register.

Australian Space Design Competition – team up with other students to design a futuristic space settlement – the best submissions will go on to compete in the national finals. Dates for this year’s competition are yet to be announced, so keep an eye out.

F1 in Schools STEM Challenge – take on the challenge of being in a real Formula One team, engineering and manufacturing your own mini F1 car. Ask your teacher or school if you’d like to register.

Australian STEM Video Game Challenge – if you love both science and video games, here’s your chance to combine the two. Work in teams to design and develop a video game based on a chosen theme. Registrations are open now until Monday 17 July.

Young ICT Explorers – use your technology skills to solve real-world problems by developing a unique project. Registrations are open now and close Friday 14 July. You will need a teacher or parent/guardian to register on your behalf.

Want more? You can find heaps more competitions on our database.

2023 WACE Manual

This is your opportunity to find everything you need to know about senior secondary school WACE qualifications in one spot. 

For example, it has:

• A summary of WACE requirements
• Different study options.
• Course outlines

Teachers use information in the WACE Manual to make sure you are enrolled in appropriate courses and to explore what different study options you can take. 

The publication is free and you can check out what is needed and what is possible HERE.

University Admissions 2025 – Pre-requisites

If you want to go to university when you leave school, but don’t know what you want to do, check out the University Admissions 2025 course pre-requisites. 

Make an appointment with your school career advisor and go through courses that you might choose. Make sure you are doing the subjects you need to get into those courses. 

Alternative Pathways This booklet also identifies alternative pathways into university. 

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. 

CAREER-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

Get into Maths in 2023 at Curtin Years 5 -11

Curtin will be running out-of-school maths classes for primary and secondary students again in 2023. The weekly Mathematics Enrichment classes run each semester, with streams to suit each year level from 5-11. The classes are intended for students interested in maths and keen to be extended. 

Classes are held after school. 

They started on 6 February but check HERE as there may still be vacancies or you can go onto a waitlist for next term. 

CoderDojo WA  on Saturdays 12 – 17 year olds

CoderDojo WA is a network of FREE, volunteer-driven coding clubs for children and teens. Curtin hosts a Dojo on Saturday mornings at the Bentley campus where students can create websites, games and learn basic coding. 

We also welcome parents interested in programming to come along and code alongside the children.

Term 1 meetups started on 18 February, but I am sure they will accept late comers. 

Check out details HERE.

STEM Club in Vic Park ages 10 – 15 years

Curtin STEM Outreach and Victoria Park Community Centre have joined forces to run an After School STEM series for young people aged 10-15 years. You'll have the chance to complete a wide range of hands-on STEM activities – from Forensics to fossils, Space to STEAM, food science to future energy, and chemistry to coding – there’s something for everyone. 

Find out more Every Monday in Term 1 || Victoria Park Community Centre | Find out more.

29 March Innovators Tea Party- Inspire in 5! For Years 7 - 9

Learn about STEM careers from si women working in the frontline of innovation in Perth.

Each of the women will give a 5 minute presentation followed by opportunities for students to ask questions. 

Find out more HERE. 

Term 1 Enrol now: Acting and Performance Making School Years 7 – 12

Students in Years 7 – 12 can start their careers in performing arts through these weekend courses in Acting and Performance Making at WAAPA. 

Bookings are done on a term-by-term basis and each term has a particular focus.

See details HERE Cost: $530 per term. 

*WAAPA offers several bursary places for students who experience financial barriers to participation. 

Please contact Gabrielle Metcalf at explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au for more information.

Entrepreneurship for 12 – 17 year old students @Bloom

Each year enterprising school students start their own businesses doing everything from dog walking to cyber security services. 

Bloom Youth Outreach Programs are student focused innovation programs that provide students with entrepreneurship and innovative camps throughout the year.

The programs allow students to get access to enthusiastic support and know how. 

They connect with industry professionals to provide one day, to one weeklong programs for students aged 12 - 17 years to upskill in entrepreneurship concepts.

Check out what is available HERE. 

If you want help to organise and market your small business, you can also get in touch with the WA government’s Small Business Development Corporation for free advice.

Develop these skills if you want a job

Employers identified that they wanted these skills in the latest National Skills Overview: 

• adaptability*
• analytical
• digital
• collaboration skills

You can see details of this interesting analysis of our work world HERE. 

*Adaptability includes: emotional intelligence and resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility. This is an interesting new development given the significant rise in young people identifying that they have high levels of distress. 

MyFuture – your one stop shop for career information

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

MyFuture is delivered 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. 

31 March Applications Close for Rotary Youth Exchange 2024

Successful applicants for the Rotary Youth Exchange program spend 12 months in a foreign country with board and accommodation provided by host families. 

Students must be between the ages of 15 and 18 on the 1 January on the year of their exchange. 

Young people make lifelong friends, change their world views and have a brilliant time. 

Contact Rotary Youth Exchange Western Australia for details on how to apply. 

What Job Opportunities are available?

You can check out the total number of people employed in a job in Australia by going to Labour Market Insights. 

The page gives a breakdown of employment outlook, earnings and hours worked and job tasks. 

It is well set out and easy to follow. Check it out HERE. 

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY NEWS

Scholarships for Students with a Disability

If you have a disability, this doesn’t have to stop you from attending university. Alongside dedicated support services, heaps of institutions also offer special scholarships for students with a disability. In this blog, we’ve found some you might like to take a look at.

Who are these scholarships for?

Disability scholarships are often open to students with many different disabilities. This can include physical disabilities, learning and cognitive disabilities, sensory issues, and even mental health issues.

Some particular scholarships may target students with a specific disability (e.g. deaf and hard-of-hearing students, students with autism) so make sure you read the eligibility criteria carefully before you apply.

Why should I apply for a scholarship?

There are lots of reasons a scholarship can help with your studies. They can provide financial assistance towards things like mobility aids, adaptive technology, and other study costs. Some scholarships come with additional access to support services, or priority access to accommodation.

Each year there are hundreds of scholarships that go unawarded because nobody applies – so it’s always worth having a go.

Top scholarships for students with a disability

Here are some scholarships for students with a disability you might like to check out:

• Walter and Eliza Hall Trust Opportunity Scholarship – a scholarship worth up to $10,000 each year for a student with a physical disability to help cover educational expenses.
• Vision Australia Further Education Bursary – provides adaptive technology to help students who are blind or have low vision to succeed in their studies.
• Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Fund – provides small six monthly grants of up to $2,500 to assist people with disabilities to continue their learning.
• Redkite Dare to Dream Scholarship – open to any teenager in Australia who has cancer or has had cancer at any point in their life. Teens can receive up to $5,000 to help them achieve a goal.
• Northcott Scholarship Opportunities – support for people with a disability currently studying at TAFE, University or other Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
• You can find tons more scholarship opportunities on our database here.

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them to 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.

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

5 Things to consider when looking for a tertiary course of study

Planning on going to university or TAFE in the future? You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the thousands of course choices out there. If you’re looking for some guidance, we’ve got some things you might like to think about when looking for a course – it could help you make your decision.

Study location

This is one of the most important things you’ll need to consider first. Would you be willing to move to another city (or even state) to study your chosen course? Or perhaps you’re unable (or unwilling) to move and you’d like to study online instead.

As well as location, look at different universities or TAFEs and compare your options. Take a tour of the campus (in person or virtually), browse accommodation options, and read about on-campus clubs, facilities, and activities. See if you can read student reviews about their experience at the uni or TAFE, or talk to someone you know has studied there in the past.

Flexibility & access

As well as where you’ll be studying, take a look at other important details about the course. This includes things like whether part-time study is available, if the uni or TAFE will let you defer your studies, and even what their study calendar is like (when will you be on holidays, for example?).

You should also do a bit of research on the institution’s other options and services, such as how easy it is to switch between courses if you’ve changed your mind, whether you’ll receive any credit for past studies, and what kind of support they offer (e.g. for students with disabilities, career advice, etc.).

Entry requirements

One of the key things you’ll need to know about a course is whether or not you’re eligible to apply. So make sure you read and meet any ATAR requirements and have the needed subject prerequisites before you apply. If you’re not eligible through the standard pathway, take a look at the university or TAFE’s alternative pathway options and see if there is another way you might be able to receive an offer instead.

Course fees

Unfortunately, not a lot of things in life are free – and this includes most tertiary courses. Take a look at not only how much the course will cost, but what your options for payment are. If you’re a domestic uni student, you’ll probably be able to access a HELP loan to cover course fees. Lots of TAFEs and RTOs will provide payment plans for their courses too, and in some cases you can apply for a VET Student Loan. But in some circumstances, you might be expected to pay your course fees upfront, so make sure you know exactly what you’ll owe and how you’ll pay for it before signing up.

Career pathways

If you’re looking into further study, it’s probably because it will eventually lead you to your chosen job or career. So make sure the course you’re looking at will actually qualify you for future jobs. Take a look at job sites and see what qualifications employers are looking for in roles you’d like to have one day. In some cases, you might be required to have a specific degree to start in your chosen career (if you want to be a doctor, for example, you’ll need to follow a set study pathway).

Also consider other jobs and pathways the course could take you in case you find your career goals change over time or don’t pan out how you expected.Have more questions about study options, courses, or pathways? Check out the rest of the resources on the Study Work Grow website here.

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@cewa.edu.au