What’s On in the Next Few Weeks:

ATTENTION Year 12 students: Getting your ATAR and Study Score Results - you need to register with www.resultsandatar.vic.edu.au

As you are aware, in order to be offered a tertiary course in 2024, you MUST complete a VTAC application. Most of you have done this and have put your preferences in – which is great. If not, you MUST attend to this as soon as possible. This may be a bit confusing, but you NOW need to also register with www.resultsandatar.vic.edu.au in order to receive your results at 7am on 11 December. Just having your VTAC application in does not mean you will access your results on Dec 11th. Registering with www.resultsandatar.vic.edu.au is quite simple (not as long as the VTAC registration). You will be giving them your mobile number and a personal email address that they can contact you on 11 December. To register, you once again need to use your VCAA number (the one that was handed out on a sticky label at an Assembly earlier this term. It is IMPORTANT that you register to receive your results on 11 December. You have plenty of time to do this, there is no payment required, no deadline. But I recommend you do it now. If you have any questions or need some help regarding this, please make a time to see me.

Mr Topham.

AIE | Open Day

November 18, 2023.

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Open Day on Saturday18 November 2023. This event will be held at AIE Campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Adelaide from 10am to 3pm.

AIE’s Open Day is a great opportunity to meet our teachers, staff and students. The day will cover everything you need to know about the:

careers in games and VFX that we train students for
studios and industries that we work with.
courses we offer – from beginners to professional mastery, and
the software, skills and knowledge we teach.

AIE’s Open Day will also include presentations on entry requirements and how to apply. Find out how AIE can get you into a creative career. Find out more

The Gordon | Hospitality Bootcamp

November 20 to November 23, 2023

Get ready for Geelong’s best Hospitality Boot Camp and gain access to hospitality employers recruiting for the summer season!

If you can put your best foot forward (boots ‘n all!) you could land yourself a job!

A skillset short course delivered by industry expert trainers in state-of-the-art facilities to prepare school leavers for the summer season of work in hospitality venues throughout the region.

Course includes:

Responsible service of alcohol (RSA)-Online theory to be completed prior to course commencement. You will be given access to the RSA online course content upon enrolment.
Practical component delivered on day 1
Non-alcoholic and Mocktail methodology
Espresso coffee basics
Food service skills
Point of Sale/EFTPOS
Quality Customer service
Opportunity to showcase your skills Find out more

Deakin | Change of Preference Events

December 12, 2023

We’re here to help you now so you’re ready for tomorrow. Visit us on Tuesday 12 December 11am–4pm at our Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waterfront, Geelong Waurn Ponds or Warrnambool campuses. Speak to our experts one-on-one about your study options, the application process, pathways to your dream degree and more.

Explore our campuses with guided campus and accommodation tours from our knowledgeable and friendly current Deakin students on the hour between 11am and 3pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to have all your questions answered. Find out more

Fed Uni | Info Days

December 12, 2023

If you’re one of the thousands putting in course preferences this year, our team is here to assist you with understanding the change of preference process and plan your personalised pathway to a dream career. Find out more

Scholarships:

Scholarships for students with disabilities: success stories

Scholarships hold the power to transform dreams into reality. They not only provide financial support, but also recognise the unique strengths and potential within each individual. In this guide, we’ll explore various types of scholarships tailored for students with disabilities and share some real-life success stories.

Types of scholarships available

There are lots of different types of scholarships out there, so there’s almost certainly one to fit your unique circumstances and needs.

Disability-specific scholarships

Some scholarships are designed with specific disabilities in mind. For example, Vision Australia offers scholarships dedicated to students who are blind or have low vision, providing them with resources to support their studies.

General disability scholarships

Other scholarships are open to students with any type of disability. Organisations like the Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Fund offer opportunities for a wide range of disabilities.

Other scholarships

Even if disability isn’t mentioned specifically in the eligibility criteria, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still apply. If you’ve excelled academically, come from a rural area, or have overcome financial hardship (just to name a few examples), there’s bound to be a scholarship out there for you.

How to find and apply for scholarships

Finding and applying for a scholarship doesn’t have to be hard. There are lots of resources out there to help.

Online resources

Going straight to the website of the institution you want to study at is an excellent place to start your scholarship search. Here you can view a whole range of scholarship opportunities, including those tailored for students with disabilities.

Check out the websites of relevant organisations too, such as disability organisations and charities. Even if they don’t have any formal scholarship opportunities, you could contact them and discuss other potential support options.

You can also search scholarship databases, which feature scholarships from a wide variety of institutions and organisations (such as our very own).

Application tips

Crafting a compelling application is key to securing a scholarship. Be sure to highlight your strengths, experiences, and aspirations. Don’t forget to gather necessary documents such as medical records or recommendation letters to strengthen your case. Keep track of application deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out. Real life success stories

If you’re still looking for reasons to apply for a scholarship, here are some real life examples of students who have gone on to thrive after receiving a scholarship.

Jarred

Jarred Austin has always known he would one day go to university, but was worried that his disability would affect him both physically and financially. Thanks to the Movement Disorder Foundation, he is now studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts and a Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Wollongong.

“Both my degrees are dependent on technology and the scholarship helps me ensure that I have working technology,” he said. “But it also helps me in other areas, like my day-to-day living expenses.”

The scholarship has meant Jarred doesn’t have to compromise either his study or his health and is able to focus on his ambitions to one day write a novel.

“I’d like to write something about my own experience as a person with a physical disability to try and change people’s perception about what it’s like,” he said.

You can read Jarred’s story here.

Courtney

Not long after starting her first degree at Griffith University, Courtney McCreery was diagnosed with an uncommon neurological sleep disorder. Since receiving the Brighter Futures Scholarship, she can subsidise her rent and drop back her working hours, easing the financial pressure on her and giving her space to live up to her potential.

“Donors may not feel like they are giving a lot, but every dollar has an impact on students like me juggling a chronic health condition and following their dreams,” she said.

You can read Courtney’s story here.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Aligning apprenticeships with evolving job roles

In today’s rapidly changing job market, where new industries and roles are emerging, it’s essential to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Traditional educational paths are valuable, but apprenticeships offer a unique and hands-on approach to learning that aligns perfectly with the evolving job roles of the future.

Why apprenticeships matter

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world experience. They offer you a chance to learn by doing, which can be particularly valuable in industries that are still evolving. Here are some key reasons why apprenticeships matter in the context of the changing job landscape:

Practical learning: Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, allowing you to develop practical skills that are directly relevant to your chosen field. This practical knowledge is often more valuable than theoretical concepts when dealing with rapidly changing job roles.
Industry-relevant skills: The skills and knowledge you’ll gain during an apprenticeship are often aligned with the specific needs of your industry. This means you’re more likely to be job-ready and well-equipped to handle the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.
Adaptability: Apprenticeships encourage adaptability. You’ll learn to be flexible and open to new techniques and technologies as you work alongside experienced professionals. This ability to adapt is a crucial skill in a changing job landscape.
Networking opportunities: During an apprenticeship, you’ll have the chance to network with professionals in your field. These connections can open doors and provide insights into how your industry is evolving.
Earning while learning: Apprenticeships are paid positions – this can ease the financial burden of education while allowing you to gain valuable work experience.

Choosing the right apprenticeship

To benefit from the future of work through apprenticeships, you need to choose the right one. Here’s how:

Research: Look for apprenticeship programs that align with your interests and goals. Research industries that are on the rise and consider where your passion lies.
Mentorship: Seek out apprenticeships with strong mentorship programs. Learning from experienced professionals can accelerate your growth.
Networking: Consider the networking opportunities the apprenticeship offers. The connections you make can be invaluable in a rapidly evolving job market.
Flexibility: Ensure the apprenticeship allows for adaptability and exposure to various aspects of your chosen field. This will make you more versatile and ready for change.

Competitions

First Pitch Competition

First Pitch calls on budding young entrepreneurs aged up to 18 to enter their best business pitch for the chance to win great prizes.

You can submit a 3-minute pitch on a business innovation or idea that can make a difference in your community and Australia wide. Your pitch will be judged by a local panel of entrepreneurs and business professionals, and the state winners get to participate in the national championship.

Entries are open until Friday 10 November. Find out more and enter here.

Westpac Youth Impact Challenge

The Westpac Youth Impact Challenge is a nationwide initiative open to all young people around Australia aged 7 to 21 years. The Challenge aims to help young Australians solve problems in their local communities.

To take part in the Challenge, participants must identify a local problem and brainstorm an innovative business or social change idea to solve it. Participants can choose to work individually, or in a group of up to three.

All participants who complete the Challenge will receive a Certificate of Completion. Winners will receive an Exclusive Prize Pack which will include a Microsoft Surface laptop from our partner Microsoft, The Academy Membership, a Spill the Beans Pitch Opportunity, financial education mentoring support for your business idea from Westpac’s Davidson Institute and a pitch opportunity at the final Challenge event.

This year’s challenge launches Monday 13 November. Find out more and register here.

Resources:

How to find a place to live at university

Leaving home to go to university? Even if you’re not sure where you’ll be studying next year, it’s a good idea to research your accommodation options as soon as possible. In this blog, we’ll run through some of the most popular student accommodation options.

Check with the universities first

Usually, the best place to start your search will be on the websites of the universities that you’ve applied to. Most will have a dedicated accommodation section packed with everything you need to know, from types of rooms available to costs, FAQs, and more. Even if they don’t have dedicated student accommodation, they can usually give you information about other living options close by.

If you have any questions, make sure you give them a call before submitting an application. Universities often charge a fee for accommodation applications, so it’s best to get it right before you have to pay.

Accommodation options to explore

Accommodation usually isn’t a “one size fits all” situation. There are a few different types of options you can choose from depending on your individual circumstances, including:

On campus accommodation (sometimes known as halls of residence)
Private student accommodation
Private rentals

On campus accommodation

Lots of universities offer accommodation options located right on campus. Sometimes they’re run by the Uni, and sometimes they’re affiliated with or owned by separate institutions. Sizes and included facilities differ from place to place, with everything from private single bedroom suites through to six person share houses.

Utilities like gas, water, and electricity are usually included in your fees, and most places will provide free internet access. Other perks you might find include:

All utilities, including internet
Furnished rooms
Meal plans
Cleaning service
24-hour security and on-site staff support
Social events and activities
Study areas
Recreation areas, e.g. cinema rooms, gyms, BBQs, etc.

You can find out about what options are on offer at each university on their individual websites or give them a call and ask.

Private student accommodation

Universities aren’t the only ones who offer student accommodation – there are also lots of private providers who manage purpose-built student accommodation, meaning the only people you’ll be living with are other students. The main difference is these places tend to be a bit further away from campus (but are usually still pretty close). Just like on campus accommodation, there are different options to explore to suit all budgets and preferences.

Private student accommodation usually offers a lot of the same perks as other on campus options, like fully furnished rooms and all-inclusive utilities.

To find private student accommodation, the best place to look is usually online. Your chosen university may also be able to help you with nearby private options.

Private rentals

If neither of those options appeal to you, renting your own place might be more your style. The main perk of this option is the total freedom to choose where you live and who you live with. Private rentals can also be cheaper compared to dedicated student accommodation, but the rent usually doesn’t include any additional bills, like electricity, gas, and internet, so you’ll need to pay for these separately.

Sometimes you can find furnished rentals, but most places usually come unfurnished. You may also need to pay a deposit or security payment (also known as bond).

You can search for private rentals online or go over your options with a real estate agent.

Available facilities

When you’re new to Uni, it might be easier to settle in if there are communal areas where you can hang out and meet other students, such as common rooms, movie rooms, or gyms. You’ll also want to check out what the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom arrangements are to see if they’ll suit you.

Get your applications in ASAP

Accommodation options are usually always in high demand, no matter where you’re thinking of living. You might have a lot on your mind already, but perhaps you can enlist a parent, carer, or sibling to help you do some groundwork, then get your applications in ASAP.

The sooner you apply, the more chances you’ll have of getting one your top preferences – and it’s one more think you can check off your list and stop stressing about.

If you want to know more about your accommodation and study options, check out our website here.

Arts & Engagement

Anne Aldis- Arts & Engagement Coordinator