Senior School

University Entry and GSG

This week we had the annual visit from the All University Roadshow. All Year Ten students, as well as any Year Eleven and Twelve students who are studying at least one ATAR subject, attended during our regular VACS time. A representative from each of the five WA Universities gave a brief overview of what their institution offers in terms of courses, pathways, scholarships and accommodation. 

It is a competitive environment, and the universities can offer our students a range of concessions and assistance. Our students can benefit in ways such as ATAR bonus points and early offers for courses.

UWA last year offered places in some courses derived from a predicted ATAR based on the students’ Year Eleven results. They have just announced that are doing the same again this year, and some of our Year Twelve students have already lodged applications. I expect the other universities will probably follow suit, as they did last year. Notre Dame has always had Early Entry to courses, as their entry criteria is independent from TISC.

Assuming this practice will now continue into the future, Year Eleven now becomes a very significant academic year. Students who achieve high marks will earn their place at university early the following year – thus relieving a lot of pressure and anxiety. This is of course a good thing – but it also brings the risk of complacency, lowered motivation, and the temptation to ease off in Year Twelve. Minimum achievement criteria do still have to be met; and we hope and assume our students will still aim high in Year Twelve and commit themselves to achieving their academic potential.

I was very pleased by the response from our students; both in terms of their attentive, respectful behaviour, and the range and depth of questions they asked afterwards.

There are many pathways for entry into university. Please feel free to contact your child’s Head of House, the Careers staff or myself if you would like to discuss them and options for your child.

Mr Mark Bonnin | Head of Senior School