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:

• 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 – Group of Eight Universities
• Spotlight – Careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)

University open days 2023

Click the hyperlinks to register for upcoming university open days.

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: Defence Careers Mini Expo 18 Feb (multiple session times)
• Virtual: Health Careers Information Session 22 Feb
• Irwin Barracks: Army Reserve Information Session 28 Feb
• Perth: ADFA Information Session 1st March
• Virtual: Engineering Careers Information Session 2 March
• 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. 

ANU Open Day 18th March (online content accessible)

Visit ANU’s Open Day webpage to register for their face-to-face AND ONLINE sessions and resources.

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 prestigeous 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.

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. 

Which University is Best in WA – Good Universities Guide 2022/23 Ranking

Edith Cowan University led Western Australia with 82.6% of students being satisfied with the overall quality of their educational experience. It is ranked third in Australia, behind Bond University on the Gold Coast, which was ranked first again (85.5%), and Avondale University (82.8%) north of Sydney. 

Universities in WA 2022/23 Ranking from Good Universities Guide

Graduate Outcomes

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.

MEDICINE NEWS 

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.

GAP YEAR RESOURCES

Medical Work Experience Overseas for High School Students

Projects Abroad has spent over 30 years helping our participants fulfill their potential and make the world a better place. 

Projects Abroad offers a range of Medical Work Experience programs for high school students, and a number of the destinations are overseas. These overseas medical programs might be of interest to students keen to pursue studies and careers in medicine and healthcare.

These programs are designed for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 and run in the mid-year break and over the summer holiday.  They are ideal for individuals or groups of friends.

Projects Abroad has been running these programs for over 15 years. They are very popular with students from across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America.

Projects Abroad will be running a free webinar that interested students and their parents might like to participate in.

• Date:  Tuesday 28 February 2023
• Time:6.30pm
• Register at Projects Abroad Medical Work Experience

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

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 Marine Discovery Competition

The University of Tasmania is once again proud to present Year 11 and 12 students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a week as a marine biologist.  This is our 2023 Marine Discovery Competition.

A Practical Introduction to Temperate Marine Biology is an introduction to the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science degree at UTAS. Upon completing this short course, students will receive a credit unit towards their future University of Tasmania  degree.

This is a 5-day field trip based on the picturesque Maria Island, on the Tasmanian East Coast. Led by marine ecologist, Dr Scott Bennett, students will be doing field work and experiencing the sights and sounds of climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris, and the associated economic and social impacts.

To enter, students are to complete an online application and submit a 300-word pitch on the topic: why I wish to study the marine biology of Maria Island.

Applications are open and will close at midnight (AEST) on Monday 20 February 2023.

There are 24 places available, 14 of which are scholarships places.  Scholarships will cover flights, accommodation, catering, local transport costs, equipment hire, tuition costs and survey gear. The course will run from Monday April 17 – Sunday April 23, 2023.

Read the Terms and Conditions, here.  

Find out more and apply at 2023 Marine Discovery Competition. 

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

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

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.

SNAPSHOTS

Spotlight – Group of Eight Universities

  Group of Eight Universities

The Group of Eight (Go8) is an association of leading Australian universities - comprehensive in general and professional education and distinguished by depth and breadth in research.  The Go8 universities continually aim to -

• enhance the contribution of its member universities to the nation’s social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being and prosperity
• extend the contribution of its member universities to the generation and preservation of the world’s stock of knowledge
• strengthen Australia’s capacity to engage in and benefit from global developments, respond to global and local challenges
• expand opportunities for Australian students, regardless of background, to participate in higher education of world class.

To find out more about the Group of Eight Universities, visit Group of Eight Universities

Spotlight – Careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Did you know that the ADF offers over 200 roles across a wide range of specialist military positions, support roles, traditional and technical trades, and professions that range from medicine to engineering? Many of these jobs will suit students from diverse backgrounds and those who are not thought of as likely candidates for the ADF.  They include jobs for the future aimed at those looking to make the most of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills. 

To ensure students have the most up-to-date information on the opportunities available in the Navy, Army and Air Force, they are encouraged to explore the Defence Jobs website to help them find what their ideal role in the ADF might be.

• Aviation
• Business, Administration & Education
• Combat & Security
• Communications, IT & Intelligence
• Engineering
• Healthcare, Science & Chaplaincy
• Logistics, Hospitality & Support
• Officers & Management
• Trades

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@cewa.edu.au