In this issue

Well done to everyone for a huge Term 3. This is always a busy time of year for students choosing their subjects for the following year and those students in Year 12 who are  applying to universities.  As we enter the holidays, Year 12 students have a few things they will need to ensure that they have crossed off the list. Timely applications to VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) close on Thursday 28 September at 5:00 pm. Applications before 28 September will carry a fee of $55 and applications after that, will increase to $140 for late applications and $180 for very late applications. One application fee to VTAC can cover up to eight different courses at multiple universities. Even if you are considering taking a gap year, you will still need to complete your application this year and defer your offer for 12 months.

Year 12 students need to ensure you have checked all of the requirements for courses you are applying for including whether you need to complete the CASPer test for education degrees, book in auditions or organise a folio. If you are unsure about what you need to do, you can email me during the term break.

There is a large number of students who are undertaking work experience during the holidays, and I hope that they learn a lot from those opportunities as it can help inform their pathways for the future. Work experience is such a valuable thing for students to undertake as you will gain such an insight into what different careers look like, plus it looks fantastic on your resume.

Lastly, have a wonderful break and I am looking forward to working with you all in Term 4.

‘Impossible is just an opinion.’ – Paulo Caehlo

Sarah Luck
Head of Careers
sluck@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Important Dates

Key Dates  
VTAC timely applications are now open and applications must be submitted by 28 September at 5:00 pm.

You can also download the VTAC Quick Reference Guide for Year 12 Students or a postcard with key dates.

VTAC Year 12 Guides 2024
The online VTAC Year 12 Guide and the downloadable VTAC Tertiary Research Guide are designed to provide students with useful information regarding course research and the application processes for entry to tertiary study in Victoria in 2024.  Year 12 students are encouraged to browse both resources and begin to familiarise themselves with what lies ahead over the coming months.  This includes requests for special consideration (SEAS), scholarship applications and other supporting documentation that may be required by institutions.

As already mentioned to Year 12 students, you need to create an account through VTAC to apply for university and some TAFE courses.

Year 10 Students

The University of Melbourne | Hands on Engineering and IT
A day of workshops to introduce Year 10 students to different areas of Engineering and IT.

You don’t need any prior knowledge – this day is about having a look at Engineering and IT, solving a few problems, seeing the campus, meeting some students and academics, having a pizza lunch and having fun. The schedule will be repeated daily so students should attend one day only.

Wednesday 27 or Thursday 28 September
Location: The University of Melbourne, Parkville
Find out more

Events and Information Sessions

Whitehouse Institute of Design Illustration and Portfolio Workshop, Melbourne
This workshop is for aspiring designers and is recommended as a starting point for those wishing to develop their illustration skills and create a portfolio for application to the Bachelor of Design program. In this two hour workshop, you will gain an understanding of how to illustrate with marker and paper, experiment with different multimedia materials and learn techniques for presenting your creative ideas.
This workshop focuses on the following areas of skill development including:

• Illustration techniques
• Application of pencils, professional markers and felt-tip pens for professional rendering
• Brief analysis of trends and preparation of illustrations to complement a mood board
• Exploring an individual design aesthetic
• Beginners portfolio development and learn how to present your work for application to the Bachelor of Design program.

Monday 18 September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Whitehouse Institute of Design, Level 4/672 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Cost: $99

Find out more

AIE | Industry Experience Day
This is a great opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to learn about the local and international game development, 3D animation and visual effects industries. Students will get the opportunity to learn about the different pathways to get into the industry, what should be in a portfolio and will be able to get creative in practical workshops using industry-standard 3D animation and game development tools.

The sessions are run by industry professionals who have worked on some blockbuster games and films. Everything is provided for you to participate in the hands-on workshops and you will be using the same software that is used in the industry.

Wednesday 20 September, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: World Trade Centre, Melbourne
You must register to attend

Tour the Monash Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
If you would like to take a closer look and see where you could be studying next year, this is your chance to visit the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science at Clayton.  Get a feel for campus life and have a chat with faculty staff and students. If you need any course advice, staff can also help with that.

Tuesday 19 September, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm or
Wednesday 20 September, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Monash Clayton
Find out more

Monash University Fine Art, Design and Architecture Experience Day
This on-campus event is for students interested in studying Fine Art, Design or Architecture. Students will participate in hands-on workshops and learn about Monash courses. The program will run on 26 and 27 September at the Caulfield campus. Spaces will fill quickly. Register your place via Fine Art Experience day

Deakin Campus Tours
There is only one way to choose a university – you need to experience it for yourself. Join a one hour campus tour of your choice, guided by a current student and have all of your study questions answered. With a range of tour options available, you will get a first-hand look into the study areas and facilities that interest you most.

Geelong Waurn Ponds: Wednesday 20 September
Warrnambool: Thursday 21 September
Burwood: Tuesday 26 September
Geelong Waterfront: Wednesday 27 September

For further details visit: Deakin campus tours

ACU | Talk with Exercise Science and High Performance Sport Professionals
ACU alumni  will share their experiences working as exercise scientists and high performance sport professionals in this online information session. Take part in a Q&A session about where a career in sport and exercise science could take you.
Wednesday 20 September
Find out more

ACU | Talk with Arts Graduates
Join in online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences after graduating with an arts degree. Take part in a Q&A session about the vast range of careers an arts degree can lead to.
Thursday 21 September
Find out more

Victoria Police Stand – Melbourne Royal Show 2023
Victoria Police will be at the Melbourne Royal Show, where you can experience the best of Victoria’s agriculture, entertainment and attractions.
Students keen on learning about a potential career with the Victorian Police are invited to visit the Victoria Police Stand and speak to someone from the specialised units.

Students can expect the following at the Victoria Police Stand:

• Meet and greet with the friendly police officers and specialised units.
• Opportunities to ask questions and learn about the recruitment process.
• Engaging displays including the marked Tesla patrol car.
• Take home merchandise and information booklets.

For ticket information and event updates, please visit the Melbourne Royal Show’s official website – 2023 Melbourne Royal Show.
Students are encouraged to visit Victoria Police – Melbourne Royal Show and register their interest in speaking with Victoria Police at the show.  
Note: registering an interest will not provide entry into the show; this will be at a student’s own expense.

Thursday 21 September – Sunday 1 October
Location: Melbourne Showgrounds – 9News Lifestyle and Local Heroes Pavilion

Catch up on ADFA Open Day 2024
Students who missed the recent Australian Defence Force Academy’s (ADFA) virtual or campus Open Day, can watch the highlights on ADFA on Demand.  This includes the UNSW live information session about their Arts, Business, Cyber Security, Engineering and Computing and Science degrees.  Visit the Virtual ADFA Open Day to learn more!

University News

Studying Neuroscience at Swinburne
Knowing how the brain works is vital to understanding behaviours and actions.  Neuroscience is an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to scientifically understand the functions of the human brain and nervous system.  Future careers can be found in a range of health and science-related environments.

Swinburne University offers the study of neuroscience through a number of courses, including the following:

• Bachelor of Health Science (Professional) with a major in neuroscience
• Bachelor of Health Science with a major in neuroscience
• Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)
• Master of Health Science (Research)

Scholarships

Gardiner Foundation

Gardiner Foundation offers tertiary scholarships of $10,000 per annum to up to seven people residing in Victorian dairy communities, commencing studies in 2024 to pursue a career that will either directly benefit the dairy industry and/or benefit dairy communities.

To view the brochure click here
For more information visit: Gardiner Foundation
Applications close 5 November 2023

Teaching Degrees in Victoria in 2023

Study education for free
As reported on 12 September 2023, the Victorian Government is making it free to study secondary school teaching from next year, in a bid to boost the supply of teachers.  Scholarships will be available to all students who enrol in secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025.  The government said it would be part of a $229.8 million package to grow the school workforce.  It follows a similar commitment to cover the cost of nursing degrees.  Final payments will be made to the students if they work in a government school for two years after they graduate.  Premier Daniel Andrews said the funding came on top of initiatives already announced in the budget.  “Teachers change lives – it’s as simple as that. This will mean one less barrier for Victorians thinking of a career in teaching, and more great teachers for the education state,” he said.  Read the full article here

Secondary Education
Unless otherwise indicated* secondary undergraduate teaching degrees all have the same VCE prerequisites: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics or Maths: Mathematical Methods or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; and a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.  Unless otherwise stated, these degrees are also four-year degrees.  Students are also to take note that they may be required to sit the CASPer as part of their selection into a teaching course, attain a minimum ATAR of 70.00, and may also be required to undertake the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education prior to graduating.

For a comprehensive list of all teaching courses, their exact prerequisites, their majors and other double degrees they might be linked to, visit VTAC.

Primary Education 
Unless otherwise indicated* primary undergraduate teaching degrees all have the same VCE prerequisites: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics or Maths: Mathematical Methods or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; and a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.  Unless otherwise stated, these degrees are also four-year degrees.  

Early Childhood
Unless otherwise indicated* four-year undergraduate teaching degrees all have the same VCE prerequisites: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics or Maths: Mathematical Methods or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics; and a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

University Snapshot – The University of Queensland (UQ)

• UQ is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions.
• UQ is consistently ranked well inside the top 50 of more than 10,000 universities worldwide – International Rankings.
• UQ is located in and around Brisbane, and the university has teaching and research sites throughout Queensland.  Its major campuses are at St Lucia, Gatton and Herston – Campuses and Locations.
• There are six faculties at UQ, which are responsible for academic programs and decisions regarding a student’s pursuit of their academic program – Faculties.
• At UQ students can choose from an extensive range of undergraduate programs, many of which can be “customised” by major – and minor – fields of study. Programs are organised through schools and faculties, but sometimes a student can “mix and match” between them with electives and dual degrees – Courses and Programs.
• UQ has a diverse student exchange program, and students can study overseas for up to one year while gaining credit towards their UQ degree. UQ has over 120 exchange partners in over 30 countries – UQ Abroad.
• Students keen on learning another language can enrol in one of over 25 different language courses through UQ’s Institute of Modern Languages – Institute of Modern Languages.
• There are over 220 clubs and societies at UQ, all aimed at expanding a student’s social life, playing an important role in the UQ student experience – Clubs and Societies.
• The Employability Award program is a structured program that recognises the personal and professional development a student gains from their involvement in activities above and beyond academic studies.
• UQ has a dedicated website designed for future students to find answers to all the questions they might have about studying at UQ – UQ Answers.
• UQ has some excellent facilities including:
  * a state-of-the-art multi-purpose learning space for first-year engineering students – Engineering
  * the School of Veterinary Science complex – Veterinary Science
  * the Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE) precinct which houses the

School of Pharmacy – Pharmacy

• UQ has ten residential colleges and a number of residences – Accommodation.
• UQ offers a range of scholarship options to make university study more affordable, ranging in value up to $12,000 per year for the VC Scholarship – Scholarships.

Job Spotlight – Data Scientist

If you are great with numbers and enjoy solving puzzles, a career in data science could be perfect for you.  Data scientists are professionals who engage in a process of collecting, analysing and interpreting substantial datasets to extract valuable insights and support decision-making. They employ a combination of computational skills, statistical methodologies and domain knowledge to tackle complex problems and discover meaningful patterns within data.

If you have these skills, you could make a great Data Scientist

• Excellent problem solver
• Analytical and logical
• Strong maths skills
• Good communicator
• Programming knowledge
• An eye for patterns
• Willing to learn
• Great collaborator

Many Data Scientists earn an above average salary throughout their careers.  Data scientists are generally more common in metropolitan areas or urban centres – but as technology advances and remote work becomes more common, opportunities for data science roles in rural areas or smaller towns might also increase.

What is involved in the job?

• Gathering information from various sources
• Ensuring data is accurate and ready for analysis
• Selecting the right tools to analyse the data
• Looking for patterns and trends in the data
• Teaching computer models to understand the data
• Using these models to make predictions
• Visually representing findings to make them understandable to any audience
• Using data insights to improve processes and performance

Resources

STEM Hub
Stem Hub is a digital platform connecting students and industry.  The hub is open to all university students and graduates from any university.  Students who sign up get access to leading industries and potential future employers.

Current senior students planning to study science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics are encouraged to browse this link and flag this platform as a valuable resource once at university.

Good Universities Guide
Students can search over 400 different occupations narrowed down by the field or type of work they would like to do in the future, explore university courses and compare ratings for undergraduate degrees, www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au

Course Seeker
Students can explore university courses for each state on the one website and can research courses, prerequisites, selection criteria and ATAR profiles for the 2024 intake, www.courseseeker.edu.au/

Australian Apprenticeship Pathways
You will be able to undertake apprenticeship aptitude tests, find local apprenticeship and group training centres, and learn about different trade occupations, www.aapathways.com.au

Four steps to finding an apprenticeship or traineeship
Australian Apprenticeships Pathways has developed a fantastic four-step process for students to follow when seeking an apprenticeship or traineeship, www.aapathways.com.au

My Skills
You can search for and explore vocational courses across Australia, learn about in-demand jobs and watch videos of young people who have completed vocational training, www.myskills.gov.au

Employment Resources
Do you need a Tax File Number (TFN)?  If you are planning to get a job or if you would like to study at university or TAFE next year, you will need a TFN. To start the application process, go to www.ato.gov.au

Find out about your rights at work
Learn about your rights, responsibilities, how to resolve issues in the workplace and rules about unpaid work, www.fairwork.gov.au

Learn about safety in the workplace
For your rights and responsibilities, visit www.safe-t1.net.au

How to stay safe – www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/young-workers