In this issue

It has been fantastic meeting with all of the Year 10 students to go through their Morrisby profiles and see the range of careers that have been suggested to them. While it is a huge process to see every student in Year 10, I am loving the opportunity to meet with them and talk through their aspirations before we head off on the Year 10 Conference. If you could not make your scheduled meeting time, there are catch up sessions over the next couple of weeks which you will be emailed about.

University Open Day dates have been confirmed for this year and I highly encourage students and families to attend as they are extremely valuable, you can see the campuses, learn more about the courses you might be interested in, see the on-campus accommodation if that is something you are interested in and get a general feeling for what life on campus is like. These days are not just for Year 12 students, I highly encourage students in the younger levels to attend as well so that you are not leaving all of your research to Year 12.

The dates for VTAC applications are listed below, if you are a Year 12 student, you will need to take note as VTAC is the system through which you will be applying to university. As we get closer to the date of VTAC opening, I will be showing a presentation explaining the application process. Students will then be able to book a time with me to complete their individual profiles.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”- Winston Churchill

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

VTAC Dates 

Events

Victorian Careers Show 2024
Exhibition Pavilion 1, Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale.
The Victorian Careers Show, now in its fourth year follows on from the success of the flagship event, the VCE and Careers Expo.  Smaller than the VCE and Careers Expo earlier this month, this event is aimed at offering VCE students information and resources for the VCE.  Exhibitors will offer:

• Information about university, TAFE and training courses
• Career advice
• Study advice
• Employment advice and opportunities
• Apprenticeship and traineeship advice
• International exchange and gap year programs

17-18 May, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased online, children under 14 are free.
For further information and to purchase tickets visit Victorian Careers Show 2024

Monash University Information Evening at Traralgon

We know that choosing a university is a big decision, especially if you do not live in Melbourne. Monash Information Evenings are the perfect opportunity to have your questions answered on everything you want to know about undergraduate study at Monash.

You will hear about:

• Their 10 diverse study and discipline areas.
• Undergraduate course types, such as our comprehensive and specialist courses, double degrees and pathway programs.
• International opportunities including study abroad and overseas tours.
• How to apply – everything you need to know about VTAC, key dates and deadlines.
• Scholarships and fees.
• Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and the Monash Guarantee.
• Accommodation options, both on and off campus.

Thursday 23 May, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
This event will be held at Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) Auditorium, Latrobe Regional Health, 10 Village Avenue, Traralgon.
The event is free, however you do need to register. Register here

AIE Open Day
World Trade Centre, Tower 4 Atrium Level, 18-38 Siddeley Street, Docklands

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Open Day on Saturday 25 May.

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

• Careers in games and VFX that they train students for;
• Studios and industries who they work with;
• Courses they offer – from beginners to professional mastery, and;
• The software, skills and knowledge they teach.

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

Saturday 25 May, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Find out more

Business Explorer Program
Caulfield Campus

The free Business Explorer Program event is open to VCE students who are considering studying business at university and is a great way to explore the diverse world of commerce through a choice of taster sessions in accounting, economics, banking and finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurship and analytics, statistics and actuarial studies.  Lunch will also be provided.

Tuesday 2 July or Wednesday 3 July, 9:45 am – 3:30 pm
Registration is essential and places are limited. Registrations close 26 June.
Register at Business Explorer.

School Holiday Workshop in Art, Design and Architecture
Gain a better understanding of different art mediums, design thinking approaches and architecture studios through hands-on experience days at Monash Caulfield campus.
Students will find out what it is like to be a university student for a day, meet the Monash staff and explore the workshop spaces Monash students have access to. Sessions are as follows:

Tuesday 2 July – How to Build your Fine Art Folio. Register here
Wednesday 3 July – Design – Around the World in 180 Minutes. Register here
Thursday 4 July – Architecture Making Workshop. Register here

Discover ACU Workshops
Tailored to your course of interest, Discover ACU is designed to give you an exciting first taste of specific disciplines, with an opportunity to speak with current ACU students to find out what life is like in your study area.  Discover their state-of-the-art facilities, all located close to cafes, restaurants and outdoor experiences.

Students should register soon at Discover ACU Workshops

Study Tips

How to ask your teachers for help
Falling behind in class or feeling like you are not understanding something can be upsetting and sometimes overwhelming. And the thought of needing to ask your teachers for help can be even more stressful on top of that. But never fear – your teachers are there to help you out. You should not feel guilty about asking for help, but there are some things you can do to make sure you get the most out of it. The following are tips on how to ask your teachers for help.

Be specific
Instead of just giving up and saying “this subject is too hard” or “I just do not get it”, it is much more constructive (for both you and your teacher) if you can pinpoint the areas you need help with the most.

Take a look back at your work and try to find the specifics on what you are struggling with. For example, you might be able to remember a mathematical formula off by heart, but struggle when it comes to complex problem-solving. Maybe you have a great idea for a short story but are unable to get the grammar quite right.  If you have examples of things you did not get right on tests or assignments, bring those in so you can ask what went wrong.

Be proactive
To get the most out of the help from your teacher, it is best to ask as soon as you realise you are struggling – leaving it until after you receive a bad mark on your assignment is not a great idea.

The more time you have to work through an issue, the more likely it is you will be able to sort it out, instead of adding extra pressure on already stressful deadlines and due dates.

Be respectful
Generally in life, people will be more receptive to helping you if you treat them with kindness and respect. Try and approach your teacher at an appropriate time and be polite.

If your teacher has marked you down or given you a bad grade for reasons you do not agree with, approach the situation with a cool head. Being upset and arguing about it is unlikely to change the outcome – asking questions and seeking feedback is much more helpful.

Be flexible
If you are unable to ask your teachers for help, there are other people you might be able to approach instead. This could be a good friend, a sibling, a parent, or even help from an external tutor. Just remember our second point – the earlier you ask the better!

Be kind to yourself
Remember, there is nothing wrong with needing to ask for help. Do not feel embarrassed or guilty about assistance – there are lots of people around who are more than willing to help out.

If you have already asked and you are still struggling, that is okay too. You should consider speaking to your parents/carers or school about other support options available.

Want some more study tips? Take a look at the Study Work Grow website here.

University News

Bachelor of Health Science (Major in Clinical Technologies)
Swinburne University is the only undergraduate provider in Australia that focuses on the medical technology used in hospitals and monitoring environments such as analytical and research laboratories.

Swinburne offers the Bachelor of Health Science (Major in Clinical Technologies) which prepares students for the future of health technology.  Students learn about anatomy and physiology using cutting-edge medical technology; they learn to use point-of-care, industry-standard devices to medically monitor cardiopulmonary, renal and neurophysiology systems.  They also gain valuable multidisciplinary lab time with biomedical engineering students.

Graduates go on to become clinical physiologists or biomedical scientists, with postgraduate study.  Some of the jobs graduates fill include roles as a – Hospital scientist, cardiac technologist, clinical neurophysiologist, respiratory technologist, sleep technologist.

University Course Spotlight

Marine Science at Deakin University
If you have a passion for protecting marine life, love fishing or have a general love of the ocean, you should consider studying Marine Science. Students studying marine science at Deakin have access to spectacular marine environments teeming with rich biodiversity.  Delivered at the Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses, where the facilities are located at the doorstep of the Great Southern Reef, students become experts in ocean systems by exploring a broad range of disciplines, including marine biology and ecology, oceanography, marine mapping, conservation, aquaculture, fisheries, marine and coastal management.

Importantly, the Bachelor of Marine Science equips students with the skills needed to create a sustainable future for the world’s oceans.  There are many jobs marine science graduates can access including (but not limited to):

• Marine Ranger
• Fisheries Officer
• Oceanographer
• Aquaculturist
• Marine Biologist
• Biosecurity Officer
• Environmental Planner
• Snorkel Instructor
• Marine Microbiologist

The Marine Science course offers two marine science majors:

1. Ocean Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences at the Geelong Waurn Ponds campus
2. Sustainable Marine Management at the Warrnambool campus.

Find out more at Bachelor of Marine Science at Deakin.

Job Spotlight 

Agronomist

Agronomists advise farmers, industry partners and government on all aspects of farming and agriculture. They conduct research and use the findings to help improve farm production and control problems such as disease and pests. Agronomists may also help implement the latest technology on farms to boost sustainability and productivity.  If you love the outdoors, are a great problem-solver and communicator, agronomy could be your perfect future career.

To become an agronomist, you typically need a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, forestry or a related field. You may prefer to complete a relevant vocational qualification and become an agronomist with lots of hands-on work experience.

On-the-job training is common and you may also need to earn additional certifications in specific areas such as pesticide application or soil science.

The tasks you can expect to do are:

• Collect and analyse samples and data.
• Advise farmers on techniques to improve production.
• Identify problems such as diseases, pests and weeds.
• Advise farmers on how to deal with issues.
• Provide advice on caring for and breeding animals.
• Research environmental factors that influence farm production.
• Advise farmers, industry bodies and government on research findings.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest technology and science in agriculture.

Snapshot of The University of Melbourne in 2024

• Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne (UoM) makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning and teaching, and engagement.
• UoM is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world, with international rankings of world universities placing it as number one in Australia and number 34 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023), and number 1 in Australia in numerous subjects (QS World Rankings by subject 2023) – rankings.
• The University of Melbourne has one primary campus, Parkville, north of the Melbourne CBD and associated campuses including Southbank plus rural campuses – Campuses and Facilities.
• UoM offers 17 undergraduate degrees and over 250 graduate courses – Courses at UoM. Usually, 50 per cent of students study undergraduate courses, and the other 50 per cent are in graduate programs.
• UoM offers a small range of Graduate Degree Packages whereby students can bundle an undergraduate degree offer with an offer for a place in one of the specialised, professionally accredited graduate school programs.
• The Bachelor of Design offers 13 majors, including Architecture, Civil Engineering Systems, Computing and Software Systems, Construction, Digital Infrastructure Engineering Systems, Graphic Design, Landscape Architecture, Mechanical Engineering Systems, Performance Design, Property, Spatial Systems, Urban Planning and User Experience Design.
• The university has over 200 clubs and societies, which play an integral part of many students’ university experience – Student Clubs and Societies.
• The university encourages students to make practical learning a part of their Melbourne experience, and these include internships and cadetships, leadership opportunities and volunteering.
• Overseas study programs are offered to students and they are encouraged to study part of their degree in an international setting – Study Overseas.
• The University of Melbourne offers numerous and generous undergraduate scholarships to high-achieving students, as well as numerous equity scholarships too. Recently introduced scholarships are the Melbourne Principals’ Scholarship and Hansen Scholarship.
• UoM also has the Access Melbourne program aimed at students who have found secondary school a challenge, and whose circumstances have prevented them from achieving their best – Access Melbourne.
• Students have access to a wide range of Student Services, which include – Student Services and a Careers Centre.
• UoM offers a Guaranteed Entry to Graduate Pathways – Guaranteed Entry to Graduate pathways.
• UoM has numerous residential colleges for its undergraduate students – Student Accommodation.

Spotlight on Biomedicine/Biomedical Science Degrees in Victoria in 2024

A Biomedicine or Biomedical Science degree is offered at a number of universities and is often regarded as an excellent pathway degree to graduate medical careers.

Visit VTAC for more information on these and other courses – including double degrees.