Welcome back to Term 3!  An action – if maybe somewhat virtual – packed term.  This term is a huge one for Year 12s as they start to formalise their choices for beyond Year 12.  For students in Years 9, 10 and 11, they will also be making choices of what to study in 2021.  The main message is to follow what you think you will enjoy and be good at!

During the holidays I read an article in a free publication that turned up in my post box, which really resounded with me and this generation of students.  It is perhaps hard for parents and older family members to grasp the notion of the workplace as we have known it but times are changing rapidly and part of this is how students will now decide what to do after school – and many of them will have no idea!  But this is another “new norm” and it is okay to not know!

The article by Caroline Zielinski (‘Wellbeing this Month’) brochure explored this new landscape and suggests “… Millennial, Gen Z or even Gen X… have [often] been advised to ‘just follow your passion’… But with seemingly endless choices it can be difficult to know where to start – let alone imagine … doing the same thing for forty years.  Fortunately our expectations of work as well as employers’ expectations of us as workers are changing and it is no longer assumed we will stick around in the one place – or even industry – forever.”

The article quotes Jayashri Kulkarni, professor of Psychiatry at Alfred Health and Monash University who says “This is good news for those who do not necessarily have a ‘calling in life’, which is most of us.”  The professor goes on to say that “if you don’t know what your passion is… you should do a lot of things until something does start to feel more engaging.”  For students at school, this may be undertaking Work Experience a number of times (once we can again!), becoming involved in volunteering or community endeavours and researching different and varied possibilities.

During school years, students are presented with a lot of information – but even researching jobs/courses/apprenticeships early on in Years 9 and 10, will help to open up ideas.  Conversations with family and friends are often the most powerful tool for students and as parents we too need to change how we think about the world of work that our students will be entering.  Nothing has made this more obvious than the situation at present.  Many jobs will return differently in the future and this generation will be the drivers of change in the workplace.

Prof Kukarni also suggested “… instead of feeling bad or anxious that no one thing truly excites you, step back and take stock of what you have done so far – and what makes you happy inside.  The better you know yourself and understand what you like, what you don’t, what you’re excellent at and what your limitations are, the more comfortable you will be with your life decisions.’

As we all know, careers as a concept is no longer lineal – Lifelong Learning is the way to approach careers  and decision-making, which builds on personal and transferrable skills, knowledge, resilience and adaptability.

So as we approach subject selection and course selection, students are encouraged to utilise the tools and people around them.  Years 10, 11 and 12 students have their Career Wise report – revisit it if necessary!  Go back and look at earlier ‘Careers’ newsletters – and read this one!

And keep having those wonderful conversations with family, friends and acquaintances.  Ask questions, make note of what you are good at and like, ask others to tell you what they think you would be good at or enjoy – every little piece of information makes the jigsaw more complete!

Mrs Deb Cumming
Head of Careers

 

Currently in Year 12 and considering tertiary study?

Victorian courses
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) processes course applications on behalf of participating higher education institutions.  From Monday 3 August, you will be able to create a VTAC account and apply for vocational and higher education courses.  VTAC has developed a series of resources to assist students with their applications.  The following are examples:
Website:  The website and social media channels contain information about the application process, Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and scholarships, www.vtac.edu.au/
Year 12 Guide:  Year 12 students can access an online resource to assist them with their applications, https://bit.ly/2Zpe6Ri
They can also download a printable guide, https://bit.ly/38RMFD9
Instructional videos:  These outline how to set up a VTAC account, how to search for courses and how the preference system works, http://bit.ly/2a9lzwg
VTAC CourseSearch app:  You can download the app from Google Play or the App Store.

NSW and Canberra courses
The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) processes course applications on behalf of participating higher education institutions.  NSW students are able to apply for vocational and higher education courses now for the 2021 intake and Victorian students will be able to apply from Saturday 1 August.  UAC has developed a series of resources to assist students with their applications:
Website:  The website and social media channels contain information about the application process, key dates, Education Access Schemes and scholarships, www.uac.edu.au
Downloadable publications:  Download resources on the application process, key dates, Education Access Schemes and scholarships, https://bit.ly/2WcBBvd
Instructional videos:  https://bit.ly/2CwiiFW

Other states
Information and resources for other states can be accessed at the following websites:
SA/NT, www.satac.edu.au
Queensland, www.qtac.edu.au
WA, www.tisc.edu.au
Tasmania, www.utas.edu.au

Post school qualifications

Why is completing a vocational or higher education qualification after school so important?
According to the My Career Match website:
Of the thirteen million jobs in Australia in 2020, eleven million (eighty-five per cent) will require a Certificate III or higher.  Four million (thirty per cent) will require a Bachelor degree or higher.  Many of the careers and jobs that are around today will disappear by the time students get their first job and many new careers will be created.  To read more about the future automation, globalisation and collaboration of the future workforce, read the following report by the Australian Foundation for Young Australians,  http://bit.ly/29ARTcf

 

Preparing the digital workforce of tomorrow

ING has released a Future Focus Report that explores the rapid acceleration of digital technologies in the workplace brought on by the impact of COVID-19.  It looks at the impact this is having on the jobs and skills needed for the future workforce.  Students may find the research interesting.  You can download the report here, https://bit.ly/3h8iL0n

 

Updates from Australian Catholic University

New early entry program – ACU Guarantee
Launching this year is the ACU Guarantee program, which will allow Year 12 students to gain entry to ACU based on their Year 11 results.  Opening in August for 2021 applications, the ACU Guarantee program will see offers made as early as September – although students must still complete their Year 12 exams to qualify.  Students can also apply for additional adjustment factors by submitting up to three statements outlining personal circumstances and their motivation for university study.  Applications open 3 August 2020 and close 25 September 2020, https://bit.ly/32fo8GD

Note:  Students can also still apply for the Community Achievers Program or the Passion for Law and Passion for Business early entry programs, https://bit.ly/39y07e6

Year 12 Revision Webinars
To help students tackle their final exams, ACU will be running Year 12 Revision Webinars.  These free ninety-minute virtual sessions will be led by experienced Year 12 teachers and exam markers so that students can get personal help in a wide range of subjects, https://bit.ly/2ZtKMJL

Support for Year 12 students
Please check out the new support page for Year 12 students, https://bit.ly/306o6y5

 

New La Trobe University pathways

The following is information from La Trobe University about two new pathway options for the 2021 intake:
ATAR is just one way to get into university and our research has shown it is not the only predictor of success.  We recognise many Year 12 students have had their year impacted so we have created two new free pathways that offer current Year 12s the option to study online at a university level in tandem with their VCE, HSC or VCAL.  We will use their subject mark or average mark to calculate a La Trobe ATAR equivalent score, and if they also receive an ATAR in 2020 we will use whichever result is higher to assess their application.
You can research the pathway options below:
Achieve at La Trobe, https://bit.ly/3eplH6H
Prepare for La Trobe, https://bit.ly/3evcSs6

Note:  Students can also still apply for the Aspire Program, http://bit.ly/2v9WOLN

 

ATAR Notes

The ATAR Notes website has resources for VCE students.  You can download free exam preparation and summary notes for subjects and watch lectures.  You can also access paid online tutoring for subjects and purchase subject guides.  Register here, https://atarnotes.com/

 

STEM Careers

The following articles are from Careers With STEM, http://careerswithstem.com.au

Thinking about studying IT or Computer Science?
There will be three and a half million new jobs in cyber security by 2021, which makes it an awesome and in-demand area to specialise in.  Check out the brand new Careers With STEM cyber security careers hub – you will find out what to study, which employers to hit up and what is involved in the job, https://bit.ly/304ovkE

Quiz:  What should you study after school at university?
Stumped on what to study after secondary school?  These five study quizzes are designed to help you find a university degree that fits, https://bit.ly/2OiUo3s

What can you do with a degree in Physics?
Sold on a Bachelor of Science but not sure which subjects to major in?  These are four cool and unexpected jobs a Bachelor of Science (Physics) could lead to, https://bit.ly/3fsvfzp

How a Maths degree could lead you to work at ASIO
A Maths degree could lead to a career with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), a government body that exists to protect Australians from serious threats to security, https://bit.ly/38RMGXH

 

Employability Toolkits

The University of Sunshine Coast has developed these fantastic employability toolkits for students:

Toolkit 1 (professional personal branding):  https://bit.ly/2AWko1w

Toolkit 2 (maintaining a professional LinkedIn profile):  https://bit.ly/3j3boZx

Toolkit 3 (develop your digital portfolio):  https://bit.ly/3gS8PaQ

Toolkit 4 (support your personal brand in a job application process):  https://bit.ly/2CCHmLt

 

Upcoming virtual events and recorded webinars

UNSW Careers in Medicine
The UNSW Rural Clinical School is running a Careers in Medicine webinar for students interested in studying medicine in the future.
Date:  Thursday 23 July, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/2CakvHh

 

Australian Institute of Music (AIM)
AIM is located in Melbourne and offers courses in:
• Audio, Classical, Contemporary
• Composition and Music Production
• Music Theatre
• Arts Management and Entertainment Management
• Dramatic Arts
The institute is running a virtual open day for prospective students and their families.
Date:  Saturday 25 July, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/32rvreH

 

Discover Deakin Seminars
Deakin University is running the following online information sessions for prospective students:
July
20  Occupational Therapy
21  Public Health and Health Promotion
22  Optometry
23  Nursing and Midwifery
27  Exercise and Sport Science
28  Nutrition Sciences
29  Psychology
30  Health Sciences
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/2YIZXi5

 

Monash University – Online Information Seminars
Monash
is running the following online information sessions for prospective students:
Inside Monash Seminars
July
22  Education and teaching
23  Nursing and Midwifery
28  Advanced Science degrees
29  Careers in the health sector
30  Occupational Therapy and Paramedicine

Inside Monash Seminars – recorded webinars
You can watch the following webinars at any time:
• Fine Art and Art History and Curating
• Architecture
• Business
• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science

For all Inside Monash Seminars visit, https://bit.ly/2LaE3fA

Information evenings
Monash
is hosting online information evenings for prospective students and their families on the following dates in August: 11, 12, 25.  Register here,  https://bit.ly/39GmmOQ

 

Australian Catholic University – Talk with Industry series
You can watch recorded webinars at any time that are focused on the following course areas:
• Exercise Science and Physiotherapy
• Business and IT
• Law
• Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
• Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology
Visit, https://bit.ly/2XwbkYr

 

The Hotel School Melbourne
The Hotel School
offers courses in hotel management and international hotel management.  The school is running a virtual event where you can meet and talk to current students about the course they are studying and also speak to a course adviser via Live Chat.
Date:  Thursday 23 July, 2020
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/2Ox1NfT

 

The University of Melbourne
Meet Melbourne Live
You can watch recorded webinars at any time that are focused on the following course areas:
• Agriculture and Food Science
• Health
• Law
• Architecture, Building, Planning and Design
• Science
• Engineering
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Music
• Education
• Veterinary Medicine
• Commerce
• IT and Computer Science
You can watch the webinars by visiting, http://bit.ly/2TJWmxa

Bite Sized Lectures
Watch lectures from The University of Melbourne lecturers, https://bit.ly/3g1DZwn

 

Federation University – Your Fed Future
Federation University is running the following online webinars for prospective students:
July
21  Psychology
22  Biomedical Science
30  Food and Nutritional Science
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/2WfWfLo

You can watch recorded webinars at any time that are focused on the following course areas:
• Engineering
• Social Work
• Business
• Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Teaching
• Sport, Physical and Outdoor Education
• International Sport Management
• Science
• Community and Human Services
• Arts/Social Sciences
• Communication Design
• Visual and Fine Arts
• Nursing
• IT
• Scholarships
• Virtual campus tours
• Pathways
Visit, https://bit.ly/3fp9Yqh

 

RMIT University – Discover What’s Next series
RMIT University
is running the following online sessions for prospective students:
July
23  Health and Biomedical Sciences
28  Education and Social Sciences
30  Building and Construction
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/2M0UGeg

 

Tertiary Information Service (TIS)
TIS is running the following online information sessions for students:
29 July:  VTAC applications
26 August:  SEAS and Scholarship applications
1 October:  Transition to university/moving away from home
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/2NoSH3W

 

Early Entry Programs


Swinburne 2021 Early Entry Program
A different way to enter university that will not depend on your ATAR.  For Semester 1, 2021 only.  The Swinburne 2021 Early Entry Program is a unique opportunity for current Year 12 students to receive a conditional offer based on a recommendation by the school and not based on an ATAR.  Applications open early August 2020 but interested students are invited to register their interest and receive regular updates, register here.

Details of the application process, as well as participating courses can be found below:
1.  Application process
For a detailed overview of the steps students will need to follow, as well as some handy FAQ.
2.  Eligible courses
Not all courses will be offered through this program, so here is a list of the eligible courses and their VTAC codes.
3.  Recommendation form
As part of this alternate entry to university, students will need to submit a letter of recommendation.  Here is a PDF copy of the Recommendation Form, you can also download it here.

 


New entry options for current Year 12 Students at UWA
We appreciate that the global COVID-19 pandemic is causing a lot of uncertainty at the moment, particularly for students who will be completing Year 12 and we can assure you we are working on ways to support them.  These include opening up a variety of alternatives for students hoping to apply to The University of Western Australia (UWA). UWA is now offering three different ways for current Year 12 school leavers in Australia to apply for admission to its main undergraduate degrees – the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science for 2021 entry.  For more information and to register for updates, visit Entry Options for current Year 12 Students at UWA.

 


Bond with Bond Webinar
At Bond University, students enjoy small classes, world-class facilities and are immersed in an environment with endless possibilities.  Whether that be leadership opportunities, international exchanges, internships, social clubs and a strong sporting culture.  Students keen on finding out more are encouraged to connect to an online presentation on Wednesday 22 July at 6:00 pm to discover why Bond University has ranked number one for ‘Student Experience’ in Australia for the last fourteen years in a row.
The session will cover:
• Programs and Scholarship offerings and eligibility criteria
• On campus Bond support services and facilities
• A Journey to success – How to apply
• The Student Perspective – a Victorian student will share their journey and experiences at Bond
• Q&A
Register at Bond with Bond Webinar

 


Applying Directly to the University of Notre Dame
We know that you are a person, not a number.  That is why our unique admissions process goes beyond a single score.  We are interested in the person.  We consider your academic record and your personal qualities, your gifts and talents, your motivation to study and your contribution to community life.
The University of Notre Dame is accepting direct applications from Year 12 students and if students choose to apply now, they will be required to provide:
Final Year 11 and available Year 12 reports; other supporting documentation you would like considered (this may include certificates, awards or references that demonstrate your achievements), and in the application provide details regarding what is motivating you to study the degree you have chosen and about your interests and achievements.
Find out more at Applying to Notre Dame.