FROM HEAD OF SENIOR STUDIES AND CAREERS, KATH KNOWLES
UAC admissions opening early
If you’re a Year 12 student in NSW, or an interstate student planning on applying in 2020 to a Uni in NSW through UAC, there’s some good news.
You can now start the undergraduate admissions process from 9am on 3 April 2019 (in previous years you had to wait until August). So if you know what you want to study and where, you could get your Uni applications done early in the Year, leaving more time to focus on study near to your exams.
University of Sydney Year 10 Info Evenings
Join us on campus for a fun and informative evening where we will answer the important questions: How does scaling work? What should you consider when selecting your subjects for Year 11 and 12? What are prerequisites and assumed knowledge? What is university really like? You will hear from a range of speakers including University staff and students.
- Thursday 4 April 2019
- Tuesday 7 May 2019
- Thursday 16 May 2019
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ)
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 programmes.
The UCAT ANZ test will replace the UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) from 2019 (for university entry in 2020).
The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.
It is also an opportunity to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate aptitude for a demanding programme of study.
The UCAT ANZ is a computer-based test delivered in Pearson VUE test centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and at some overseas locations.
Please note that some pathways to medicine / dentistry / clinical sciences will not require the UCAT. For some applicants a different test may be required. For details candidates should refer to the websites of the universities to which they intend to apply.
Find the dates for 2019 here – https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/dates-and-fees/
UCAT Free Practice Papers
UCAT has now replaced UMAT as the admissions test for entry into medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes in Australia and New Zealand.
The UCAT is a 2 hour computer-based test that will run throughout July 2019. You can download a brochure here – UCAT Handbook
We also have UCAT guides and a free full-length UCAT practice exam available for download on our website: www.matrix.edu.au/beginners-guide-to-ucat/part-8-ucat-practice-paper/
Find out about the UCAT Masterclass here – https://www.matrix.edu.au/ucat-courses/
UCAT Dates 2019
Candidates taking the UCAT in 2019 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2020 should note these key dates:
| Registration and booking opens | 1 March 2019 |
| Registration closes | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Final booking deadline | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Cancellation deadline | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Testing begins | 1 July 2019 |
| Last testing date | 31 July 2019 |
| Results delivered to universities | Early September 2019 |
Find out more here – https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/dates-and-fees/
Workshops & Courses
A Day in the Life of a Surgeon
9 March | UTS Sydney
MedView’s “A Day in the Life of a Surgeon” will cut through the fat and give you a gross-anatomical view of what it’s like to be a surgeon, and how to excise the relevant information to become one.
Understand the complex pathway on training to be a doctor, and ultimately a surgeon (including UCAT, Medical School and specialty training)
Learn basic Surgical and Suturing Techniques
Understand the human body with an Anatomy Masterclass
Hear from an inspiring Surgeon , and junior doctors from Queensland’s best hospitals.
Find out more – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-surgeon-sydney-tickets-54791981291
The New HSC Syllabus Explained & How to Ace It!
11 February I Sydney
With the New HSC Syllabus starting for the HSC 2019, Year 12 students will be the first students to sit this new syllabus for their HSC!
To help you get your head around all the changes + ace your HSC, in this 1.5 hour workshop led by CEO of Art of Smart Education you’ll learn what you need to know about the new HSC syllabus.
Film Short Course
In February and March we have weekend introductory courses in Directing , Screenwriting , Documentary and Producing which will give you insight into key career paths in the screen industry and are open to students 16+. We also have skills-based two-day courses in Premiere Pro , Budgeting and Camera and Sound and Online courses in Radio and Podcasting . Also just scheduled for April is John Collee’s one-day Writing for Hollywood , a great insight for all aspiring feature film writers.
Find out more here or here – https://www.aftrs.edu.au/courses/
How to register for the SAT internationally
Test dates for 2019 are coming up in March and May. You can sit it multiple times but you need to register!
Learn how to put your name down for the exam in this comprehensive article
University of Sydney – Year 10 Subject Selection Guide
To get into some of our courses, you’ll need to choose certain elective subjects in Years 11 and 12. That’s why it’s important for you to start preparing in advance. This guide will help you prepare and provide you with
some key things you should know about studying at uni.
Read Guide – https://sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/resources-for-career-advisers/UniSyd-Year-10-Guide.pdf
CASPer Test – New Requirement for Teacher Entry in 2019
If you want to study education at uni next year then you’ll possibly need to sit the CASPer test. It’s a test designed to assess traits like professionalism, empathy, communication and ethics. Find out more about it here.
ACU is using CASPer results for 2019
Find out more and take the test here – https://takecasper.com/
Community service as important as ATAR for Year 12s in ANU overhaul
In a new scheme designed to diversify the university’s ranks, school leavers will be asked to meet a minimum threshold of community service and extra-curricular activity such as working part-time, playing sport or volunteering, on top of achieving the right score for their degree.
ANU vice-chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said students were more than “just a score” and had unique skills on offer from time spent volunteering, working part-time, excelling in sports or performance or participating in student leadership.
You can find out if you meet the tests here – http://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/new-admissions-for-2020/co-curricular-or-service-requirement
EducationUSA
This U.S. Government Website provides advice to students interested in applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Information includes how to apply, testing, financial aid, visas, and more. The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney has an EducationUSA Centre, and students, parents and career advisers can make appointments to visit the centre.
https://www.educationusa.info/australia
Changes to Police Officer Recruitment Process
The main changes to the recruitment process include no minimum academic requirement, introduction of a University Certificate in Workforce Essentials, the entrance exam is now known as the Police Entrance Exam, copies of transcripts and other mandatory documents need to be certified by a Justice of the Peace, online application via JobsNSW and a case office will contact applicants once applications are received.
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/home
There are 3 ways to study at UNSW Canberra (ADFA)
- ADFA Trainee Officers study Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, Science, or Technology degrees (while receiving military training and subsidised accommodation and living costs)
- Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship students study Computing and Cyber Security or specialist Engineering degrees in Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical (with full tuition fee scholarships and stipends)
- Non-Defence Undergraduate students study specialist Engineering degrees in Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical or Engineering / Science double degrees (with paid work experience opportunities).
Our students are provided with a unique study experience, access to custom-built facilities and resources, outstanding industry networks, and graduate with a degree from one of the top universities in the world.
Find out more – http://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/study
Five tips to help year 12 students set better goals in the final year of school
A great article for Year 12’s, with useful advice about how to avoid anxiety and perform your best in the year ahead. Read it here.
Breaking bad study habits
Start the new school year off right with these great tips for staying focused while studying.
Check them out – http://learningfundamentals.com.au/blog/breaking-bad-study-habits-16-effective-habits-for-success/
Smartphone Apps to Help with Studying
This article features some smartphone apps that can help students to improve their study habits.
Think Education have produced a free eBook with tips on how to master your final year of school.
http://beyou.think.edu.au/surviving-year-12
TSFX Edge Online
Edge Online is an online resource portal that provides exclusive resources designed to provide students with the best opportunities to optimise their Year 11 and 12 scores.
http://www.tsfx.com.au/resources/
Tips for volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to give to your community, meet interesting people, and learn new skills. It can also be a great way to get some experience on your resume before you get a job. Youth Central have some tips on finding a volunteering position and making sure you’re not being exploited in the role.
http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-careers/volunteering-work-experience/volunteering
My Future – Supporting your Child’s Career Development
Support from family and key people in their life is important in helping young people through the process of thinking about and planning for their career.
As a parent or carer, four areas where you can provide practical support are self-awareness, opportunity awareness, decision making and transition support.
Read more at – https://myfuture.edu.au/career-insight/details?id=supporting-your-child-s-career-development – /
Find out which occupations have skills shortages
Choosing a job in an industry where they need more workers is usually a smart decision. Right now, most professions are adequately supplied with large numbers of qualified candidates competing for vacancies. There are shortages for architects, surveyors, sonographers, audiologists and veterinarians, and many trades need more qualified people.
Find out where more people are needed here – https://www.employment.gov.au/occupational-skill-shortages-information
Careers in Sport
This website is for anyone interested in a career in sport and fitness. There is information about recommended qualifications and pathways, along with a list of available positions and courses.
http://www.sportspeople.com.au/
TSFX Free HSC Survival Guide
The School for Excellence (TSFX) have put together a 36 page guide to help year 12 students achieve the best possible marks in end of school exams. The guide has advice about goal setting, managing stress and procrastination, time management skills, effective learning techniques, planning study timetables and more.
Download it here: http://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-survival-guide-edge-teachers
Job Spotlight
Paramedic
What do they do?
Paramedics are highly trained healthcare professionals, they respond to medical emergencies outside of the hospital environment. They provide care and treatment of critically ill or injured patients with the aim of keeping them alive or stabilising their condition until they get to hospital.
If you’re a people person and have a desire to help people and make a difference. Or you’d like a job that’s guaranteed to be different every single day, where you never stop learning and you’d be a member of a supportive team for life. A career as a paramedic could satisfy all your requirements.
Duties:
- Respond to 000 calls for emergency medical assistance
- Assess patient’s condition and determine course of treatment
- Closely follow all guidelines laid out for interaction and treatment of patients
- Safely transport patients to hospital
- Handover of patient to hospital staff, including detailed reports of their observations and treatment
- Create a patient care report documenting treatment
- Record and replace supplies used, check and clean equipment
Skills required:
- Effective and appropriate communication and interpersonal skills
- Work as a supportive and contributing team member
- Professional, respectful conduct
- Uphold the duty of care equally to all patients
- Record keeping and reporting
- Work under pressure, control emotions, make decisions quickly
- High level of personal fitness
Prerequisites for applications (what the ambulance service may expect you to have before you apply)
- Certification to work within the state you’re applying
- Full manual driver’s license
- Pass full medical and fitness assessments
- Up to date Vaccinations
- Working with children and/or Police Check
Pathways
- Minimum undergraduate degree in Para-medicine or Health Science
- Foundation Courses:
- Diploma of Paramedical Science
- Certificate IV in Health Care
- Certificate III in non-emergency patient transport
- Australian Citizens are also eligible for entry through the Defence Force
Average salary for a fully qualified and experienced paramedic is $88,400 but this varies massively depending on overtime (Source: Joboutlook.gov.au)
Job growth in this area is very strong (source: Joboutlook.gov.au)
Solar Technician
Renewable energy is a booming industry and set to continue growing.
You’d be assembling, installing and maintaining solar panels for residential or commercial projects, in accordance with predetermined plans, building codes, and safety restrictions.
If you’d like a hands-on job that also comes with some responsibility. If you enjoy technical puzzles and working outside (also at heights or in small, confined spaces), then this could be a career for you.
Duties:
- Assess the job site, identify and resolve any potential hazards
- Create or interpret installation plans
- Determine parts and steps required for installation
- Install, inspect, maintain and repair solar panel systems (including all of their parts)
- Carry out electrical works required
- Carry out electrical testing necessary to install the system, ensure it works
- Fault finding, preparing quotes and fixing systems
- Weatherproofing of solar installation
Skills required:
- Technical skills
- Electrical knowledge and certification
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Good work ethic & ability to work alone
Pathways
CEC (Clean Energy Council) accreditation through trade-based training/apprenticeships combined with Certificate III / IV. or a University degree in Renewable Energy Engineering or Energy Studies.
Average salary $72,800 (Source: indeed.com)
Job growth in this area is strong (source: Joboutlook.gov.au)
