INFORMATION BULLETIN - EDITION 4
Queensland
18/03/2013 to 29/03/2013
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APPRENTICESHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT
Appre ntice shi ps and Empl oyment
Accounting/Commerce cadetships
Several organisations offer cadetships for students interested in accounting,
commerce and information technology. Cadetships usually involve work and study, so
you can be earning an income and gaining practical experience while you complete
your university course. Year 12 students interested in cadetships in 2014 should start
looking for them early in the year.
For more information about cadetships, visit the Institute of Chartered Accountants
Australia website at http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/Students/Whatson/Event-listing/National-event-info/Cadetships.aspx. You could also investigate the
cadetship/trainee programs offered by organisations such as:
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Pricewaterhouse Coopers http://www.pwc.com.au/
KPMG http://www.kpmg.com
Ernst and Young www.ey.com/au.
Other useful strategies include doing an Internet search for cadetships and
traineeships and regularly looking at Career One in the Courier Mail on Saturdays.
Can I start an apprenticeship or traineeship at school?
If you have a very good idea of what you want to do when you leave school (do some
work experience in the area to make sure), and your parents and school approve, it is
possible to commence an apprenticeship or traineeship while you are still at
school. These are called School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs).
The major advantage of a SAT is getting a head start on training for the job you want
when you leave school while still being eligible to receive a Queensland Certificate of
Education at the end of Year 12. Normally, when you have a SAT you spend one or two
days with your employer and the rest of the week at school.
It is possible to complete a traineeship while you are still at school. Apprenticeships,
however, normally take longer. School-based apprenticeships are usually converted to
full-time apprenticeships when you leave school.
Find out more about SATs at http://apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au/schoolbased/index.html. Also, you can organise an interview with your school’s VET
coordinator or guidance counsellor/officer to talk about SATs.
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What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?
Whether you do an apprenticeship or a traineeship depends on the type of job you
want in the future. Entry to a skilled trade such as carpentry, plumbing, commercial
cookery, electrical and mechanical requires an apprenticeship. Traineeships are for
vocational areas such as hospitality, office work and IT. Traineeships, while not
necessarily required, will give you the skills to make you more attractive to an
employer.
However, apprenticeships and traineeships have many things in common. Both:
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combine paid work with structured training
require you to have an employer
provide you with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience you
need to get the job you want
can be done full-time or part-time
can be started while you are at school.
For more information about apprenticeships and traineeships, visit the following
websites:
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Department of Education, Training and Employment
http://qtis.training.qld.gov.au/ (click on ‘Apprenticeships’ or ‘Traineeships’ in
the left hand menu)
Australian Apprenticeships www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/
Australian Apprenticeships Pathways www.aapathways.com.au/.
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AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE
Australian Defence Force
Defence jobs website
This site at www.defencejobs.gov.au is your first port of call for initial information
about jobs with the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force. Use the site to answer the
following questions.
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Am I eligible to join? What is the application process? (check out the online
Recruitment Centre at
www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/canIJoin/default.aspx).
What jobs can females apply for in the Australian Defence Force? (visit the
Women in the ADF page at http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/women/).
Use the Personalised Job Finder to find a job that suits you, given your interests
and abilities (see the home page).
Join the Navy team for Zero In and learn about futuristic Air Force technology
with Fly Forward (start at the home page).
Play defence games at http://games.defencejobs.gov.au/.
Learn about the facilities at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra
(see http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa/).
Watch videos about military jobs and start your application.
Any questions you have after viewing the Defence jobs website can be answered by
calling 13 19 01. The Defence Recruitment Team attends career markets and expos.
4
COMPETITIONS
Competiti ons
Bayside Film Festival’s Jump Cut Competition
Filmmakers aged 10 to 26 years are invited to submit an original film to the Jump Cut
competition. Successful films will be screened at the Bayside Film Festival in Victoria in
August. Entries close on Tuesday 30 April 2013. For details, go to
www.bayside.vic.gov.au/arts_jump_cut_festival_overview.htm.
Short film and poster competition
The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre invites applications to the
following competitions.
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Short Film Competition – Young people between 15 and 25 years are to submit
a short film focusing on the issues and risks concerning cannabis and
driving. Entries close on Friday 18 October 2013.
Poster Competition – Young people between 12 and 18 years are to submit a
poster focusing on how young people might help their friend, who is
experiencing problems with cannabis, get help. Entries close on Friday 18
October 2013.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Competition – Indigenous
Australians are to write and record a song to CD that explores the harmful
impact of cannabis on Indigenous communities. Entries close on 4 October
2013.
For more information, visit http://ncpic.org.au/ncpic/news/competitions/.
Writing competition for students
Applications are open for the Write4Fun.net schools writing competition for
2013. Students can submit a poem or short story to win prizes. For more information
about the competition and to apply, visit
http://www.write4fun.net/competitions/. The application due date is 31 March 2013.
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COURSE AND INSTITUTION UPDATES
Cour se and Institution Update s
Applying for health science/veterinary courses at James Cook University
(JCU)
All of the following courses offered by JCU require a QTAC application as well as a
direct application to JCU.
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B Medicine/B Surgery – approximately 150 places in first year
B Dental Surgery - approximately 80 places in first year
B Veterinary Science – approximately 70 places in first year
B Physiotherapy - approximately 80 places in first year
The JCU application form can be downloaded from the university’s website at
www.jcu.edu.au and will be available from 8 July 2013. The due date for applying to
QTAC is 27 September 2013. The date for submitting the JCU application form to JCU
is usually the same as the QTAC due date.
In addition to meeting the subject prerequisites (4SA in English, Maths B and
Chemistry), the selection criteria for the B Medicine/B Surgery includes:
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Academic performance in Year 12
The written content of the JCU application
Performance at an interview
Demonstration of suitability for a career in medicine
Experience/exposure in rural/remote locations.
The subject prerequisites for the B Dental Surgery are 4SA in English, Maths B and
Chemistry. Other selection criteria include academic performance in Year 12, the
content of the JCU application and experience/exposure in rural/remote locations.
Prerequisites for the B Veterinary Science are 4SA in English, Maths B and
Chemistry. This course has a particular emphasis on tropical animal husbandry and
aquaculture. Prequisites for the B Physiotherapy are 4SA in English, Maths B and one
of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physical Education or Health Education.
Bubble Dome holiday workshops
Bubble Dome will be offering workshops on the following topics in Brisbane during the
coming Easter holidays.
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Minecraft Inventions and Challenges – 2 – 4 April 2013
Ultra Minecraft Mods and Java - 8 –11 April 2013
Minecraft Tekkit - 8 – 10 April 2013
All workshops will be held at the Anglican School Grammar School. Visit
www.bubbledome.co.nz/ for details.
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Check out psychology courses at the ACAP information session
The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) provides accredited diploma and
degree courses in counselling, psychology, case management, coaching and people
management. ACAP’s Brisbane campus will hold an information session at 10 am on
Saturday 18 April 2013. Visit http://www.acap.edu.au/Register.html to register your
attendance.
Explore careers in aviation at Aviation Australia
Aviation Australia, with campuses in Brisbane and Cairns, provides programs in Aircraft
Maintenance Engineering Training and Flight Attendant Training. It will hold a guided
tour and information night for both training programs at its Brisbane campus on 20
March 2013. For more information and to book a place, see
www.aviationaustralia.aero/engineering/Open-Nights.php and
www.aviationaustralia.aero/flightattendant/Open-Night.php depending on the
program in which you are interested.
Find a tertiary course anywhere in Australia
Using the Hobsons Course Finder at http://www.hobsonscoursefinder.com.au/ you
can:
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search for a range of institutions — universities, TAFE institutes and private
education providers
explore links between courses and careers
search for scholarships across Australia
access helpful information about tertiary study, from getting in to graduation
and beyond.
This site also has short articles on topics of interest to students preparing for tertiary
study, including:
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What to do if you didn’t get into your first preference
Your guide to O-Week
The benefits of the Asian Century for tertiary students.
Griffith University updates
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The following new courses will be offered in 2014:
B Environmental Design (Landscape Architecture) (Gold Coast)
B Occupational Therapy (Gold Coast)
B Aviation Management (Nathan).
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For entry in 2014 the prerequisite subjects for B Medical Science (MBBS
Provisional Entry for School-Leavers) at Nathan and Gold Coast campuses will
be English (4SA), Maths B (4SA), plus one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics
(4SA). See https://www148.griffith.edu.au/programscourses/Program/OverviewAndFees?ProgramCode=1306.
It is recommended that students looking for a pathway to upgrade to B Oral
Health in Dental Science consider an alternative health program such as B
Health Science rather than the B Oral Health in Dental Technology. The latter
course requires specific interest and aptitude in dental laboratory work and is
not the best foundation for dental science.
At the completion of the two-year B Medical Science (MBBS Provisional Entry
for School-Leavers), students are awarded a fully accredited bachelors
degree. To gain direct entry from this course into Griffith’s B Medicine/B
Surgery (MBBS), students must gain a GPA of 5.0 or better and a pass in the
subject ‘Human skills for medicine’.
Over 400 OP 1 students applied for entry to 60 places in the B Medical Science
(MBBS Provisional Entry for School-Leavers) for entry in 2013. Consequently,
Griffith had to use the finest possible discriminatory points between applicants
to allocate places (e.g. the cut-off for interstate applicants was an ATAR of
99.65). Queensland students can apply to the Queensland Studies Authority to
convert their OP to an equivalent ATAR.
Griffith’s Subject Bonus Admissions Scheme does not apply to B Medical
Science (MBBS Provisional Entry for School-Leavers), B Oral Health in Dental
Science or B Oral Health in Dental Technology. See
http://www.griffith.edu.au/admissions/undergraduate-admissions.
Students can contact Griffith’s Future Students Contact Centre at
http://www.griffith.edu.au/ask-us for information about applying for courses
and course prerequisites.
Health Careers in the Bush website
This website at www.healthcareersinthebush.com provides facts about health
professional courses that are available in Queensland. There is also information on
scholarships, training pathways and much more!
Interested in natural medicine?
Endeavour College of Natural Health offers short courses that provide an opportunity
to trial a variety of different forms of Natural Medicine looking at how the concepts
taught can be applied in your everyday life. In addition, these short courses might be a
way of exploring possible future careers. See www.endeavour.edu.au/courses/shortcourses/ for details about the courses offered.
Learn about television presenting during the Easter holidays
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Media Potential will be offering a two-day television-presenting course on 8 and 9
April 2013 for students aged from 13 to 17 years who have an interest in television
presenting, media or journalism or just want to improve their communication skills and
self-confidence. The course is based at the Channel 7 studio on Mt Coot-tha. For
further information see the website at www.mediapotential.com.au (click on ‘Our
Courses’ and ‘Enrolment Information’) or telephone 3511 3455.
Love animals? Join the RSPCA holiday program
The RSPCA Animal Care Campus at 139 Wacol Station Road, Wacol will offer the
following programs during the school holidays.
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Wildlife Crusaders (Ages 11 to 15)
Feline Friends (Ages 11 to 15)
Vet Nurse for a Day (Ages 15 to 18)
For more information, phone (07) 3258 5616 or email education@rspcaqld.org.au.
New courses at the Australian Catholic University (ACU)
The following courses will be offered in 2014 at the Brisbane campus of ACU:
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B Accounting and Finance
B Applied Public Health
B Global Studies
B Exercise Science/B Business Administration
B Information Technology
B Speech Pathology.
Visit http://www.acu.edu.au/study_at_acu/courses to read about these courses.
New York Film Academy (NYFA) Australia open house
NYFA invites students interested in filmmaking or acting to its open house from 12
noon – 2 pm, Saturday 20 April 2013. NYFA is located at the Village Roadshow Studios,
Entertainment Road, Oxenford, Gold Coast. To RSVP, telephone 5585 9722 or email
australia@nyfa.edu. For more information about the courses offered by the Academy,
visit http://www.nyfa.edu/film-schools-location/australia.php.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) snippets
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START QUT - Study a QUT subject during Year 12. Applications for Semester 2
are now open and will close on Friday 17 May 2013. See
www.qut.edu.au/startqut.
Short course in anatomy (Pulse on anatomy) - This program is open to Year 11
and 12 students interested in studying medicine or allied health. See
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www.qut.edu.au/study/short-courses-and-professional-development/shortcourses/pulse-on-anatomy.
SAE Institute and Qantm College Brisbane campus open day
QANTM College offers courses in 2D and 3D animation, games design, games
programming, interactive digital media and graphic design. SAE Institute provides
courses in audio, film and electronic music production. These institutions will hold a
joint open day from 12 noon – 4 pm on Saturday 6 April 2013. For more information,
visit http://openday.qantm.com.au/ and http://openday.sae.edu.au/.
Short courses at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT)
BNIT offers a range of short courses that are scheduled at night or on weekends, or are
delivered online. The courses are in the following areas:
Animals
Community Services
Art and design
Business
Floristry
Health
Horticulture
Hospitality and cookery
Justice and legal
Multimedia
Information Technology
You can download the Short Course Guide for information about the courses at
http://www.bn.tafe.qld.gov.au/courses/domestic-students/shortcourses/index.html#animals.
SkillsTech Australia/USQ new dual qualifications
In 2014, SkillsTech Australia and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) will
offer the following dual qualifications:
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Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering/B Engineering (Computer
Systems)
Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering/B
Engineering Technology (Electrical and Electronic)
Diploma of Instrumentation and Control Engineering/Associate Degree in
Engineering (Process Engineering)
Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)/B Construction
(Civil or Management)
Advanced Diploma of Engineering/B Engineering Technology (Mechanical)
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology-Electrical/B Engineering (Power
Engineering)
See http://skillstech.tafe.qld.gov.au for information about SkillsTech Australia.
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Study to be a nurse at the Mater
Mater Education offers a number of courses in the health science area including:
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Diploma of Nursing
Certificate III in Pathology
Certificate III in Nutrition and Dietetics Assistance.
Year 12 students apply directly to Mater Education for these courses, not through
QTAC. Courses commence in January and July. Applications open in March and
October. See www.matereducation.com.au for more information. Students who
successfully complete the Diploma of Nursing through Mater Education are
guaranteed up to one year’s credit towards a three-year B Nursing at the University of
Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology.
Study with QANTM for a Day
QANTM’s ‘Study for a day’ is open to Year 10, 11 and 12 students interested in
studying creative digital media (animation, games design, games programming, graphic
design, web design and audio production). It will be held on 27 April 2013 and will
provide students with an opportunity to experience hands on training with industryexperienced instructors for a cost of $20. For more information and to register, see
http://brisbane.qantm.com/en-gb/content/2513/Events_and_Workshops.
Tour a UQ campus
An excellent way of checking out a university is to go on a tour of the campus. The
University of Queensland (UQ) conducts tours at its St Lucia campus during school
holidays. Tours to other UQ campuses can be arranged upon request. Go to
https://uqcurrent.custhelp.com/ci/documents/detail/2/ct-request to book your
tour. For more information, phone 3346 9649 or email school.liaison@uq.edu.au.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) updates
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USC will offer B Laws in 2014. Dual degrees with Laws will include B Business, B
Arts, B Social Science, B Creative Writing, B Commerce, B Journalism and B
Science.
The USC campus in Gympie will open for Semester 2, 2013, offering B Nursing
Science, B Primary Education, Tertiary Preparation Pathway and Headstart.
Students living on the Sunshine Coast and surrounds will receive one OP bonus
under USC’s Regional Preference Scheme. Go to
http://www.usc.edu.au/study/apply-and-enrol/entry-pathways/access-uscbonus-scheme.htm for more information about the Regional Preference
Scheme and other access schemes offered by USC.
USC Parent Information Evenings will be held at the Gympie campus on 26
March 2013 and at the Sippy Downs campus on 27 March 2013. See
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http://www.usc.edu.au/study/study-at-usc/open-day-and-information-events/
for more information.
Want an experience in agriculture, animals, vet science, food or the
environment?
Consider attending FEAST (Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and
Technology). FEAST is a five-day residential program held at the University of
Queensland, Gatton Campus for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 (preference is given to
students in Years 11 and 12). In 2013, it will be held from 30 June – 4 July (during the
mid-year school holidays). FEAST is designed to expose students to the huge range of
exciting and rewarding careers and study options in the environment sector and
agriculture, animal and food industries.
Registrations for FEAST are now open and will close on 10 May 2013. This is a popular
event, so apply early. For more information and to apply, go to
http://www.science.uq.edu.au/feast.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Financi al Assi stance and Scholars hips
Bond University scholarships open on 1 April 2013
Bond’s scholarship program offers a large number of full fee and part fee scholarships
as well as cash bursaries. Most scholarships can be used for any single or combined
program (with the exception of B Medicine/B Surgery). More information about the
scholarships available this year can be found at www.bond.edu.au/scholarships. All
scholarship applications must be lodged online using the Bond University application
form. Applications close on 31 July 2013.
Bursaries for female students
The National Council of Women of Queensland has launched its 2013 bursary program
for female students. A few of the bursaries offered are for secondary students. These
are:
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Elsie Byth Bursary for Year 12 students planning to study teaching at the
completion of secondary school
Stella Bursary for a female student in Year 11 or 12 who resides in the Redcliffe
area and is the daughter of a sole parent
NCWQ Bursary for a young woman from a refugee background.
Visit http://ncwq.org.au/bursaries-2013 for more information and an application
form. Applications close on Monday 8 April 2013.
USA sports scholarships
Many universities and colleges in the USA offer sports scholarships to students from
other countries. To be considered for these scholarships you have to be able to
demonstrate your sporting and academic potential. The process involved in
researching available scholarships and applying for them is quite complex. There are
several organisations that offer a service to help you through the process. CB Sports
Network is one of these organisations.
CB Sports has had a decade of experience helping young Australians gain sports
scholarships in the USA. During this time it has established regular contact with head
coaches in a wide range of sports across the US. Visit the website at
www.cbsports.com.au. Further enquiries can be made to Chris Bates on telephone
3263 1266 or email chris@cbsports.com.au.
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GAP YEAR PROGRAM NEWS
Gap Year Program News
International Student Volunteers (ISV)
ISV offers a range of volunteer travel programs for students wishing to volunteer
abroad. You can volunteer to work with children or animals, communities or
endangered habitats. For more information, see www.isvolunteers.org/.
Ski and Snowboard Instructor Internship Program - 9 places available
Educating Adventures (EA) have just released nine more places for its Ski and
Snowboard Instructor Internship Program during the 2013/14 winter season at Lake
Louise, Big White, Revelstoke and Banff – Norquay ski resorts in Canada. The program
provides an opportunity to obtain paid employment and complete an internationally
recognised ski or snowboard instructing qualification.
Email EA at sstraining@educatingadventures.com to gain access to the online
instructor starter kit with information on becoming a ski or snowboard
instructor. Also, visit the website at http://www.easkiandsnowboard.com/.
Work as an au pair in the USA during your gap year
You can work for a year caring for children in a host family in the US through Cultural
Care Au Pair. This agency organises your placement and supports you during the
year. For details and case studies, visit http://www.culturalcare.com.au/.
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NATIONAL AND STATE WEEK NEWS
National and State Week s
National Youth Week
National Youth Week (NYW) will be held from 5 – 14 April in 2013. It is the largest
celebration of young people aged 12 - 25 in Australia. The theme this year is ‘Be
active. Be happy. Be you’. To get involved:
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Visit the website at http://www.youthweek.com/ to listen to what the NYW
Young Members have to say about NYW and themselves
Go to http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/communityservices/youth/youthweek to find NYW events in Queensland.
Follow events on Twitter at https://twitter.com/search/%23nyw2013.
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OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION
Occupational Informati on
Myfuture videos
Myfuture, Australia’s career information and exploration service has videos on a range
of different jobs. The videos show people already in the job, talking about the
job. Viewing these videos is an excellent way to learn more about the jobs you are
interest in. Visit the website at www.myfuture.edu.au and click on ‘Videos’.
Science Matters
Want to know why studying maths is important for scientific careers? Interested to
hear what happened at the recent Science Meets Parliament event in
Canberra? Curious to know who our climate change experts are? Subscribe to the
Science Matters blog developed by the Faculty of Science at the University of
Melbourne. Visit http://sciencematters.unimelb.edu.au for more information.
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OPEN DAYS AND EXPOS
Ope n Days, Ex pos and Career Mark ets
Job and Skills Expos
These expos are held annually across Australia. They provide information about
present and future jobs and about training options. Participants have a chance to
meet with employers, education and training providers, government agencies and
community groups. The following are the first Job and Skills Expos to be held in
Queensland in 2013.
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30 April
3 May
Eagle Farm Racecourse, Brisbane North
Ipswich Basketball Stadium, Ipswich
For more information about these events and updates on other Job and Skills Expos,
visit www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/information/jobs-and-skills-expos.
Nursing and Health Expo 2013
The Queensland Australian College of Nursing will host this expo from 10 am – 3 pm on
Sunday 28 April 2013 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is a must for
nurses, recent graduates and those considering nursing as a career. For more
information, go to http://www.rcna.org.au/WCM/RCNA/Events/nursing-and-healthexpos/rcna/events/nursing-and-health-expos/qld.aspx.
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QTAC AND TERTIARY ENTRY
QTAC a nd Tertiary E ntry
Year 12 post school folder
Year 12 students are strongly advised to start a folder of information they will need
later in the year and early next year. Keep this folder in your room at home and add to
it during the year. Items that could be placed in this folder include:
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LUI and password for your Learning Account to access your Year 12 results early
and to apply through QTAC for tertiary courses
Tax File Number (TFN), which you will need to apply for HECS-HELP when you
enrol in your uni course next year. You also need a TFN if you want to be paid
for a full time or part time job (talk to your guidance counsellor/officer about
obtaining a TFN through your school)
The QTAC Guide, which you will receive in June
Course and tertiary entry information you gather at career markets/expos,
university open days, TSXPO, etc
The list of courses you are considering (if you haven’t a clue, make an
appointment to see your guidance counsellor/officer ASAP)
Handouts on tertiary entry you are given at Year 12 assemblies and lunchtime
talks
Information about available scholarships and tips for applying
Additional qualifications you might wish to submit as part of your QTAC
application
Any other information related to your plans for 2014.
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STUDY SKILLS
Study Skills
Apps that can help you with your study
Visit http://blog.aias.com.au/index.php/study/making-technology-work-for-youeffective-apps-for-smart-study/ for information about Smartphone apps that help you
organise your study.
Some hints on preparing for exams
Find out exactly what is required for the exam.
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When is the exam? What is the length of the exam? How many questions will
be on the exam?
What content will be covered?
What kind of questions will be asked (multiple choice, short answer, true or
false, essay, etc.)?
If an essay exam, how many questions will be asked, what number of words is
expected, will the questions be weighted equally?
Will you be penalised for guessing answers?
What equipment do you need to bring to the exam?
Organise yourself mentally and physically for the exam.
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Eat healthy food regularly. Don’t skip meals.
Spend some time exercising. A short walk and a stretch are better than no
exercise.
Get enough sleep.
Think about taking time off from your part-time job a couple of weeks before
the exam block.
Take a temporary break from socialising, social networking, TV and other timeconsuming leisure activities.
Review the strategies for taking different types of exams.
Think positive thoughts. With a good revision program and motivation to do
your best, you will succeed.
Revise, revise and revise – use a revision technique that suits you. The following are
some suggestions.
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Make a revision timetable. Include short breaks.
Summarise the content to be examined.
Some kind of diagrammatic representation of notes can be helpful.
Ask your teacher about any content you don’t understand.
Review by reading your summaries aloud.
Test yourself. Do revision sheets if your school provides these.
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Revise with a friend if possible. This can be helpful to both people in
understanding topics and building confidence.
Do a timed practice test.
Be honest with yourself. Are the revision strategies you are using effective? If
not, seek help from your teacher or learning support person in your school.
Keep things in perspective.
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The exams might seem like the most important thing in your life at the
moment, but in reality they are only a small part of your life.
Avoid panicking. It is normal to be nervous before an exam. Some stress
actually helps you achieve your best. However, too much stress will hinder
your ability to do your best.
Focus on some deep breathing for a few minutes if you feel yourself start to
panic or if your mind goes blank. If you have prepared well, the information is
there, you just have to get to it. If after relaxing for a few minutes, you still
can’t remember the answer, move onto the next question and come back to
this one later.
Answer as many questions as you can. If you don’t know the answer to a
question, then just pop anything down as the answer. Having a stab at a
question is better than just leaving the space blank. Who knows, what you put
down may even be correct!
It is always a good idea to review your exam preparation strategies when you receive
your results. Did the strategies you used work for you? If yes, use them for the next
exam. If no, talk to your teacher or learning support person about more effective
strategies. Do this now, don’t wait until the next exam.
'The above information has been gathered from a range of sources including publicly available
websites, institutional and organisational newsletters, student and career advisers and guidance
officers. Every effort has been made to ensure the information provided is accurate and up-todate at the time of publication.'
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