From the Futures Team
University of Tasmania – Early Offers for 2024 Students
The University of Tasmania has a Schools Recommendation Program as an alternative pathway of entry.
Watch the online seminar to understand how this program works to help students to understand how early offers to their university are made.
The Futures Report: Exploring Interstate Universities (VIC)
Did you know that in the past two years, 68 students applied to study in Victoria through VTAC*? It is great to see our student cohorts are also looking beyond NSW for courses that align with their interests and career aspirations. Interstate applications are a consideration for students who are determined to do a specific course or to study at a particular institution which may not be offered in NSW or where the ATAR cut off may be more accessible.
Our Futures Advisor, Katrina O’Kelly recently traveled to Victoria to visit the University of Melbourne and Monash University to learn more about their programs and opportunities that could benefit our Pymble students.
To view the opportunities available for institutions in Victoria, you can visit the VTAC website https://www.vtac.edu.au. A handy quick reference guide for Year 12 students and families is available at this link.
This week, I am pleased to handover my column to Katrina to share insights from her visit.
*Source : 2023 Pymble Ladies’ College VTAC Course Link Data
Melbourne University
My visit to Melbourne University was a valuable opportunity to see first-hand this outstanding educational establishment. The university offers students a combination of on campus learning in Melbourne, online learning and other global partnerships.
The main campus is in the heart of the city and is a combination of old and new architectural buildings with state-of-the-art resources and support.
Melbourne University has a different model compared to other universities and follows what it has named The Melbourne Curriculum.
Why should students consider Melbourne University?
Recent rankings have reported that Melbourne University is:
- 1st IN AUSTRALIA
- 14th IN THE WORLD
- 8th IN GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY WORLDWIDE*
*Source: 2024 QS World University Rankings & QS Graduate Employability 2022
Overseas exchange opportunities are also offered by a number of Global Partnership universities and dependant on the discipline studied. Examples of UK universities are; Kings, Durham, London School of Economics, Queen Mary University of London and UCLA and U Penn in the US.
Residential Colleges
I was privileged to visit 3 of the 10 colleges at University of Melbourne. All the colleges are slightly different and it is important to visit or do your research to see which college you’d best suit. They are all slightly different in both the room offerings and feel. Some accommodate students from other universities , some only give access to undergraduate students, whilst are exclusive to University of Melbourne students. It is important to do your homework and get a feel for what suits you best.
Apply as the applications open but make sure you put your preferences in the right order. You only need to apply once and the application as these colleges work together to assist students to get accommodation.
Find more about Colleges at https://www.colleges.unimelb.edu.au/why-choose-college/
Monash University
I learnt about several faculties within Monash University that may entice students who are interested in Natural and Physical Sciences.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science
Monash University ranks #2 in the world for Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Monash has retained its position as one of the top universities in the world for Pharmacy and Pharmacology in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject, with a global ranking of number two behind Harvard. Teaching and Learning is set up in small groups and there is a focus on skills needed to be a pharmacist. The Mentor program learning is based on an integrated program where students are partnered with other students.
Medicine – This is a very popular program with two entry points, highlighted below.
If you are from a rural background you may qualify for the following: Deans Rural List. Find out more information in the following video: Alternative entrance into medicine
Health (Nursing, Paramedicine and Midwifery) Science are very popular at Monash. Science and Physiotherapy are both also pathways into Medicine.
Equally, the Law, Business and Education programs are also very popular fields of study. Business and Law have excellent programs and teaching and learning in these courses are very themed based and taught in an integrated manner.
Monash provides an extensive range of Accommodation Services find out more at: https://www.monash.edu/accommodation/accommodation/on-campus-options. I visited facilities on both the Peninsular and Clayton Campus. Another accommodation service is Mannix Residential College Mannix College Monash.
I was able to visit this brand new student accommodation facility at Gillies Hall, you can view some images below:
Students interested in learning more about opportunities at either of these two universities should contact the Futures Team at futures@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or Booking a meeting with a Futures Advisor
Gap Program – 2025
This week Year 11 students were invited to an information session with the Deputy Principal, Ms Rockwell, on the avenues available to those interested in pursuing a Gap position after HSC examinations. These include positions facilitated by the College with partner schools as well as schools who accept direct applications. The relevant information, including the application form, is now available on the Futures Intranet, which your daughter has access to. Applications for Pymble partner schools will close at the end of Term 3, to be followed by interviews during Term 4.
The gap program is open to all Pymble graduates, but it is important to note that in order to be eligible they must be 18 years of age by 1 January 2025 or hold British citizenship or a British passport, and be ready to depart Australia as early as 1 January, 2025.
Should your daughter have any questions, Mrs Wyse or Ms Rockwell can assist.
Students can find out more information about the GAP Year Program on the Futures site by clicking here.