I invite you to read the second edition of VCE Insights for 2019. The purpose of this newsletter is to inform parents and carers of VCE students of upcoming academic, pastoral and careers events. In addition, you will find information to assist with supporting your daughter through her final years of school.

Term 1 Week 5 & 6 Events
VCE Parent/Teacher Interviews – Wednesday 6 March
Interview appointments can be booked via the Parent-Teacher Online (PTO) system.

Below is a list of subjects with SACs and Outcomes scheduled over the coming weeks. Please note that subject teachers will communicate with your daughter regarding the specific date their SAC or Outcome will run.

Term 1 Week 5

Year 12 SACs

• English
• Philosophy
• Biology

Year 11 Outcomes

• Psychology
• Physics
• 20^th Century History
• Studio Arts
• EAL – English
• General (Further) Maths

Term 1 Week 6

Year 12 SACs

• French
• Japanese SL
• Business Management
• Physical Education
• Media
• Visual Communication and Design
• Psychology

Year 11 Outcomes

• Health
• Biology
• Japanese SL
• Maths Methods

Our VCE students have access to ‘clock-on’ sessions. These supervised sessions will run each Day 2 (Tuesday) and Day 9 (Thursday) in the Upper Library, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. The purpose of the sessions is to create an ‘exam-like’ environment where students can complete work and practise their timed writing by completing a practice SAC or examination. Please encourage your daughters to attend these valuable sessions.

                                
What can the Career Centre assist you with?

The careers team will assist all girls personally as they navigate decisions they have to make about subject choices, pre-requisite subjects, course information, applications and change of preference.

Applying for a Tax File Number (TFN)
Any student will need a tax file number if she starts work (part-time and full-time) and all students planning on a tertiary education require one when they start. Importantly, current Year 12 students are reminded that they cannot enrol in a CSP (Commonwealth Support Place) course at university without a Tax File Number, so it is worthwhile getting an application submitted early! Students must apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office. To apply and also to find out about participating Post Offices, visit TFN Application.

Tuckwell Scholarship
Australian National University (ANU) launched the Tuckwell Scholarship Program in 2013. The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at the ANU is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia. A Tuckwell is not just about a student’s intellect. It is also about their desire and determination to use their natural abilities to realise their full potential so that they can make a difference in the world. All up one could say, this is no ordinary scholarship!

So, Tuckwell Scholar students will receive:

• $21,700 per annum (2017 rate) (increasing with inflation) for each year of their degree, for up to five years, to cover on-campus residential costs, books and general living expenses
• priority access guaranteed to ANU-approved student accommodation
• an annual allowance of up to $2,000 to assist with their move to Canberra and to support two annual return journeys (e.g. airfares) between their home and the University for each year of their degree. The allowance will be dependent on the proximity of their family home to ANU.
• a domestic economy return airfare, or other transport costs, for their parents to visit at the start of the program, and
• an ANU Sports Centre membership for the length of their degree.

Scholarships are awarded based on four criteria:

• academic potential and achievements to date;
• other significant achievements to date, of any type;
• demonstration of the Attributes of a Tuckwell Scholar; and
• a desire to eventually give back to Australia.

Applying for a Tuckwell Scholarship is a three-stage process which commences with an initial application from yourself and a recommendation from your school teacher. Shortlisted applicants will complete a more detailed application in stage two (including a recommendation from your school principal) and final candidates will be interviewed during July for stage three.

Key dates for the Tuckwell Scholarship application process for students in Year 12 are now available:

For more information about the Tuckwell Scholarship Program visit Tuckwell Scholarship and Applying for the Tuckwell Scholarship.

The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
Located by the Clear Water Bay on the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is one of the top universities in the world. In the recent QS Top Universities ranking, HKUST ranked No. 3 in the Asian University Rankings; ranked No. 37 in the World Rankings, and ranked in the top 30 universities for Engineering and Information Technology – QS Top Universities. HKUST has exchange partners with universities all over the world, and the universities in Australia it partners with include:

• Monash University
• University of New South Wales
• University of Sydney
  

Find out more about The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. 

A Diplomatic Career – Making a Difference
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) offers university graduates the opportunity to implement their academic and personal skills to develop and implement policies that advances Australia’s interests both in Australia and overseas. DFAT has an official graduate program allowing university graduates the opportunity to continue to develop and expand their knowledge – from international legal and security issues to international financial corporation, trade negotiations and public affairs. Graduates who enter this DFAT program work in diverse and challenging environments, and often represent Australia on overseas assignments. On completion of the two-year program, graduates will have the opportunity for an ongoing position in Canberra.

Students who are keen on studying Law, International Studies, Global Studies, Asian Studies, as well as the Sciences and Medicine, and even Counter-Terrorism, might like to browse the following link to find out more about this program and the opportunities it offers once they have graduated with their Bachelor degree Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Graduate Program.

Why study Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences?
The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University is one of Australia’s largest providers of education for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. The Faculty gives seven reasons for studying with them. Students might like to also browse courses in medicine, nursing, and health sciences at Monash University.

Career as an Optometrist
The Good Universities Guide – Optometrist states that Optometrists perform eye examinations to determine the presence of vision problems and other eye conditions and disease. They treat or manage these problems by prescribing glasses, contact lenses, optical aids, vision therapy, medication (in the form of eye drops) or referral to an eye surgeon when required. Optometrists need to have a patient and caring manner; be able to carry out accurate and precise work, have good communication skills, and enjoy helping people.

To become an optometrist a student usually has to study optometry at university. Alternatively, they can complete a degree in vision science or a relevant area at university, followed by a postgraduate qualification in optometry. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics are normally required. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree. A number of universities in Australia offer these degrees. Universities have different prerequisites, and some have flexible entry requirements.

Optometry courses on offer in Australia include: