eNews Archive Issue 9 - 22 March 2018

Forgasz and Leder also surveyed male and female graduates from single-sex and co-educational schools, finding that 43% of women thought a single-sex school would promote a girl’s interest in STEM, compared with 8% who would recommend a co-ed school for a girl interested in STEM studies.

This finding, write Forgasz and Leder, is “consistent with the widespread belief that single-sex schools are more likely than co-educational schools to promote girls’ interest in STEM”.

Data on STEM subject enrolments was obtained from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority for students eligible to sit the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) from 2001 to 2015 in single-sex and co-educational schools and, importantly, by gender within these schools. As a result, statistics for Victorian enrolments in eight STEM subjects (including elementary, intermediate and advanced mathematics) can be compared between single-sex girls, co-ed girls, single-sex boys and co-ed boys.

Forgasz and Leder’s analysis indicates that in 2015 girls in single-sex schools were far more likely to study chemistry than girls in co-ed schools (27.6% vs 15.4%). In fact, girls at single-sex girls were equally as likely as boys at single-sex schools (27.0%) and more likely than boys from co-ed schools (20.1%) to study chemistry. Girls in single-sex schools were also significantly more likely to study intermediate mathematics (Mathematical Methods) than girls in co-ed schools (36.3% vs 21.6%) and equally as likely as boys at co-ed schools (36.3% vs 36.2%). More girls from single-sex schools studied advanced mathematics (Specialist Mathematics) than girls from co-ed schools (8.9% vs 4.8%), with this rate rising in recent years and closing in on the participation rate of boys at co-ed schools (11.3%). Girls at single-sex schools were also more likely to study physics than girls in co-ed schools (7.5% vs 5.1%), though boys at single-sex and co-ed schools are both significantly more likely to study physics (22.4% and 24.7% respectively). In 2015, enrolments in biology were similar for girls in single-sex and co-ed schools (29.1% of single-sex girls and 29.0% of co-ed girls), while elementary mathematics (Further Mathematics) was studied by a lower rate of 53.4% of single-sex girls (presumably because more were studying higher levels of Maths) and 58.8% of co-ed girls.

The concerning conclusion drawn from this research is that although girls in single-sex schools are encouraged to choose STEM subjects, and seek employment in this area, not all women will stay in STEM related careers.

Forgasz and Leder found that “the traditional gender stereotyped role expectation that females serve as the main carer for children was evident not only among older participants, but also, disappointingly, among younger participants”. Unfortunately, they write, the “gendered expectation” that women will be the main carer of children, as well as harassment and bullying in male-dominated fields like engineering, “were provided by many survey respondents as explanations for career changes away from STEM”.

While there is much in Forgasz and Leder‘s report to be celebrated, with girls at single-sex schools being more likely than co-ed girls to study chemistry, intermediate mathematics, advanced mathematics and physics, and high numbers of female graduates of single-sex schools entering STEM-related fields, there still remains much work to be done. If women are to participate in the STEM-based workforce of the future, we must strive even more vigorously for higher numbers of girls and women to pursue STEM studies, not only for their own economic benefit but also to transform these disciplines into gender-equal fields where women are valued and can work free of discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Reference:

Forgasz, H., & Leder, G. (2017, October). Single-sex versus co-educational schooling and STEM pathways: Final report. Melbourne: Monash University.

2018 Next Step survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual state-wide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2017. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2018.

Further information on Next Step is available online at www.education.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

Ros Curtis 

St Margaret’s really is a local school with a global outlook. There are many ways for all our students to build their cultural competence and connection with young people from around the world.

We welcome a number of international students at our school. These students come from a variety of different countries and choose to study at our school. Some students are here for a long time, others visit for just a term. Ms Emily Labinsky, our International Pastoral Care Coordinator, runs a ‘conversation club’ at the school that invites local students to talk with international students in order for them to improve their English. Students are able to use the time they invest in this valuable and helpful exercise as part of their community service hours.

Our language classes at the school welcome students from around the world (China, France and Germany) into their classes every two years or sometimes more frequently. This is a wonderful chance for students studying these languages to practise their language skills and connect with these students. Language tours are also run every two years. We also have an exchange relationship with Japanese primary school (Konan Elementary School in Kobe) which sees us welcoming students, while our Years 5 and 6 students visit Japan every second year.

Our Global Exchange Program, overseen by Ms Angelin Achari, is one of our signature programs for Year 10 students. We encourage students to apply for exchange; we have exchange relationships with schools in New Zealand, Canada, USA, Japan, Germany, Hong Kong and South Africa. Ms Curtis is continually making connections with schools across the globe.

Of course, not only do we have students from around the world, our community also includes students from around the country who come to join our Boarding House. The diversity of our school community is very special to us.

The final phrase in our school mission states that we are preparing confident, compassionate, capable women able to contribute in a global community. Through making connections with our global community, both inside and outside the classroom, our students are given many opportunities to experience and appreciate cultures from around the world.

Karen Gorrie

This service brings traditional elements together in a relaxed setting, hopefully so all may feel welcome and included. Morning tea is provided by the Year 8 students and I look forward to sharing this get-together with you!

Admission to Holy Communion 2018 – Year 4 and above, siblings welcome
Wednesday 2 May, 6pm, School Chapel
A service of Holy Communion will be conducted in the School Chapel for any member of the school community from Year 4 and above. Girls who wish to become communicant members are invited to participate in this rite. The prerequisite is that she already be baptised. There will be a Baptism as part of this service, prior to being admitted to communion, for any student who wishes to be baptised at school.

Girls who are already communicant members of their own Christian denominations and are baptised (christened) in their own traditions are not required to be admitted to either sacrament anew. They will be invited to take communion whenever the Eucharist is celebrated at school.

Please download and complete this form (PDF 83.4KB) if you wish your daughter to be admitted to Holy Communion and return it to the Primary Office or School Support no later than Wednesday 28 March. Alternatively, you can email me with the information required. If you wish to have your daughter baptised, as well as admitted to Holy Communion, please indicate this on the form.

Please note, being Admitted to Communion is not the same as Confirmation. Confirmation is a more adult commitment that happens from age 15 in the Anglican Church. Our Confirmation Service will take place on Sunday 17 June at 6pm, followed by the Confirmation Supper for family and friends. For more information on Admission to Holy Communion, Confirmation or Baptism, I can be contacted on: ncolledge@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or 3862 0716.

For Roman Catholic families interested in the Catholic Rites of Initiation, St Agatha’s information is below. I have spoken with Ms Cameron about some of the differences across our two traditions, so please don’t hesitate to ask.

St Agatha’s Parish Sacramental Program 2018 (For all children in Year 4 that have been Confirmed)
Sacrament of First Holy Communion
Parent Information Evenings - 18 and 19 April, 6:30pm in APAC, St Agatha’s School (Note: Parents need only attend 1 of these sessions)

Rite of Enrolment - 21 and 22 April at any of the masses
Mass times: Saturday 5pm; Sunday 7am, 9am and 5:30pm

First Holy Communion dates:
Saturday 26 May, 5pm and Sunday 27 May, 9am
Saturday 2 June, 5pm and Sunday 3 June, 9am

For further information, please call Jane Cameron at the Parish office: 3262 2859 or email: clayfield@bne.catholic.net.au

Reflection
God of Holy Dreaming, inspire us to invite you into our hearts and lives.
Show us fresh and courageous ways to live by your Word.
Enliven our meetings, capture our imaginations with ideas and ways of justice and peace.
Grant to us a firm resolve in the face of challenge,
Bring us to that moment of true understanding of our purpose -
In this time, in the places we live and work.
Draw us nearer to the Easter mystery.
May we know your light, your love, your promise.
Amen

With every blessing on you and your week ahead,
The Reverend Nicki Colledge 

All boarders, and their families, are encouraged to invite a day girl home for this weekend and, in turn, all day girls offered the opportunity are encouraged to take it up. Previous years have seen girls sleeping out under the stars, riding horses, mustering and branding cattle, learning about feedlots, seeing a cotton gin in action and so many more activities that can only be attained through experiencing this particular lifestyle. Through such experiences, girls grow to understand different routines and the issues these boarders face living on the land. This weekend broadens the outlook of the girls and allows them to embrace the differences between country and city living.

The prospect of this weekend has previously proven to be a strong source of strengthening the bonds between day girls and boarders, uniting the girls to acknowledge and embrace their differences and similarities. We hope that this year is no different, and that many choose to pursue this opportunity to broaden their horizons.

Lesa Fowler 

The 21st century skills identified include critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration and teamwork, personal and social skills, and information and communication technologies (ICT) skills. Each subject identifies the relevant 21st century skills that can be developed through teaching and learning strategies.

Recently, there has been some interest in the different types of teaching, learning and assessment that the girls will experience in the future. There has also been some concern that external assessment will see the end of the diversity in our rich teaching, learning and assessment practices. It is pleasing to see that in the syllabuses developed for the new senior curriculum this is certainly not the case. Skills essential for living, learning and working in the 21st century are explicit in the learning and assessment requirements to build on skills explored in the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Therefore, as we prepare and reflect on our units in Years 10-12, we are looking to prepare students for future opportunities and develop teaching, learning and assessment that responds to these changing economic and social conditions. So, now and in the future, students will continue to have many opportunities to learn and practice 21st century skills, and to demonstrate achievement in them

At our recent International Women’s Day assembly, CEO of Energy Skills Queensland Penelope Twemlow spoke to the girls about her career and the opportunities she has embraced. In light of the need to develop skills for the future, I encourage you to view the video of Penelope where she speaks specifically about the skills she believes have helped her succeed in work and life. 

A reminder – Community representative QCS Test

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) invites applications from community members for chief community representatives (CCR) to maintain the integrity, security and conduct of the 2018 QCS Test. The QCAA appoints CCRs to observe and report on the administration of the test. They do not supervise students or assist in the administration of the test. Representatives will be paid and appointed to St Margaret’s or a neighbouring school. This year’s QCS Test will be held on Tuesday 4 September and Wednesday 5 September. If you are interested in applying for a position as a CCR, please contact me for an application form and further details.

Jo Butterworth 

Students in Years 9-12 are continuing to meet with their Academic Advisors. These meetings are going into a phase of checking in on learning goals set and discussing learning dispositions that may help with organisation and planning for assessment loads. Academic Advisors and students are continuing to engage in Learning Analytics to look for feedback from teachers regarding assessment to assist in tailoring the specific areas for your daughter to work on. This process is designed for your daughter to engage in her results and to reflect on her next move in her learning journey to challenge herself. Academic Advisors are encouraging your daughter to revel in the process of learning, however challenging and difficult it may be. After all, with passion, desire and challenge, girls are more likely to make it to the finish line and learn how to do things differently, making learning deeper and more meaningful.

A reminder also to you, as parents, to engage with your daughter’s results and feedback in assessments through Parent Lounge.

Supervised Study Sessions

This is the last week of Supervised Study Sessions for Term 1. Supervised Study Sessions will resume on Monday 23 April. We are still having students, who have not booked in via Flexischools, ‘turn up’ for Supervised Study Sessions. Next term, students who have not booked in will not be permitted to stay. This service is being run to assist students; however, due to the number of girls just ‘turning up’ we are not sufficiently staffed which is putting pressure on the tutors. Thank you to those parents who are booking their daughters in to the service. Remember to book in to ensure your places for Term 2.

To book, parents will need to log into Flexischools and select ‘Supervised Study Sessions’. Bookings are limited to 25 participants each night and when a session is full no more bookings can be made. Bookings are essential and should be made in advance to ensure a place is available. If dinner is required, payment must be paid at the time of booking and this option selected in Flexischools.

ICAS Competitions

A reminder, this year we would like to offer students in Years 7-12 the opportunity to nominate and pay to participate in these competitions. These competitions will be run under strict timed conditions on the following dates:

Tuesday 29 May, 7am in Eton Hall - Science, cost $10.20 (incl. GST)

Thursday 14 June, 7am in Eton Hall - Writing, cost $20.40 (incl. GST)

Tuesday 31 July, 7am in Eton Hall - English, cost $10.20 (incl. GST)

Tuesday 14 August, 7am in Eton Hall - Maths, cost $10.20 (incl. GST)

If you wish to enter your daughter in any or all of the competitions, please pay via Flexischools through the school website by Friday 27 April 2018.

Nicole Devlin 

Years 7 and 8 – colouring-in books and new soft toys
Years 9 and 10 – Games (Sudoku, crosswords, word searches and notebooks)
Years 11 and 12 – all of the above

Please bring all items to the Heads of Year Office by Friday 23 March 2018. Thank you in anticipation.

Year 11 Dinner Dance
Next Wednesday evening, our Year 11 students will attend their Dinner Dance at Moda Portside. Staff and students are looking forward to the event. I would like to thank Katie Flanagan (Head of Year 11) for the organisation of this event.

End of Term and Student Leave

Parents are strongly encouraged to assist the school by ensuring that students are at school up until the last day of term, Wednesday 28 March 2018. If, due to extenuating circumstances, students have to leave before the end of term, requests for leave should be made well in advance through: studentleave@stmargarets.qld.edu.au.

Compulsory Blazer from 2019 - Years 10 to 12 students

From 2019, the school blazer will be compulsory for students in Years 10 to 12. The blazer will need to be worn during Terms 2 and 3. Blazers are available for purchase through the School Supplies Shop.

Nikki Townsend 

This week, I signed our third Sister School Agreement, which had been signed by the principal Mr Fujita in Kobe. The agreement binds our two schools together as we both agree to promote friendship and understanding through visiting each other’s schools and participating in intercultural activities.

Konan Elementary School has been visiting our school for many years. They always visit at the same time of the year, at the conclusion of their school year. It is a very relevant time as their visit coincides with Harmony Day. This day is celebrated on 21 March each year.

On Harmony Day, Australia acknowledges the heritage of all Australians. The purpose of this day is to remind all Australians about respecting others so that each individual feels a sense of belonging.

Harmony Day provides us with an important message because if everyone feels like they belong there will be harmony in the world and we will live in a peaceful and respectful community.

The Year 5 and Konan students certainly enjoyed participating in the intercultural activities organised by the Year 5 teachers: Mr Chia, Mrs Erasmus and Mrs Cruttenden. Thank you also to Mrs Emmett and Miss Surtees for their organisation. We appreciate the time and effort to ensure Konan’s staff and students visit to our school was memorable.

Harmony Day comes on the back of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. By acknowledging each of these days, we are highlighting to the girls important ways to interact with others and with the long-term goal of them becoming responsible and caring citizens of the future.

As adults in a child’s life, it is our responsibility to model such citizenship and positive interactions. We thank you for doing this and supporting the social education we provide to your daughters.

Family Fun Night

Last Friday night we held our first PP – 3 Family Fun Night. This was a great night from the moment the girls arrived in their pyjamas, eating sausages for dinner and dancing the night away. Thank you to the following teachers for supervising the girls: Mrs Lawliss, Mrs Briggs, Mrs Andrews-Close, Mrs Bryant, Ms Bracey, Ms Garbutt and Mrs Jonathan. We hope their eardrums have recovered from the squeals of delight. Thank you also to the year level Class Parent Representatives who organised the parents and to Miss Surtees for her impeccable organisation of the whole evening.

Andrews Cup Touch and Tennis

Congratulations to the students who participated in Andrews Cup Touch and Tennis last week. Well done to the B Team who came third in Touch Football and the Year 4 Tennis team, Millicent Hume and Leila Moody, who placed 1st. It was wonderful to see the sportsmanship and effort put in by the girls on the day.

Leila Moody and Millicent Hume with their first pennant

Angela Drysdale 

Battle of The Bands

Congratulations to the Year 9 Music girls who performed in the annual Battle of the Bands last Wednesday lunchtime. The girls performed ‘Cool Kids’ and ‘Rolling in the Deep’ to a very supportive audience in the Avoca Undercroft. Thank you also to the Primary rock band, Highly Strung, for their fantastic performances of ‘Shake It Off’ and ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’.

Upcoming Term 2 Music Dates 2018

As Term 1 draws to a close, please note important upcoming dates in Term 2 for those involved in the St Margaret’s Music Program:

20 April: Sculthorpe String Quartet performing at Past Students Awards Dinner, ACF, 6:45pm
25 April: Encorah performing at the ANZAC Day Service, Hendra/Clayfield Anglican Church, 7:30am
29 April: Anglican Schools Music Festival Pre-Festival rehearsal, St Margaret’s/CHAC, 10am-3pm
14 May: Music Photos for all ensembles, Eton Hall (time schedule to be issued closer to the date)
17 May: Sculthorpe String Quartet performing at Professional Women’s Network Breakfast, ACF, 6:45am
18 May: Anglican Schools Music Festival, QPAC, 7pm (Rehearsal all day with concert in the evening)
25/26 May: MAYO Festival
19 June: Bands Concert, Eton Hall, 6:30pm
2-14 July: Europe Music Tour

Music Support Group
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 17 April at 5:00pm in the Primary Music Room (second floor of Chaseley). Parents from both the Primary and Secondary Schools are welcome to attend.

Brad King

Cross Country

It was great to see so many girls attend the second cross country meet on Tuesday afternoon with some great results. Compulsory training on a Wednesday morning has now commenced and all girls are encouraged to attend 3 sessions per week.

Cross Country Holiday Training

A reminder that cross country will continue throughout the holidays every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (except Good Friday 30 March and Easter Monday 2 April) commencing at 7am from the Philip Harris Sports Centre.

Interhouse Cross Country

The Interhouse Cross Country Carnival will be held on Tuesday 27 March at Crosby Park. This is a great event for all girls to show their House spirit by participating in the 3km course. The order of the day is as follows:

11:45am – Years 7–12 directed to Crosby Park

12:20pm – First event – 17 Years

12:40pm – 12 Years

1:00pm – 13 Years

1:20pm – 14 Years

1:40pm – 15 Years

2:00pm – 16 Years

2:20pm –Years 7–9 Ball games

2:40pm – Years 10–12 Tug of War

2:55pm – Presentations

3:00pm – Teachers and Students to walk back to School

Artistic Gymnastics

The QGSSSA Artistic Gymnastics competition will be held on Wednesday 28 April at Clayfield College. It will be an exciting day as eight teams in the six divisions put their skills to the test. Competition times are detailed below:

Session 1 – D Grade, 7:54am – 9:55am

Session 2 – Open and A Grade, 10:05am – 12:20pm

Session 3 – Year 7, 12:55pm – 2:50pm

Session 4 – B and C Grade, 3:10pm – 5:25pm

Congratulations to…

Isabella Harte (Year 7) for placing third in the U14 1500m, Ciana Jamieson (Year 10) for placing 4th in the U17 1500m and Lara Crouch (Year 12) for placing 3rd in the U20 1500m at the National Junior Athletics Championships held in Sydney on 14-18 March.

Alice O’Driscoll (Year 10) for being selected in the Queensland U16 Basketball Team.

Niamh Macfarlane (Year 12) for competing at the State Tennis Championships in Toowoomba on the 8-11 March. This competition involved players competing in both the individual draw and also in the teams event. Niamh’s strong playing ability and many wins in both the singles and doubles matches resulted in the Met North team being placed second.

Helen Lobegeiger

This seven-week course will be split into two parts: history and present. By the end of the course, each student will have their own collection of unique photographic prints and a new way to look at the world through a camera's lens.

Limited spaces are available, so book your place today via Flexischools. For further details, please view the attached flyer (PDF 371.2KB).

Lisa Smith

The presentation will be the first of a number of opportunities for parents to learn more about The POD and the new School App and how they are transforming the ways we deliver curriculum and communicate at St Margaret's. The presentation will focus on how to navigate The POD as a parent, its primary uses, how it integrates with the School App and a look into the future possibilities of the space. There will be time for questions and answers, as well as the opportunity to seek the assistance of IT staff and troubleshoot any issues you have with them. If you would like to know more about The POD, but are unable to attend, the presentation will be recorded and available on the school website and The POD.

Peter Cottle 

Dates and Times:
Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 July 2018
9am-1pm (Junior)
2pm-6pm (Intermediate)

Wednesday 11 July 2018
2pm-6:30pm (Junior and Intermediate)

The cost is $300 per student (early bird discount before 1 May 2018) for the entire workshop. There are limited spaces available, so email: info@twoandco.com.au today to book! This workshop will sell out fast.

Please click here (PDF 303.2KB) for full details.

Annette Box 

Since beginning her career as a petroleum engineer with Conoco Inc., Wendy has held several leadership positions in the resources sector across the United States, the United Kingdom and Africa. In 2017, Wendy was appointed as President – Australia East at ConocoPhillips and currently serves as a Director of the Board of American Chamber of Commerce in Australia and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association.

Join us for breakfast and be inspired as Wendy shares some of the highlights, challenges and the lessons learned from her long and distinguished career in the resources sector.

When: Thursday 17 May 2018

Where: Arts Centre Foyer

Tickets: Corporate tables $800 for 10, $60 adult and $40 students (Years 10-12/tertiary)

Tickets can be purchased via the Flexischools link under ‘Quick Links’ on the St Margaret’s website.

P&F General Meetings

The P&F invites the school community to share your views and ideas at the General Meetings, held in the Arts Centre Foyer from 6.30pm on the following dates:

Monday 14 May 2018

Monday 30 July 2018

Monday 29 October 2018

Old Girls' Events 2018

OGA Annual Brunch – Sunday 3 June

10 Year Reunion – Class of 2008 – Friday 27 July

20 Year Reunion – Class of 1998 – Friday 27 July

30 Year Reunion – Class of 1988 – Friday 27 July

40 Year Reunion – Class of 1978 – Saturday 28 July

50 Year Reunion – Class of 1968 – Saturday 28 July

60 Year Reunion – Class of 1958 – Saturday 28 July

Chapel Service and Morning Tea – Sunday 29 July

60+ Year Reunion – Monday 30 July

AGM – Tuesday 27 November 

Invitations will be emailed in late April. Please contact us at: developmentandcommunity@stmargarets.qld.edu.au if we don’t have your current email address.

Lara Pickering 

Students interested in studying hospitality or event management will meet current students and staff - learning about our specialist fast-tracked business degrees and hear more about the diverse career paths that will be available to them upon graduation.

Attendees will also take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, visiting the many different departments that make for memorable guest experiences and where BMIHMS graduates can work.

When: Saturday 24 March, commencing at 2pm
Where: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Refreshments and canapés will be available throughout the afternoon. Registrations are essential for catering purposes.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact Gabriella Conti: 0438 568 377 or gabriella.conti@laureate.edu.au.

The Tuckwell Scholarship at the ANU
The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at the ANU is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia. Now in its fifth year, the program currently supports 110 Tuckwell Scholars at various stages of their undergraduate degrees.

The Scholarships, founded in 2013 by philanthropists Graham and Louise Tuckwell, allow and encourage students to take full advantage of their time at university, including the many academic, social, cultural, sporting and leadership opportunities that come with life on campus at ANU.

Every year, 25 Tuckwell Scholarships are awarded to highly talented and motivated school leavers planning to study at ANU, to help them fulfil their potential and reinvest their knowledge, skills and experience in ways that positively benefit others. The program has a focus on giving back to Australia and is the only one of its kind that nurtures scholars to fulfil their broader community ambitions over and above the pursuit of an undergraduate degree.

Applications are now open for 2019. More information is available from: https://tuckwell.anu.edu.au/scholarship.

2019 Undergraduate Guides
UQ, Griffith University and Australian Catholic University are now available from the Careers section in the library.

A pdf of the University of NSW guide is available here.

UQ New in 2018: Bachelor of Computer Science
UQ's new three-year Bachelor of Computer Science offers exciting opportunities for students to specialise in emerging technologies such as cyber security, data science and artificial intelligence.

Students will develop an innovative skillset to take their place at the forefront of the digital technology revolution by combining the study of algorithms and data structures, with practical challenges of implementing them in hardware and software systems.

Coursework explores programming, databases, operating systems, networks and algorithms. Students will exit this program with strong analytical, logical and development skills necessary to advance computing, its applications and beyond.

Computer Science is available as a dual program with Arts, Science, Engineering (Honours) and Mathematics. Majors in this program include:

• Cyber Security
• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Programming Languages
• Scientific Computing

More information is available at: https://future-students.uq.edu.au/study/program/Bachelor-of-Computer-Science-2425.

UQ Experience Science - register now
Experience Science is a free event, providing students in Years 10-12 the opportunity to discover what studying Science is like at UQ. With programs occurring across Thursday 12 July - Tuesday 17 July, this event is facilitated by experts from UQ and industry, and provides hands-on, interactive Science workshops. More information is available from: http://www.science.uq.edu.au/expsci.

UQ Pharmacy Experience Day - save the date
Pharmacy Experience Day is an annual UQ showcase which invites students to discover where a Bachelor of Pharmacy can take them. Throughout the day guests will take part in a range of hands-on laboratory activities, meet and quiz current students and participate on a guided tour through the world class facilities. All members of the public are invited to attend the Pharmacy Experience Day, held on Sunday 19 August 2018.

UQ New Bachelor of Arts Program Planner
The Bachelor of Arts offers students unrivalled flexibility, but this often causes confusion among new students. UQ have launched a new Bachelor of Arts Program Planner as a resource for guidance officers, teachers and students.

Students interested in the Bachelor of Arts can use the program planner to plan and guide their studies, while ensuring their choice of majors and courses are compliant with the complex rules and requirements of the program. This initiative will improve students' ability to plan the structure of their program, allowing them to save their selections for future reference and share their program planner with staff. Further Program Planners for additional UQ programs will be released throughout 2018.

UMAT
UMAT is developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of the UMAT Consortium universities. The test is used specifically to assist with the selection of students into the medicine, dentistry and health science degree programs at undergraduate level at the universities listed on this website: https://umat.acer.edu.au/. Registrations for UMAT 2018 are now open. Copies of the Information Booklet can be downloaded from the UMAT website. Please note that before registering for the test students are required to carefully read the UMAT 2018 Information Booklet, which will only be available online from the UMAT website.

UMAT 2018 Key Dates:
Registrations opened first week in December 2017
Registrations close Friday 1 June 2018, 5pm AEST
Late registrations close Friday 15 June 2018, 5pm AEST
Applications for Special Testing Conditions close Friday 15 June 2018
UMAT test date Wednesday 25 July 2018
Results released mid-September 2018

UMAT is only available once every year. If you do not register by the due date, you will have to wait until 2019 to sit the test.

UMAT Preparation
Your Path to Medical School: Brisbane – 24 March 2018 by MedView
Are you considering studying Medicine in Australia? We're inviting you to come along to our free information session. We'll provide you with the insights, tips and hints into everything there is to know about applying for and attending Medical School in Australia.

This is an event for the whole family, so we'd highly recommend both students and parents coming along together to make sure everyone has the same information.

Date: Saturday 24 March 2018
Time: 11am - 1pm
Location: TBC, Brisbane, Australia
Cost: FREE
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-path-to-medical-school-brisbane-march-2018-tickets-43113277975

If tickets have sold out and you would like to be put on the registration list for our next expo, please contact Djenna at: d.rowling@crimsoneducation.org.

MedEntry: If you are interested in studying Medicine or a career in health that requires sitting the UMAT test, visit the MedEntry website for assistance in your preparation: www.MedEntry.edu.au. MedEntry is the only government accredited training organisation for UMAT preparation.

MedStart: is an organisation that assists students to prepare for UMAT. Courses are available in Brisbane. Check the MedStart website: http://www.medstart.com.au/#home for more details.

The University of Queensland
Changes to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
In 2018, The University of Queensland will be introducing an additional entry requirement for prospective students applying for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours). This change will impact current Year 12 students applying for study in 2019.

This new entry requirement, a Situational Judgement Test (SJT), is an on-line, video-scenario based test with 12 sections and open-ended questions.

The University recognises that attributes such as resilience, critical thinking and communication skills that are essential for veterinarians are not reflected in academic performance alone. The SJT will be used to assist in the selection of a student cohort best equipped for the rigours of the profession.

The test will be held between July and September 2018 with multiple tests dates. Students need to have access to a computer with reliable internet connection, a web-cam and hold photo identification and can be completed at home or at a library/community centre or another suitable location. The cost is approximately $80 and students should allow 90 minutes to complete the test.

Further details about how and when to complete the SJT will be available soon on: https://future-students.uq.edu.au/study/program/Bachelor-of-Veterinary-Science-Honours-2378.

Where can I go for more information?
Visit the CASPer website and view the FAQs: https://takecasper.com/faq/

2018 FEAST Program
Expressions of Interest for the 2018 FEAST Program are now open. Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST) is a five day residential program designed to inspire and inform high school students of the range of exciting and rewarding science careers in the agriculture, animal, plant and food sectors.

Why attend FEAST?

• test drive university and meet other students with similar interests
• explore science disciplines through hands-on activities and workshops
• attend industry run sessions reinforcing the many exciting career outcomes on offer to graduates
• experience living in the Halls of Residence and take part in fun social and sporting activities
• chat with current university students and staff and have all your questions answered
• expand your knowledge of UQ study options and programs, careers and campus life

Cost: $450.00. Price includes 4-nights accommodation, all meals, program activities and bus tours.
Where: The University of Queensland
When: 1 July - 5 July 2018
Enquiries: science.events@uq.edu.au
FEAST is open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12; however, preference will be given to Years 11 and 12 students if numbers are limited.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
New opportunities in creative industries - Design degrees
From 2019, we will introduce a three-year Bachelor of Design, replacing the four-year Bachelor of Design (Honours) and offer many new double degrees. Further information about these new offerings for 2019 will be available on our study website from late March 2018.

QUT event date claimers
We offer many opportunities for students to talk to QUT and make sure they have all the information they need to make decisions about their future. Events for your students' calendars include Subject Selection for STEM Careers (9 May), Parent Information Seminar (15 May). Students can gain assumed knowledge or prerequisites.

Students who didn't select subjects to meet assumed knowledge or prerequisites for their preferred university courses can pick up this knowledge, while at school or during summer before they start university, by studying a QUT bridging course in Maths B, Chemistry or Physics.

University Open Days
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
28 July 2018 (Saturday) - Open Day Brisbane, 9am-2pm

Bond University (BOND)
28 July 2018 (Saturday) - Twilight Open Day Gold Coast

CQ University (CQU)
9 August 2018 (Thursday) - Brisbane Open Day, 3pm-6pm
11 August 2018 (Saturday) - Bundaberg and Mackay

Griffith University (GRIFFITH)
12 August 2018 - Open Day Gold Coast, Nathan and South Bank Campuses

James Cook University (JCU)
19 August 2018 (Sunday) - Townsville Campus
26 August 2018 (Sunday) - Cairns Campus

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
29 July 2018 (Sunday) - Open Day Gardens Point (City) campus

Southern Cross University (SCU)
29 July 2018 - Gold Coast Open Day, 10am-12pm

The University of Queensland (UQ)
5 August 2018 (Sunday) - St Lucia campus, 9am-3pm
19 August 2018 (Sunday) - Gatton campus, 9am-3pm

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
19 August 2018 (Sunday) - USQ Toowoomba
1 September 2018 (Saturday) - USQ Ipswich
7 September 2018 (Friday) - USQ Springfield

KEY DATES:
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 May 2018
The National Careers and Employment EXPO (Brisbane Convention Centre).

Friday 1 June
UMAT Registrations close 5pm

Wednesday 25 July
UMAT Exam

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July 2018
The 37th annual Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO), Australia's largest tertiary studies expo, offers a unique opportunity for anyone interested in starting, changing or upgrading their career! Featuring many local, interstate and overseas education providers, student services and support agencies. Don't miss this great opportunity to map out your future, all in the one location! 8am – 4pm, RICC Brisbane Showgrounds. A great opportunity for students to collect information from a huge number of exhibitors.

Elizabeth Johnston