Newsletter 9
Supplementary information and SEAS applications
Timely applications have closed
Timely registration for VTAC closed on September 30 (which was during the school holidays) so if you didn’t register it will now cost you $82 to apply. Step 1 is ‘Register for a VTAC ID and PIN’ on the VTAC website. Your ID is your VCAA ID – if you forget yours check with Pheona or the lists outside the Study Support Office. Step 2 is ‘Login to MyInfo’ where you can apply for courses. http://www.vtac.edu.au
SEAS application for under-represented school
If you are applying for courses at the Australian Catholic University, Deakin University or University of Melbourne you are advised to lodge a SEAS application for category 7 “under-represented schools”. Deadline for documentation is October 9. The process takes less than two minutes!
Reminders about SEAS and Scholarships
All SEAS applications and supporting documentation is due on October 9. Don’t leave it to the last minute because you may find that your doctor is too busy to provide supporting evidence!!! The scholarships deadline is a little later on October 30. Both of these applications are done via the VTAC website and will be available once payment has been made. Remember only one scholarship application makes you eligible for hundreds of scholarships.
Victoria University Portfolio Partnership Program
This is a reminder that the Victoria University PPP kits are due on Friday October 9.
Australian Catholic University
Applications for the Early Achiever’s Program (recognising leadership, significant achievements and community contribution) are due on Friday October 9.
Do you know about the extra requirements for the courses you’re applying for?
Applying for courses via VTAC is often not enough!!! Around 50% of courses consider applicants based on range of criteria that may include the ENTER, folio, interview, pre-selection tests, additional forms, etc. The VTAC Guide lists what the extra requirements are, how you can find out more information, and what the due dates are. Many of the due dates were during the September/October school holidays so double-check your preferences to see whether you missed your change. You will not considered for a course unless you have fulfilled the extra requirements.
Are you considering deferring your studies?
Several universities have changed their referral policy in response to Centrelink changes. For example, Deakin University, the University of Melbourne and Australian Catholic University have introduced a policy deferring study for up to 24 months (instead of 12). This means you can postpone your studies, but still retain your place at the University. Pretty good! Centrelink will be coming in to talk about the proposed changes to benefits for students who do defer on October 15.
New and cancelled courses
Although the VTAC Guide is a wonderful resource it is out of date as soon as it is printed. To keep abreast of changes such as new or cancelled courses visit the Courses section on the VTAC website at http://www.vtac.edu.au/courses/coursechanges.html.
Swinburne TAFE Bursary
Since 2005 Swinburne TAFE has provided bursaries to more than 60 students who wish to pursue their vocational TAFE studies with them. Each bursary entitles the recipient to have their TAFE tuition fee waived for the first year of study based on merit or equity criteria. Merit bursaries are awarded on the basis of academic performance throughout your VCE and participation in community service, and the equity bursary is award on the basis of equity issues such as financial hardship and/or educational disadvantage. Two students from each school are eligible for the bursary. Once you have applied for a Swinburne TAFE course through VTAC, apply for the bursary by December 21 at http://www.future.swinburne.edu.au/tafebursary.
Other scholarship information
There is a 2009 database in the Careers Centre listing 400 scholarships you may wish to apply for. Please book in a time with Pheona to browse the CD and pull the relevant information.
Additional Information about VTAC
There are approximately 58,000 Round 1 offers, 7,000 Round 2 offers, and no Round 3 offers next year. There are also supplementary offers (if you didn’t get a Round 1 or 2 offer) and irregular offers (if you apply directly to the institution – out of VTAC hands). There are new/cancelled courses all the time – Courselink on the VTAC wesbite has updated info. Also, the Australasian Conference of Tertiary Admissions Centres (ACTAC), of which the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) is a member, has agreed that all states and territories (except Queensland) will use the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), during 2009 and 2010. This is a name change only. There is no change to the calculation and it will have no effect on students’ ranking or the selection process.
VTAC Key Dates
- Timely applications: CLOSED
- Late applications: Sep 30 – Nov 13 ($82 + $8 processing fee)
- Very late applications: Nov 13 – Dec 11 ($106 + $8 processing fee)
- SEAS applications: Aug 3 – Oct 9
- Scholarship applications: Aug 3 - Oct 30
- Change of preference: Aug 3 – Oct 30; Nov 30 – Dec 21
- ENTERs released: Dec 14
- Offers: Jan 18 (round 1); Feb 8 (round 2)
Exam revision classes
There are many exam revision classes run by for-profit companies. Before signing up please check with your classroom teacher. Revision classes provided by for-profit companies are advertised outside the library. Other classes run by universities and schools are advertised in the “other events for the diary” section of this newsletter.
Get your RSA and/or RSF at school
Have you been thinking about getting a part-time job in the hospitality industry – like in a bar or restaurant? If so, you will need your Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFAB009A) and/or Responsible Service of Food certificates. RSA training is only $40, and the Responsible Service of Food is $45 for the non-accredited program or $90 for the accredited program. The sessions will run after the Year 12 exams. See Pheona to book yourself in.
Reminder: Gap year and student exchange activities
If you are interested in participating in a gap year activity or want to explore the possibility of student exchange then see Pheona in the Careers Centre for more information. Update: Southern Cross Cultural Exchange are currently looking for host families for international exchange students arriving in February 2010 for a 5 month stay.
TAFE/University Key Dates
Australian Catholic University
Australian College of Applied Psychology
Australian Institute of Public Safety
Australian College of Sports Therapy
Australian International Hotel School (Canberra)
Australian Maritime College
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School
Box Hill Institute
Chisholm Institute
Deakin University
Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College
Endeavour College of Natural Health
Footscray City Films
Gordon Institute of TAFE
Grenadi School of Design
Holmesglen TAFE
Institute for Design, Entertainment and the Arts (IDEA)
International College of Hotel Management
International Design School
JMC Academy
La Trobe University
Monash College
Monash University
NMIT
Oceania Polytechnic
Ozford
Photographic Image College
Photographic Studies College
Pivot Point International Academy
Qantm College
RMIT University/TAFE
SAE Institute
South West Institute of TAFE
Southern School of Natural Therapies
Sunraysia TAFE
Swinburne University of Technology
University of Ballarat
University of Melbourne
University of Tasmania
Victoria University/TAFE
- http://www.vu.edu.au/
- October 18: Beauty therapy, make-up, modelling and hairdressing expo (City King campus)
- October 24: Engineering, electrotechnology, industrial skills, plumbing, signwriting expo (Sunshine campus)
- November 7: Construction industries expo (Newport campus)
William Angliss Institute
Wodonga Institute of TAFE
Other events for the diary
What: Careers in Medical Research
When: October
Where: Baker IDI and the Nucleus Network
How much: free
Other: Baker IDI: Each group will participate in 2 x 1 hour and 15 minute workshops where they listen to the Laboratory Head discuss the lab’s research and aims and then participate in a mini experiment. The Nucleus Network: Student will be given a complementary session about clinical research with an emphasis on the conduct of clinical trials.
More: More info on p. 31 of the IMVC guide. RSVP to Pheona by September 4.
What: Careers in Event Management and Conference
When: October 14
Where: Box Hill TAFE, Elgar Campus and Federation Square
How much: free
Other: Listen to leading event management industry professionals, be inspired b the innovative ideas used to create unique events, learn about job opportunities in the events industry and talk to graduates now working in the field, and update your industry knowledge by viewing a range of venues on display.
More: More info on p. 10 of the IMVC guide. RSVP to Pheona by September 2.
What: Monash University Enhancement Studies Program
When: October 14 (7 – 8.30pm)
Where: Monash University, South One Lecture Theatre (Building 64), Clayton campus
How much: free
Other: Monash offers an Enhancement Studies Program for high achieving student who wish to undertake a first-year university subject as part of their VCE. The information evening includes an overview of the Enhancement Studies Program and the opportunity to speak to a representative from each Enhancement Studies subject.
More: http://www.monash.edu.au/study/enhancement
What: Human Physiology: Living in Space
When: October 16
Where: Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)
How much: free
Other: This short day program offers students a hands on introduction to the science of human physiology. Students will measure their own physical parameters, including height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate etc and then undertake further investigation of cardio-vascular fitness, metabolic rate, and blood and urine analysis.
More: More info on p. 20 of the IMVC guide. RSVP to Pheona by September 4.
What: Beauty Therapy Trial-A-Trade
When: October 16 & 30
Where: Headmasters
How much: free
Other: For those interested in perusing a career in the beauty industry.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by September 4 & 15.
What: IT Applications Exam Preparation Day
When: October 20 (5.30pm-7pm)
Where: Swinburne University
How much: TBC
Other: to help prepare for the end-of-year examination
More: TBC
What: Software Development Exams Preparation Day
When: October 22 (5.30pm-7pm)
Where: Swinburne University
How much: free
Other: TBC
More: TBC
What: Face the Music 09
When: October 31
Where: Arts Centre, Melbourne
How much: free
Other: This even will provide musicians and music industry professionals with a range of career development and networking opportunities. This not-for-profit event is made possible by the contribution of a host of music industry professionals, including high profile artists, booking agents, publishers, record label directors, music lawyers, publicists and artist managers who are generously sharing their time and experience. Workshop sessions will explore issues including songwriting, self-management, audience development, publishing, touring, release management, licensing, recording, etc.
More: http://www.thepush.com.au
What: Furnishing Trades
When: November (tbc)
Where: Holmesglen TAFE
How much: free
Other: The three-day Furnishing Trial-A-Trade program is conducted one day per week over three weeks. Student workshops will cover cabinet making, furniture polishing and upholstery.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by October 2.
What: IT Applications Year 11 High Achievers day
When: December 4 (10am-3pm)
Where: Swinburne University
How much: TBC
Other: TBC
More: TBC
What: Filmmaking Summer School 2010
When: January 6-28 (whole course or individual days)
Where: University of Melbourne
How much: up to $1565 (concession)
Other: The summer school offers expert teaching in all aspects of practical film production by leading filmmakers Areas taught cover screenwriting, cinematography, producing and production management, directing actors, production and sound design, editing, digital effects, film music, screen language, film business and legalities, marketing and distribution, documentary filmmaking and a directing masterclass with Nadia Tass.
More: http://www.summerfilmschool.com.
What: VCE Summer School Program for 2010
When: January 11-22
Where: University of Melbourne Student Union
How much: $160 ($470 residential)
Other: Year 11 students are given the chance to obtain knowledge of their chosen VCE subjects as well as acquiring skills such as exam preparation and study techniques.
More: http://www.union.unimelb.edu.au/summerschool.
What: Melbourne Youth Music Summer School 2010
When: January 13-15 (Prelude); January 18-23 (Main Program)
Where: Melbourne Town Hall
How much: varies
Other: Includes music theatre groups, orchestras, vocal workshops, stage bands, string groups, symphonic bands, theory, VCE performance preparation, African drumming, improvisation, composition, master-classes and more.
More: http://www.mym.org.au.
What: The Age VCE and Careers Expo 2010
When: April 23-25
Where: Caulfield Racecourse
How much: $10
Other: Australia’s biggest education and careers event – the only Expo featuring all Australia’s major tertiary institutions. The expo features over 150 exhibitors, seminars on VCE subjects, tertiary courses, career and study advice.
More: http://www.vceandcareers.com.au