SEAS is the umbrella program for all special entry schemes conducted by participating institutions. There are two distinct and separate schemes: Access and Equity and Special Year 12 Consideration. Being eligible to apply under one of these schemes does not guarantee an offer since you are competing with other eligible applicants. The opening date for SEAS applications is the 3rd of August and the closing date is the 9th of October. You cannot submit a SEAS application until you have successfully submitted a VTAC application, and you must make sure all the information you supply is correct as you cannot go back in and change anything once you have submitted it. It is strongly recommended that you submit a SEAS application
The Access and Equity Scheme is targeted at applicants who have been unable to reach their full educational potential or who have had restricted access to the courses of their choice because of their life circumstances. There are ten categories in this scheme and you can apply for more than one category on the same application. However, you must check which categories are offered by an institution because not all institutions offer all categories.The categories are: Category 1: Mature Age Entry Category 2: Non-English Speaking Background Category 3: Recognition as an Indigenous Australian Category 4: Difficult Family Circumstances Category 5: Disadvantaged Socio-Economic Background Category 6: Rural or Isolated Students Category 7: Under-Represented School: (University of Melbourne applicants only) Category 8:RMIT University Schools Network Access Program (SNAP) Category 9: Women in Non-Traditional courses Category 10: Disability or Long-Term Medical Condition You must check the category evidence table to ascertain whether you are required to supply supporting evidence for the category or categories you have selected. It is the students responsibility to ensure that all correct evidence is provided.
From the start of August until January are very important months in relation to students planning on attending a Tertiary institution to undertake further education or training.
VTAC is the online program Year 12 students MUST use to apply for the majority of University and TAFE courses for 2007.
There is a cost for students using this program and they can be paid either at the time of application via credit card or alternatively VTAC will invoice the individual student. There are three closing dates for applications (Timely, Late and Very Late) and the cost increases dramatically if you miss the Timely date. Therefore I recommend ALL applications are in by the Timely date which is Wednesday the 30th of September at 5 pm. (this is during the September School holidays).
All Year 12 students have received a booklet re the process for applying through VTAC as well as a list of important dates and I can’t impress enough upon students and parents the importance of making sure students are well prepared with their selections and other relevant information VTAC may require. All students are encouraged to get their selections in early as I can guarantee that the later it is left, the harder it is to get into the system, so much so that some students may miss out altogether if they leave it till the last minute. It is also important for those students wishing to apply for TAFE courses direct that they start to do so as early as possible. Most TAFE institutions which use the direct application process provide application forms on their web sites. I also encourage all students to search for and apply for all appropriate scholarships the institutions have to offer whether it is for accommodation or academic purposes. Each year thousands of dollars in scholarships go unused because students did not apply for them. As a rule of thumb you should be applying for scholarships at the same time as you submit your VTAC application.
Another very important thing to consider is where you will stay if you relocate. Most Tertiary institutions have some form of on campus or off campus accommodation. These vary in price and the services they offer so it is strongly recommended that you explore all the options available to you.
Information about accommodation and scholarships can be found on individual University and TAFE web sites.
It is also highly recommended that students and parents attend opening days as these are the best source of information in relation to all aspects concerning students and their intended courses. Once again I have provided dates and you can always contact me in the School to Work Centre for more information
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND ALL STUDENTS SUBMIT A VTAC APPLICATION AS IT PROVIDES YOU WITH OPTIONS AND EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY HAVE NO INTENTION OF GOING TO UNIVERSITY OR TAFE AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THINGS CAN CHANGE QUICKLY IN A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME. REMEMBER IT COSTS NOTHING TO DEFER OR REJECT AN OFFER.
THE FIRST STEP IS TO APPLY FOR AND THEN RECEIVE AN OFFER.
ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT OPEN DAYS OR BY CONTACTING THE INSTITUTIONS
On Thursday 30th April 300 students and 16 staff made the journey across to Bendigo to the Careers Fest. This is a once a year event held by the Federal Government and Local Community Partnerships to showcase and advertise local employment and training providers. The Bendigo Careers Fest is the largest expo outside of Melbourne. The Centre was sponsored by Career Advice Australia, an initiative of the Federal Government and the North Loddon/ West Mallee Local Community Partnership who provided the funds for travel for 7 buses of Maryborough Education Centre students. Most students commented that there wasn’t enough time and how quickly the event went. There were four universities, 2 TAFEs, Registered Training Organisations, job networks, employers such as Target, Kmart, Hazeldine’s chicken, Safeway, government departments such as the police force, defence forces, TAC and trades present. Most of the displays were hands on with students collecting lots of careers tips and freebies. This fits in very nicely with the build up to pathways plans and semester 2 subject selections. Our students took a lot out of the day and hopefully some have made some decisions on where they see their future career pathway heading. Thanks to Mr Kane, Mrs Grant and Ms Schofield for this fantastic opportunity for our later years students.
Mr Forrester
STUDENT REPORT - By Toni Weir Year 12 VCE student On Thursday the 30th of April, all year 10, 11 and 12 students were given the opportunity to travel to Bendigo to take part in the 2009 Careers Fest held at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre. There were a large variety of exhibitors ranging from bricklaying to hairdressing, in which students could have a go at laying a brick or getting their hair done. Several top universities were also there and provided students with lots of information and answered questions. The Careers Fest showcased possible pathways outside of school for all students, including early school leavers, such as the Army, Navy & Air force, Victoria Police and volunteering gap year projects. The day helped students to gain a greater knowledge of the different opportunities they have after school and was enjoyed by those who attended. A special thank you to the staff members who organised the trip and to the staff who attended.
provides Year 10, 11 and 12 students a taste of what it is like to study at Monash and the
chance to discover the range of facilities, services and accommodation options on offer. A special session for
parents covers topics such as accommodation, student support services and scholarships available at Monash
University.
Sessions will be held on the following dates
• Caulfield – Tuesday 30 June
• Clayton – Tuesday 7 July
• Berwick – Wednesday 23 September
• Peninsula – Tuesday 29 September
More information
www.monash.edu.au/study/events/experience or contact Valarie Foster on (03) 9903 4758
Australian Defence Force and Lattitude Global volunteering
are holding a: GAP YEAR INFORMATION SESSION:
Tuesday 19th May 2009 at 7pm The Learning & Resource Centre, Sebastopol College Hertford St, Sebastopol You must ring 5329 3263 to register
Experience Monash
provides Year 10, 11 and 12 students a taste of what it is like to study at Monash and the chance to discover the range of facilities, services and accommodation options on offer. A special session for parents covers topics such as accommodation, student support services and scholarships available at Monash University. Sessions will be held on the following dates • Caulfield – Tuesday 30 June • Clayton – Tuesday 7 July • Berwick – Wednesday 23 September • Peninsula – Tuesday 29 September
MIPS is a Victorian Government requirement for all students 15 years and over to have a Managed Individual Pathway completed by the end of the year.
The MIPs program requires that schools have an integrated model of careers and transition support which includes:
• an identified individual pathway planning process and documentation for each student 15 years and over
• an associated support program to enable successful transition through the post-compulsory years to further education, training, or secure employment
• a planned and systematic process for identifying and supporting students 15 years and older who are at risk of early school leaving
• a clearly defined process for the follow up of early school leavers six months after their departure.
The MIPS program is heavily centred around careers, goals and future pathways for students when they leave school. All Year 10 to 12 students will be completing a MIPS pathway plan as part of home group in term 2. This pathway plan will be included in semester 1 reports and they are completed online. Parents should start discussing and looking at future career aspirations with their children in preparation for and as part of the MIPS pathway plan process. Year 9 students will be completing a pathway plan in semester 2.
If parents have any questions in regards to MIPS and careers please contact Jenny Fairchild (MIPS Manager) or Mark Kane (careers coordinator).
