Pilot University scheme launched for Year 12 students

The University of Queensland is conducting a pilot scheme - with a small number of high achieving Year 12 students - to introduce them to university study.

Seven students from three Brisbane state and independent high schools are piloting the University's enhanced studies program in first semester. The University also consulted the Queensland Education Department.

The students, who have been identified as exceptional in ability, were nominated by principals of their schools as capable of undertaking an extra tertiary level work load without prejudicing their Year 12 studies.

University Academic Board president Professor Andrew Lister said the seven students were undertaking humanities and social sciences subjects in the pilot program. Each had selected a first year subject through the English, Classics and Ancient History, Economics, History and Geographical Sciences Departments.

'Each school had to assure the University that it could provide adequate mentor care for the students,' he said.

'Mentors were required to attend a familiarisation program provided by the University, and must monitor each student's progress in association with the University's academic co-ordinator for the scheme.

'The pilot scheme is being run in first semester because we don't want it to clash with the heavy Year 12 assessment requirements for students in semester two.'

Professor Lister said if the pilot program proved successful, the University planned to establish a formal program in 1998, expanded to include more schools and more study areas.

The University's academic co-ordinator for the scheme is the Dean of Students in the University's Arts Faculty, Dr Lisa Gaffney.

She said students had been issued with a student number and card to access the University's library services. Class attendance times had been co-ordinated with their school studies.

'I would like to emphasise that at this stage this is simply a pilot program. It is being conducted as a small-scale trial as part of a strategy to strengthen the University's liaison with schools,' she said.

'We would like to ensure that it does not place any unnecessary stress upon students and that they are enjoying the enhancement activities, before we recommend formalising the program.

'We will regard the students' and mentors' feedback and students' progress as important to the future success of the scheme.'

Dr Gaffney said academic statements would be issued to students who successfully completed the assessment requirements for each subject. Should students be admitted formally to a University of Queensland course, they could apply for credit towards that course if the tertiary subject they had already completed was appropriate.

Media: For further information, contact the Director of University Academic Administrative Support, Linda Bird, telephone 3365 1975.