University scheme launched for Year 12 students

The University of Queensland has hosted the first large intake of students in the enhanced studies program to introduce talented Year 12 students to university study.

School principals nominated students capable of undertaking an extra tertiary level work load without prejudicing their Year 12 studies.

Twenty-nine students participated representing the following schools: Alexandra Hills State High School, All Hallows School, Anglican Church Grammar School, Capalaba State High School, Clayfield College, Hillcrest Christian College, Indooroopilly State High School, Iona College, Kenmore State High School, Loreto College, Mansfield State High School, Marsden State High School, Mount Alvernia College, Somerville House, St Edmund's College (Ipswich), St Peter's Luterhan College, St Thomas More College, Trinity College (Beenleigh), and Wavell State High School.

This year's program proved to be a positive experience for the participants, who studied subjects including psychology, government studies, journalism, mathematics, commerce, law, economics, drama, English, history, classics and ancient history, French, German, and philosophy.

Program academic co-ordinator and University Dean of Students Dr Lisa Gaffney said schools were active program partners, with each school required to assure the University that it could provide adequate mentor care for the students.

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

'The enhanced studies program runs during first semester because we did not want it to clash with the heavy Year 12 assessment requirements for students in semester two.'

Dr Gaffney said students were issued with a student number and card to access the University's library services. Class attendance times were co-ordinated with school studies.

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 Schools Liaison Officer Christine O'Loughlin, telephone 3365 4752.