Term Ahead - 19 July 2024

From the Senior Leadership Team

We welcome back families to Term 3 and look forward to a number of important school events. These include the QASMT Tertiary Studies Expo and Parent Information Evening, Middle and Senior Years Awards Assembly, Year 9 Journey, Instrumental Music Concert, and the Year 12 Formal - to name just a few of the exciting opportunities for our school community to come together.

We are also very excited to be celebrating National Science Week during Week 6 of this term. It is the pinnacle of our school calendar, with an exciting array of events scheduled for both our students and the school community. We encourage everyone to find ways to be involved.

The week will open on Monday 12 August, with an entourage of very important visitors to the school. It will be a special opportunity for our students to hear and engage with our esteemed guests. We also have a number of students from interstate schools visiting - to engage with our students and teachers on the many exciting STEM opportunities we will be offering. 

STEM is not just part of our school’s name, but rather, a STEM education is part of the very fabric of our school. The opportunities that our students have to develop their passion for STEM related pursuits will set them up to be tomorrow’s leaders of STEM research and innovation. The Australian government outlines the vital importance of a STEM education and the opportunities it provides for young people in their future careers:

“The world is changing around us. Digital technology has become a core part of our everyday lives. Advances in technology impact everything, especially the world of work. Entire job sectors are emerging or disappearing, and workforces are rushing to keep up with change.

Automation and globalisation are changing the way we think about, and define, careers. Employment is becoming fluid, and people will go from having one profession to several in their working life. These may be entirely different roles, across entirely different sectors.

As the world of work changes, we will need to change our skills to match. The gap between the knowledge generated in the education system and the skills demanded by employers and individuals is widening. Overcoming these limitations requires a priority focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including the development of workplace skills in STEM. Future careers will also rely heavily on ‘21st century skills’ — for example, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness, collaboration and problem-solving. When done well, STEM education complements the development of 21st century skills. It’s predicted that future workers will spend more than twice as much time on job tasks requiring science, maths and critical thinking than today.

It’s vital that Australia keeps pace with technological change to advance its economy and prosperity. Without adequate STEM skills and understanding in Australia, there is a risk that companies searching for these skills will be forced to set up elsewhere. But if we prepare Australians for the jobs of the future, we will enjoy a thriving cycle of jobs and opportunities.

STEM learning is also important for students in their everyday life in our contemporary world, with the rise of new technologies in biomedicine, microfabrication, robotics and artificial intelligence. The ability to understand and apply data, and develop solutions to complex problems, will be important life skills.”

https://www.education.gov.au/australian-curriculum/national-stem-education-resources-toolkit/introductory-material-what-stem/why-stem-important

Updates on all scheduled events will be released shortly, and we look forward to joining with you to celebrate all things SCIENCE!

All students have now received their report or achievement summary, and this will provide an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on their personal learning plans, and to consider what goals to set for this semester. The purpose of a personal learning plan and goal setting is to develop a sense of purpose in their learning journey, and to plan for ways to achieve personal excellence. Personal excellence, as defined by the QASMT Vision and Values statement is this: “the aim is not perfection but instead to achieve our potential; and flourishing, as defined in positive psychology.”

Last term, our students were given the option to complete the Department of Education Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing survey. The Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey collects data from Queensland state schools in a consistent and systematic way to gain a better understanding of the wellbeing and engagement of students. It measures many aspects of students' wellbeing, engagement and experience at school. Data from the survey will help schools to monitor their school culture and student wellbeing in line with the Student Learning and Wellbeing Framework (PDF, 535KB) External link and Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student strategy External link. This data will enable us to reflect on our engagement and wellbeing programs, and identify where additional programs or resources may be required.

We recently received the results of this survey, and the leadership team will closely analyse this information to inform our Positive Education and Wellbeing programs. It was very pleasing to see that our students are well above the state average for all 12 aspects of engagement and wellbeing including resilience, school climate, sense of belonging, motivation and perseverance, academic self-concept, personal social capabilities, general life satisfaction, future outlook and aspirations, relationships with peers, with teachers and at home, and general health.

Data is:

• reported at a group level (not individual student level).
• reported at a topic level e.g. resilience, motivation and perseverance (not an individual question level).
• reported where there are five or more responses for each group (confidentially so that no individual student can be identified in any reports).

More information on the QEW can be found on the Department of education website:
https://alt-qed.qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey/faqs-for-parents-and-carers 

We look forward to further unpacking this data and to continue to work with our students and their families to provide a positive educational experience.

Finally, a reminder that we have a Student Free Day on Monday 22 July.

Kath Kayrooz, Principal; Kerry Bullock, Associate Principal Teaching and Learning; Catherine de Freitas Pessoa, Deputy Principal Academic; Sam Weston, Deputy Principal Performance; Sandy Davey, Acting Deputy Principal Engagement

From the Deputy Principal Senior Years

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope all our families have had a restful break, and that our students are ready for another term.

Our Year 12s have a big term ahead of them – they hand in their final assessments for both EE and TOK, and then they soon begin preparation for their Mock Exams. Mock exams give students an experience that is as close to the final exams as possible. Students will be sitting a full suite of all papers for all subjects for the first time, and preparation is essential. To support students in their preparations, all Year 12 teachers are running revision in their subjects in the lead up to the exams. I will be seeing our Year 12s during class time in Weeks 4, 5 and 9, and during that time I will explain what the rest of the year looks like. From now on I will be in contact with the Year 12 students and their families regularly with information, and for any mock or final exam related questions, students are welcome to contact me.

In the lead up to exam time it is important that students prioritise looking after themselves and aim to reduce stress wherever they can. Each year we share tips on how to do this, and these tips from Headspace (2024) are particularly valuable:

1. Take the time to plan – create a study plan and ensure you find a quiet and comfortable study space for your studying which has everything you need close by.
2. Look after yourself with self-care, exercise, sport, relaxing with friends and eating healthy food.
3. Ensure you sleep and rest, and if relaxation techniques help then use them. During your study give yourself short breaks, and throughout your examination block maintain a regular sleeping pattern focussing on getting enough sleep every night.
4. Keep your focus – have the end goal in mind, control your phone-use, and focus on your wellbeing.
5. Ask for help – your teachers, peers, friends and family are here to help and support you.
6. Be prepared by knowing your subject guides and focusing on past papers to help you study.
7. On the day of the exam ensure you have had a good night’s sleep and that you follow a usual routine. Make sure you eat a nutritional breakfast before you get to school and get to school early enough to ensure you do not feel rushed or stressed about being late.

If you are interested in reading more from Headspace, here is the link: https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/prepare-for-exams/

Our Year 11 students are well into their Diploma subjects now, and students are making their way towards their first IB assessments. All students and parents have the QASMT IBDP Assessment Guidance Handbook, and in Appendix 3 of this document is the IB Assessment Schedule 2023-2024. I strongly recommend all students and parents are fully aware of this document - it is essential that all students know when their draft and final assessments are due - these submission dates cannot be changed. This document should be used together with the Term 3 Assessment Calendar to help students self-manage their time in the lead up to their assessment submissions. 

Our Year 10 students also enter a significant semester as they have finished their STEM Futures courses, and now begin their Diploma Programme Preparation (DPP) courses in every subject. It is crucial that over the course of this next semester, students ensure they are in the right subjects and the right levels. Over the course of the term, if any student decides they want a subject change then they must submit a subject change form to A-block in the first two weeks of Term 4.

In Term 3 our school calendar has many enjoyable events and experiences scheduled, including Language competitions, Instrumental Music Night and National Science Week, among many others. No matter which year your child is in, there will be a lot going on this term. Over the coming weeks as I walk into classrooms, I will look forward to reporting back to you at the end of term with the different ATL that I see, and the wonderful learning experiences our students are having. To all our students and their families, have a wonderful term.

Esme Hatchell, Deputy Principal Senior Years

From the Deputy Principal Middle Years

Welcome back to our Middle Years’ students and families. Term 3 will be another busy term on the calendar for our students, and a very fulfilling term.

Our Year 9s will continue to prepare for the Year 9 Journey this term. The purpose of the Year 9 Journey is to strengthen character, resilience, perseverance and team work of our students. Their planned camp to Emu Gully in Week 4 of this term will be a memorable experience. Our Year 9s will also partake in a UQ Engagement Day at the University of Queensland later this term. This day allows our students to engage with a number of university faculties, and participate in activities and discussions across the day. And finally, our Year 9s are currently finalising their Community Projects, due at the beginning of Week 4 this term. Each Community Project group will showcase their projects during our National Science Week.

Our Year 7s and Year 8s will also have numerous opportunities to engage with Academy life, from curriculum and sporting competitions to our Honours Program initiatives, and curriculum and non-curriculum excursions. The more students engage with the many opportunities offered to them at QASMT, the greater experience they will have.

On the curriculum front, it is important that all students understand the power of ATT (Approaches to Teaching) and ATL (Approaches to Learning) as they both impact student learning. ATT and ATL lie at the heart of both the Middle Years and IB Diploma Programmes, and Middle Years’ teachers at QASMT embed ATL and ATT into their conceptual, inquiry-based lessons to achieve deep learning.

I would like to remind all students, parents and caregivers of the protocols around applying for an extension for assessment. To apply for an extension, students are required to fill in QASMT’s official extension request form (found on the Academy’s website) and email it, alongside the required documentation to support their extension request, to the Middle Year Coordinator’s email address that is printed on the extension request form. This form identifies the support documentation required for each request, for example  a medical certificate. Once all information is received in full, I will process the extension request form and alert the student of the outcome in a timely manner.

On a final note, a reminder for all Middle Years’ students that attending school every day counts. Regular attendance at school is imperative for the continuity of learning, working alongside peers and building relationships. It is important that all students come to school regularly and on time.

I look forward to seeing our Middle Years’ parents and caregivers across the term. 

Wishing you all a pleasant term ahead.

Kirsten Baker, Deputy Principal Middle Years

From the Department of inclusion

I have always considered the start of a term as a new beginning – everyone has had a break, and it is a time to start fresh and face the challenges and learning opportunities a new term can bring.  This theme of new beginnings is quite personal for me, moving from being full-time in the Language and Literature Department to taking on the role of Head of Department – Inclusion and Wellbeing.

This space is difficult to define. Essentially, I am the conduit between students, staff and parents in organising various forms of support here at the school. This support is informed by guidelines, legislation and policy, and is designed to help all students reach their potential while here at school. In providing this support, we work with allied health professionals, community organisations and specialists to ensure students can be the best they can be. Of course, parents play a vital role in identifying when their child needs academic, physical or emotional support. We encourage parents to contact their child’s House Dean or the Head of Department – Inclusion and Wellbeing, regarding any concerns they may have.

Parents whose children that have diagnosis of a health or learning condition are encouraged to keep these diagnoses current. We know adolescence is a time of rapid growth and the needs of adolescents can dramatically change. Later in Term 3, we will be contacting parents of students in Year 9 and those whose diagnoses require review to remind them to attend to this matter. Ensuring you are able to make an appointment with your child’s specialist for a review and then provide the school with the most recent information is vital to maintain the support offered to students. Being governed by regulation and policy, we want to ensure all support information is up to date, especially for those students in the DPP and the DP.

There are many ways the Inclusion and Wellbeing space is able to support students, parents, the wider community and staff.  Keep an eye out for communication from the school in regards to the ways we do this, so you and your child are informed and able to participate, where desired.

I am looking forward to continuing to provide support for students, parents and staff in this area, and look forward to working with students, their families and staff. It is a new term: start fresh, embrace the challenges and opportunities this term will bring, and be the best you can be.

June Balfour, Head of Department Inclusion and Wellbeing

From the Department of Language and Literature

Building upon the groundwork laid in previous terms, Group 1 English places a renewed emphasis on oracy and expression of ideas in Term 3.  

This focus aims to bolster student confidence in generating and presenting ideas with clarity and flair, fostering the art of articulate public speaking. As we look to differentiate our instruction to meet the academic needs of our students’ wonderful minds and prepare them for the external assessment requirements of speaking ideas out loud, Term 3 is characterised by students collaborating and expressing their ideas “out loud”.

Year 7 embarks on a fascinating journey through the world's myths and legends, the foundation stones of countless cultures. This exploration culminates in the creation of their own picture books – miniature masterpieces that will undoubtedly prompt profound reflection on the link between storytelling and cultural identity. A key part of this process is students sharing their ideas with their teacher and peers throughout the drafting process to ensure that they receive meaningful feedback on their process.

Year 8 students are tasked with becoming intrepid documentary filmmakers. Wielding the power of the lens, they will explore a social issue that ignites their passion. Remember, with great authorial choice comes great responsibility – students will need to be prepared to dissect and defend creative decisions with aplomb. The expression of ideas verbally and visually is pertinent; but more so, the collaboration required to achieve the outcomes of this term’s task will see our students develop their communication skills.

Year 9 delves into the captivating realm of multimodal texts, a term encompassing the cacophony of messages bombarding us daily. Working collaboratively, students transform into communication detectives, analysing the subtle ways authors and organisations craft narratives to resonate with diverse audiences across varied contexts.

Year 10 grapples with the Bard himself! The term delves into Shakespeare's Macbeth, a play brimming with ambition, guilt, and enough political intrigue to make Machiavelli blush. Students will dissect themes, characters, and the very essence of the theatrical titan. Importantly, students will take a conceptual approach to this text by not only exploring authorial intent, but exploring what this text shows about “the human condition”.  

Year 11 continues its march towards the Internal Assessment. This term, students pay homage to the brilliant Carol Ann Duffy and her poetry collection, The World's Wife. They will also embark on a cinematic exploration of Global Issues, for literature serves as a potent mirror reflecting the very world we inhabit. The ideas that students express and concepts that they engage with will ultimately inform their Term 4 Individual Oral.  

Finally, Year 12 students prepare for mock examinations. Fear not! The program hones their literary skills to a razor's edge with a diverse array of texts, both familiar and fresh. The aim? To empower students to see the world with the discerning eye of a literary sleuth and express their ideas with the eloquence of a Roman orator. We look forward to how our Year 12 students will continue this work by deepening their thinking and expression of ideas over the rest of the course.  

Within Group 1, every voice is a precious instrument. Collaborative learning strives to unlock students' unique perspectives. Our students will think critically, write with verve, and unleash the inner wordsmith and orator that resides within all. Across all year levels, whether writing creatively or analytically, this term seeks to provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate insight and depth of thought. 

David Bracken, Head of Department Language and Literature

From the Department of Language Acquisition

Term 3 has already begun with a big celebration.

I would like to take a moment to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Year 12 French ab initio, German B SL, Latin SL and HL students. The overall results from last term were excellent, and congratulations must go to both the students and their teachers, Ms Robert, Mr Turner, Ms Wilson, Ms Liebchen, Ms Haskmann and Ms Lambert. This term we are also welcoming a new staff member. We extend a warm welcome to Ms Idil Gibson, who joins us as a German teacher. She comes with a wealth of IB experience and a passion for education. 

Term 3 will again have enriching events on the calendar. Week 2 began with a Bastille Day celebration; we also have the MLTAQ Speaking Contest coming up on Sunday 4 August, just to name a couple of events. I look forward to providing details about our exciting calendar events in the Term in Review. 

MYP

French, German and Chinese
Our MYP European languages students will be undertaking two assessments this term. In Week 5, all students will be sitting an oral exam, while in Week 7, they will have their listening exam. To deepen their speaking and listening skills, I encourage students to listen to music and watch movies in their target language. We encourage our students to take advantage of every chance to practice speaking in their language of study during class time, by developing their IB learner profile attribute of being a risk taker and actively participating in class.

Latin
Our MYP Latin students will undertake a portfolio of work for vocabulary and grammar building, as well as translation skills. This is completed in class time with the support of their teacher. Year 8s will also have a cultural assignment, which will further deepen their knowledge of the historical context of their language learning.

Years 10 and 11

French, German and Chinese
Year 10 and 11 students will continue with their DPP and DP journeys. This term they will have a speaking exam scheduled midway through the term, which will further deepen their skills regarding the Individual Oral (IO) and getting used to the format of this component. In Week 8, our Year 10 and 11 students will have their exam block session.

Latin
For Latin students in Years 10 and 11, this term they will be facing a Paper 1 style exam. To perform well in Paper 1, students should practice regularly with authentic Latin texts to strengthen their translation skills.

Year 11 STEM Tours
We are venturing on the STEM tours from Week 9, where our Year 11 students will participate in European language lessons, experience travel throughout beautiful countries, and put their language skills to use as they navigate through cities like Paris, Nice, Rome and Berlin.

Year 12

French, German and Latin
Term 3 will give Year 12 students a great opportunity to revise the DP course and prepare for the upcoming mock exams. It is timely to remind students to attend the tutorials that our dedicated teachers offer. I encourage students to ask their teacher when the tutorials occur to ensure that they can maximise the learning opportunities.

I wish all our students a successful and fulfilling term, filled with meaningful learning experiences and personal growth.

Fei Xue, Head of Department Language Acquisition 

As we look ahead to an exciting Term 3, we would like to extend a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to Nishimoto Sensei, the newest member of the Japanese teaching staff.  At the end of Term 2, during Week 10, Nishimoto Sensei captivated our Year 8 and Year 10 students with a spectacular kendo demonstration, providing a dynamic introduction to this traditional Japanese martial art. Additionally, he shared his expertise in Japanese calligraphy with our Year 7 students, who thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on experience.

Term 3 Activities

Year 12 Mock Exam Preparation: this term, our Year 12 students will be focusing on their mock exams and the culmination of their studies at QASMT. We encourage all students to take advantage of the resources and support available to them as they prepare for this important milestone.

Tanabata Cultural Activities: in Week 2, our Japanese classes will celebrate Tanabata, the traditional Japanese star festival. Morimoto and Ngarae Sensei will engage students in various cultural activities that bring this beautiful festival to life.

Language Teachers QLD Speech Contest: we are thrilled with the overwhelming interest and nominations for the LTQ speech contest this year. The contest will take place at Griffith University Nathan Campus on Sunday 4 August. This event provides a fantastic platform for students to showcase their language skills, engage with peers from other schools, and gain valuable public speaking experience. We wish all our participants the best of luck!

Year 11 STEM Tour to Japan: preparations are in full swing for the Year 11 STEM tour to Japan later this term. This tour offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and gain insights into the country's advancements in science and technology.

Visual Arts

Year 7 and 8 Visual Art
Our Year 7 students will investigate environmental issues that affect wildlife and then design a super-survivor hybrid animal. They will gain skills in graphite drawing, digital painting and colourful collage. Our Year 8 students will explore the expression of identity through a range of approaches, including self-portraits and portraits of others. They will develop their knowledge and skills in drawing, digital imaging, and mixed media.

Year 9 Visual Art - Artists As Changemakers
We are excited to welcome our Year 9s to Artists as Changemakers in Term 3. In Unit 1, students will be exploring different methods and techniques to make art, such as printmaking, photography and mixed media. In Week 5, we look forward to working with a local Brisbane artist in a full day painting workshop. It will be a great term of creativity.

Music
We would like to welcome Ms Teena Sullivan to the Music Department. Ms Sullivan has already been working at QASMT as a Strings Instrumental Teacher, however, she now joins us full time, taking on classroom music.

Year 7 and 8 Classroom Music
Year 7 music students are exploring music elements and concepts through discovering 'Bold & Beautiful' music throughout the ages. Students will collaborate in groups to rehearse for a live performance in front of their peers. Year 8 music students are going on a journey through Blues, Jazz, Rock and Pop genres in the unit 'Beatbox'. Students will develop skills in performance, composition and analysis, creating a 'hit song' from one of the styles studied.

Year 9 Music - STEM Futures 'Soundtrack'
Year 9 music students are delving into descriptive music with a focus this term on music that represents or is written about/ for space and astronomy. NASA images will be dissected to create sonifications utilising Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) or traditional notation software. In addition, students will collaborate on a group performance project to be performed in front of a live audience.

Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music lessons will commence in Week 2 this term, with ensembles commencing in Week 1. In Week 5, we will hold the Instrumental Music Evening Concert, on Tuesday 6 August. This concert will showcase all the larger ensembles at school, and more details about the evening will follow.

Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) and State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP)
The following students will be attending the Australian Honours and State Honours Ensemble Programs later this term. We look forward to hearing all about these fantastic performance opportunities.

As we embrace the creative journey ahead, we are excited to witness the incredible talent and passion our students bring to their visual arts, music and language endeavours. With a blend of innovative projects and exceptional guidance from our dedicated teachers, Term 3 promises to be an inspiring and enriching experience for all. We are looking forward to another vibrant and productive term. Here's to a fantastic Term 3!

Fiona Scarth, Head of Department Language Acquisition

From the Department of Individuals and Societies

Welcome back, students and staff, after the mid-year break! I hope you had a chance to recharge and reflect on the first half of the year. Now that we are halfway through, it is a perfect time to review our accomplishments and set our goals for the rest of the year.

Year 7 - 8 Foundation
Year 7 and 8 students will spend the first part of Term 3 studying Economics and Business. The Year 7s are particularly excited as we commence ‘The Game of Life’ and learn about the different financial challenges and opportunities that present themselves post school, in their late 20s, and during our middle stages of life. Following this, a history unit will commence that will utilise the virtual reality classroom and provide students the opportunity to travel back in time to either Ancient Rome or Ancient China. On Tuesday 27 August (Week 8), we have an excursion planned to the Abbey Museum – a real highlight of the year for past students.

Year 8 students will be investigating how social enterprises are established due to changes in economic conditions. In the economy at large, individuals, businesses and the government make choices with resource allocation, and this can lead to equity issues. Students will locate real world examples and analyse these situations for different stakeholders. 

Year 9 STEM Futures
All four Year 9 subjects are about giving students the skills and ways of thinking that will allow them to be successful in the senior years of study once the content is aligned to just one subject. The ATL “Thinking Skills” is applicable to all subjects, and I would encourage students to always look for solutions from multiple perspectives. This has a direct link to criterion D in I&S of “Thinking Critically.” An example, this is when evaluating a decision, consider the following: What are the strengths? What are the weaknesses? What are the alternatives? What are the limitations – is there information missing that you would like to know may influence your decision?

All the best to students this term as they study:

• Forensic Psychology (Psychology and Biology)
• World in Your Pocket (Economics and Business Management)
• Future Global Cooperation (links to Economics and the skills of all Group 3 subjects)
• Disrupting the Market (assessed using the Group 6 Design criteria with content of Business Management)

Year 10 DPP
With the Semester 1 curriculum driven by UQ, Semester 2 focuses more on content that is aligned to the DP Programme for Business Management, Economics and Psychology. With subject selections for DP 2025-26 fast approaching, it is imperative students make choices that will benefit them the most to have success. Students have the option of selecting two Group 3 subjects or two Group 4 subjects. Students are encouraged to discuss their DP subjects with me, or their teachers, if they wish to know more.

In Week 2, our Year 10 Psychology students have an excursion to the Queensland Institute of Medical Research to learn about the brain. 

DP
Year 11 students will commence their Internal Assessment (IA) for all three subjects this term. For Business Management, it means applying one of the four key concepts (change, creativity, sustainability, ethics) to large business, and relate five current source documents to evaluate how it affects the business in relation to the key concept. Checkpoint one is due before block exams and the completed draft is due mid Term 4. Having commenced the Microeconomics unit in Term 1, the Year 11 Economics students will submit their final 800-word commentary later this term. The process of this task was locating a current news article and then analysing it using their content and concept knowledge. Psychology students will do a simple experimental study replication which forms the basis for their IA. This aligns to the studied units of cognitive approach, sociocultural approach and research methods.

With Year 12 students about to commence their mock exams, on behalf of all Group 3 teachers, I wish them every success. Regular revision for all subjects and ensuring enough sleep each night will hopefully lead to the desired outcomes that students seek.

From the TOK Coordinator

DP1
In the upcoming term, our Year 11 students will explore the intricate relationship between knowledge and technology. This theme will prompt critical discussions on how technological advancements shape and challenge our understanding of the world, covering topics like artificial intelligence, the ethics of emerging technologies, and digital media's impact on information dissemination.

Simultaneously, we will delve into the natural sciences, examining how scientific knowledge is constructed and evolves. Students will explore the methodologies of scientific inquiry, the nature of scientific discoveries, and how new evidence can shift scientific paradigms, fostering an appreciation for the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge.

A key focus this term is the submission of students' full exhibition drafts. Students received this task in Week 1 and have a series of checkpoints to meet in the lead up to their final submission in Term 4, Week 3. They will select three objects and comment on them in response to a prescribed TOK prompt, demonstrating their ability to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications and showcasing their analytical skills.

To support your child, we recommend engaging in open discussions about their chosen objects and TOK concepts to deepen their understanding.

DP 2
In the upcoming term, Year 12 students will focus intensively on refining their Theory of Knowledge essays. Implementing feedback on their drafts is crucial at this stage, as it ensures their arguments are clear, well-supported, and critically engaging. Incorporating feedback helps students identify and address weaknesses, thereby enhancing the quality of their final submission.

The due date for the final TOK essay is Thursday, 25 July, Week 3 in Term 3. This submission will be sent off to the IB. The final grade will be combined with the Extended Essay (EE) grade, allowing students to earn up to three extra points towards their IB Diploma.

To support your child during this period, we recommend encouraging them to allocate specific times for working on their essay, ensuring steady progress. In addition to reviewing the feedback together, discussing how they can effectively implement the suggestions to strengthen their essay.

By actively engaging in the feedback process and adhering to deadlines, students can significantly improve their TOK essays, showcasing their analytical and reflective abilities, and maximising their potential IB Diploma points.

Joshua Kiehne, Theory of Knowledge Coordinator

Lyle Fredericksen, Head of Department Individuals and Societies

From the Department of Physical Sciences

Welcome to Term 3!
I hope all our students and their families had a relaxing term break, and are ready for another exciting term of Science!

Years 9 – 12 Physical Science students

Our Year 10 students have now begun their Diploma Preparation Programme (DPP). We move away from MYP, criterion based, marking to IB Diploma style marking which involves a percentage and a grade from 1-7. We also had them choose whether to take Standard level (SL) or Higher level (HL) Chemistry and/or Physics in Term 2. It is therefore very important that our Year 10 students consider their progress throughout this term, to ensure that they feel fully comfortable in their choice of subject level for Year 11 next year.

In Year 11, our students will continue with learning content as per the new IB guides. Our Physics students have already carried out their practice IA, while our Chemistry students collect their data in Week 2. All students carrying out a practice IA in the physical sciences receive detailed feedback on the IA report that they write. The preparation from these practice IAs is an important first step in preparing them for their final IAs, which happen in Term 4 for our Physics students, and in Term 1 of Year 12 for our Chemistry students.

Our Year 11 students have now been introduced to the Extended Essay assessment. To those students who are thinking of completing an essay in the Physical Sciences, I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to come and speak with any member of our team in order to fully explore your research proposal and to guide your decision making.

Also in this term, all of our Year 11 students will partake in the Collaborative Sciences Project Action Day. This is a fun day that develops our students’ ability to work collaboratively in a diversified group. Our Year 11 students have planned an exciting and fun activity that they will run with our Year 7 students during National Science Week.

On top of all of this, there will be international STEM tours that many of our Year 11 students are participating in towards the end of this term. These trips to Europe and Japan are an amazing opportunity for these students and will, no doubt, create some lasting memories. In the Physical Sciences, we have factored this into our planning for the term to ensure that learning is maximised for all those that are involved.

For our Year 12 students, they will have submitted all of their internal assessments as of Week 3, when they submit their TOK Essay. This is a huge weight off for them and will allow them to fully focus on their external assessments at this point in the year. As per our term planners, our Year 12 students will soon be into revision mode for their mock examinations which happen in Week 6. My team and I look forward to supporting our Year 12 students down this final stretch as they approach the end of their formal learning with us in the classroom. As always, we extend our offer of help to any student of the Physical Sciences throughout this journey.

To all our students and families, our team of Physical Sciences teachers are looking forward to guiding you through the exciting events of this term, and we hope that you are stretched and challenged in the process.

It was NAIDOC week during our first week back, and I thought it would be appropriate to finish with an Australian Aboriginal proverb:

“ We are all visitors to time this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow…”

Have a great Term 3 everyone!

Robert Hughes, Head of Department Physical Sciences

From the Department of Life Sciences

Welcome back to all our science students, teachers, parents and caregivers. I hope you had a restful winter break and are ready for an exciting term of curricular and extra-curricular science activities! This term promises to be extremely inspiring as we lead up to a highlight of the year for our school, National Science Week. 

In Week 1, our entire Year 10 cohort headed off to UQ for a bespoke program designed especially for our school entitled Experience Scientific Research Day. Over the course of the day, students had the opportunity to work in the Faculty of Science at UQ and undertake a series of hands-on workshops in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Scientific Literacy. It was one of the most exciting cohort experiences in our science calendar.

Year 7
This term, students will be learning about forces and the science of toys. To understand this, they will learn about Newton’s Laws of Motion and how they explain balanced and unbalanced forces, friction and gravity. They will apply their knowledge in a scientific investigation about what factors can affect an object falling, such as a paper helicopter. Their statement of inquiry for this unit is: “Change is a consequence of scientific and technological innovation.”

Year 8
This term, students will be exploring energy transfer and transformation. They will be learning about different types of energy and apply their understanding to investigating efficient wind turbines. They will present their findings in a scientific report. Their statement of inquiry for this unit is: “Everyday interactions can be explained by energy transformation relationships.”

Year 9 Sustainable Futures
We have a new class of students for Sustainable Futures this term. They will investigate the natural environment with a focus on sustainability and maintaining biodiversity. Students will be learning about and developing fieldwork skills before their excursion to Toohey Forest Environmental Education Centre. While there, students will compare two different aquatic sites, one where there is minimum human impact, and one with high levels of human impact. They will use this data to evaluate the effect that humans have on water quality.

Year 10 Diploma Preparation Programme
Year 10 students have started their Diploma Preparation Programme to help prepare them for moving into the Diploma Programme in Year 11. Biology students have moved into their strands of Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). They have started the term learning about the structure and function of cell membranes. This will be followed by an exploration of genetics and inheritance. Environmental Systems and Societies will be preparing for the first ever Higher Level course. Students will start by learning about the different spheres of the Earth, exploring processes and mechanisms of how they work together as systems. They will also be introduced to the HL lenses that have been added to the course, particularly environmental law, economics and ethics. We are very excited to be introducing this new course.

Diploma Programme

Biology
Year 11 Biology students are starting their final IA journey this term. They had an introduction to IA session at the end of Term 2, and they will spend a bit of time each week dedicated to preparing for the IA. It is important that they meet all checkpoints for this in order to carry out their experiments in Term 4.

Year 12 Biology students are finishing up the content and moving into revision for mocks and ultimately their final external exams. This is a fantastic time to evaluate current study habits to see what is working and what isn’t.

Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)

Year 11 ESS students have started Term 3 with their Practice IA, investigating the impact of different components of fertilisers on aquatic ecosystems. They will be learning about the criteria requirements for an ESS IA, as it is different from the rest of the Group 4 science courses. They will also be learning about biodiversity, threats to biodiversity and conservation so we can help sustain biodiversity.

Year 12 ESS students have finished all the content and have moved into revision of all topics for their mock exams. They will be focusing on exam preparation and techniques for being successful on all aspects of the ESS external exams.

All Life Science students are welcome to attend tutorials to help support their learning:
Life Science Tutorials – L10/11 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 11:00am - 11:40am and Wednesday 10:45am - 11:25am

Science Housekeeping
Just a reminder as we move into the second semester to ensure we have high standards of PPE use. Students have been informed about naming lab coats and safety glasses clearly, and ensuring they keep these in their lockers (unless dirty and need to be washed). We have a number of these ending up in lost property, and these are required during practicals. We would hate for students to miss out on the practical component of science because they have lost their PPE. Any lost PPE is required to be replaced.

Saengdao Philavane, Head of Department Life Sciences 

From Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)

Before we dive into the plans for Term 3, I want to extend a HUGE congratulations to our Year 8 boys volleyball team for their victory at the West Brisbane Junior Gala Day in Week 10 of the last term. They will advance to compete at the Met Finals later in the term. All our teams made QASMT proud, earning praise for their efforts and conduct both on and off the field. Best of luck to our senior teams as they take to the courts in Week 1 of this term.

Now, let’s explore what our students will be engaging in during Term 3.

Golden Paddle
In Week 4, we are excited to host the Golden Paddle Tournament, a full-school table tennis competition where students will vie for the prestigious title of Golden Paddle Champion. This student-run and organised event is a testament to the dedication of our Sport Ambassador team, led by Lachlan, and they are working diligently behind the scenes to ensure its success. Taking place during lunchtimes, this tournament promises an intense battle as table tennis and remains one of the prime activities enjoyed during lunch breaks. Sign-up information will be sent out shortly, so keep an eye out for that. Good luck to all participants!

Sport
As always, our expert coaches are ready to launch our Term 3 Sports Program in Week 2. This term, we welcome our Badminton, Australian Rules Football, and Ultimate Disc athletes to hone their skills and potentially secure a spot on one of our West Brisbane Gala Day teams. Gala Day will take place in Week 10, and we look forward to defending our prestigious badminton titles and perhaps adding more pennants to our growing collection. Please note that our badminton program is fully booked, and a waiting list has been established. You will be notified if positions become available. We are currently exploring options of a Term 4 program for those who missed out.

In addition to our Sports Program, the Volleyball Extension Program will continue this term, with the senior teams beginning their training in Week 3. Students will be rigorously preparing for the upcoming Senior Schools Cup in Term 4, aiming to emulate the success of their previous counter paths who achieved outstanding results in the Intermediate Schools Cup.

A huge thank you to our Sports Coordinators and expert coaches for their hard work in ensuring students are safe and challenged throughout the program.

CAS
Our Year 12s are on the home stretch with their CAS journey and will have their final sign off in Week 8/9 this term. To prepare for this, students should be fine tuning their portfolios and engaging in their final CAS activity. Shout out to our CAS champions who have engaged in and reflected on quality CAS throughout the duration of their Diploma – well done for achieving this status.

Curriculum
In Year 7, students will explore the cultural aspects of physical activity, with opportunities to engage in Indigenous games as well as those from their own cultures. They will investigate the inquiry, "Culture plays a role in the development of relationships and can be expressed through movement and interactions." Through this exploration, students will delve into the historical significance of a chosen game or dance from a particular culture and examine the relationship between culture, games, and wellbeing. During practical lessons, students will learn about various culturally significant games, developing their practical skills. They are encouraged to continually reflect on their performance to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Our Year 8 students will hit the courts and put their ATL skills to the test in an intraclass tournament. Leading up to this, they will organise training sessions and learn how to work as a team to achieve a common goal.

With IAs submitted and all topics covered, our Year 12 students are in revision mode, preparing for their mock exams this term. These mock exams will mimic the style and length of the final IB exams, providing valuable feedback for final preparations. Students are encouraged to maintain good study habits in preparation for their mock exams and the exam preparation period.

Yanah Floridis, Head of Education Outside the Classroom

From the Department of Mathematics

This term, teachers in the Mathematics department are looking forward to offering a number of competitions and programs to intrigue, challenge and motivate students.

In the classroom
Year 7 students are considering how the study of measurement and geometry can help them inquire “How can we travel between dimensions?”. This unit will conclude with a Criterion A (Knowledge) test. The students will also extend their patterning skills so they can complete their next Criterion B (Investigating Patterns) and C (Communication) assessment in the middle of this term.

“You Better Shape Up” is the unit Year 8 students are working on through engaging measurement investigations around area, surface area and volume of prisms, indices and algebra. Students will complete a Criterion A (Knowledge) test in Week 4 that will cover their previous Term 2 unit and part of this unit. Alongside this, students will continue to develop problem solving strategies for investigating patterns that will be used for an assessment later in the term.

Year 9 students are hard at work considering the statement of inquiry “Human Impact on the environment can be understood through valid models and spatial forms” through their current project where they are repackaging a product to be more sustainable.

Our Year 10 students have started in their new classes, Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA), and Mathematical Applications and Interpretation (AI), both of which are offered at Standard and High Level. All students will complete a common core of sequence and series, functions and exponentials. Each subject will then extend into topics that have been designed to give students a taste of the Diploma Programmes offered in Mathematics in Years 11 and 12. The graphic display calculator (GDC) will continue to be a focus as students learn new skills in its capabilities and how this can be applied when problem solving.

Year 11 students have started the term reviewing their exam results by reflecting on exam strategies, approaches in the different types of exams, topics that are their strengths and weaknesses, and what they need to work on moving forward.  Coursework has been completed by Year 12 Maths students, so they now move into an intensive revision program until mock exams in Week 6 and 7.

Enrichment Competitions
Term 3 has many Mathematics competition opportunities.

• 87 students have been working on the Mathematics Enrichment program offered by the Australian Maths Trust. These students have this term to solve 12-16 challenging problems.
• Years 7/8 students will have the chance to participate in first round of the annual QAMT Years 7/8 State-wide Maths Quiz, sponsored by the University of Queensland. Teams of three will compete in rounds of general mathematics, mental computation, written computation, problem solving and estimation in a fun quiz format. This competition is tentatively set for Thursday 1 August from 3:30pm - 5:00pm. Parents and students will receive information about registering for this soon.
• In Week 5, Tuesday 6 August, all students will compete in the AMT’s Australian Mathematics Competition. The AMC is an engaging 30-problem competition that demonstrates the importance and relevance of mathematics in students’ everyday lives.
• Students will also sit for the ICAS Mathematics Competition with Years 7-10 on 29 August and Years 11-12 on 28  August.
• Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO) is an exam designed to stretch talented students in Year 10 and below, will be held on Thursday 12 September. Further information will be sent to invited students closer to the date.

Congratulations goes to Siddharth, Caleb, Bhavy, and Eason for being invited to sit the 2024 Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee (AMOC) Senior Contest. This is a significant achievement, as it will serve as part of the selection process for the AMT School of Excellence and other Olympiad-level competitions. We wish them good luck in the four-hour paper that they will sit in August.

Finally, I would like remind students and parents about the Drop-Maths Help Sessions offered by the Mathematics department. Please note the change in time for the afternoon session.

Russell Hams, Head of Department Mathematics and Senior Robotics

From the Department of Technology

Welcome to Term 3, 2024

Given below is an overview of our learning journeys for each of our course offerings this term.

Year 7 Design
Our Year 7 students are exploring the Statement of Inquiry (SoI) ‘Human-centred design drives the development of products by engaging with the design cycle to explore the concepts of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) to design a prototype mobile app for their client’. A particular focus will be on listening to the client’s needs and seeking feedback on designs as they explore questions such as, “how do modern apps appeal to customers, ensure effective functionality and address usability issues associated with both?”. These ideas are key to success for modern applications.

Year 8 Design
Our Year 8 students are engaging with the design cycle to create a promotional website for a client as they explore the Statement of Inquiry (SoI) ‘Design choices influence how others perceive our identity’. Students will consult with clients through interviews, and develop the technical skills required to create a website, coded in HTML and CSS.

Year 9 Future of Automation
This term, students will be introduced to programming Arduino based micro-controllers and the Internet of Things (IOT) in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Learning by doing, students will investigate the capabilities of input and output sensors (including sound, ultrasound, temperature, humidity, movement, distance, lighting, air quality, and mechanical influence), and display components to design and build proof of concept mini-automation projects (prototypes). Students will develop fundamental skills they will later utilise in designing and building home automation projects in Term 4.

Year 9 Disrupting the Market
In Term 3, students will learn how to use the laser cutter through a series of skill development activities and design challenges. This is a subject where students develop business management knowledge and experiences alongside design skills. It teaches students how to measure items, create designs on the computer and understand the coordinate system, etc. One of the most important benefits is the science and STEM knowledge learnt behind using the state-of-the-art technology.

Year 10 Living in a Digital Society
In our Digital Society class, students will delve into the effects and consequences of social media. Their investigations will cover various aspects such as the consequences of relying on social media for news, the repercussions of mishandling one's digital presence, and the potential benefits of using social media for collaboration and personal learning networks (PLN). This unit will give students the opportunity to realise the depth and breadth of these topics, and inquire into the impacts that these technologies are having on our day-to-day life. To showcase their understanding, each student will address their individual inquiry question by exploring these impacts in great detail.

Year 10 Computer Science – Higher Level
Year 10 students will begin exploring more advanced coding practices through Java and Object-oriented programming (OOP). This style of computing is the backbone of most modern games, apps and other software, and will set them up for their future studies in IB Computer Science. To finish the unit, they will be teaming up to use these skills to create text-based adventure games, which are always a good bit of fun and creativity.

Year 11 Computer Science – Higher Level
This term in Year 11 Computer Science HL, students will be continuing to work on their practice IA, which is a data-driven Java application for a car rental agency. Students will use object-oriented design principles to arrive at a solution, all the while studying how programming languages are used and their relationship to computational thinking processes. Finally, students will analyse a case study, deepening their understanding of computer science concepts in modern societies.

Year 11 Digital Society – Higher Level
The Year 11 students will begin the term by exploring culture as represented through digital media. Conducting inquiries into social media, deepfakes and misinformation, students will develop technical skills as they prepare for their senior internal assessment item. Furthermore, students will have their first exposure to an IB pre-release statement for Digital Society, which will create a basis for their HL extension inquiry intervention and the Paper 3 examination at the end of the term.

12 Computer Science – Higher Level
Rescue robots and abstract data structures are the key focus for the Year 12 Computer Science students. The robotic exploration is in preparation for the final case study they will need to explore for their final exams in November. Beyond this, the key focus is their IB exam preparation, with mock exams fast approaching in Weeks 6 and 7. Best of luck to you, Year 12!

12 Digital Society – Higher Level
In 2020/21, Australia generated an estimated 75.8 million tons (Mt) of waste, equivalent to 2.95 tons per person. The processing and recycling of eWaste is the focus of the digital society pre-release task, for the Year 12s final exams in November. Students are investigating the impacts of how we, as a society, can manage this growing issue. Beyond this, the key focus is their IB exam preparation, with mock exams fast approaching in Weeks 6 and 7. Best of luck to you, Year 12!

Middle Year Robotics Program
The Middle Year Robotics team extends a warm welcome to new and returning students who participate in the RoboCup Year 7, RoboCup Years 8 - 12, First Lego League (FLL) Year 7, and First Lego League (FLL) Years 8 - 10 Programs.

We look forward to an exciting and creative term of learning through enquiry and consolidation.

Larry Vint, Head of Department Technology and Middle Years Robotics

From the House Deans

Welcome to Term 3 everybody. We hope everyone had a well-deserved rest over the holidays. 

Term 3 is a wonderful opportunity for InStep classes to re-connect and strengthen the bonds already formed in 2024 across all year levels. The vertical nature of our InSteps is one of the many advantages we have at QASMT, as it offers a chance to get to know students in all year levels and benefit from their experience, advice and QASMT life hacks.

Interhouse Trivia
Term 3 brings a number of exciting opportunities to participate in some fun activities, not to mention collect house points at the same time. The House Trophy competition is very close this year with places changing almost daily. We encourage all InSteps to get involved in the Interhouse Trivia Quiz taking place in Week 4. Agnesi House loves a good quiz, as do all the other houses – best of luck to every InStep. Thank you to the Trivia CCA committee for bringing this to us.

Year 12 Focus
Term 3 is a pivotal term for Year 12 students. They will be handing in their Extended Essay and getting to enjoy the traditional EE pizza party on Monday 15July. There is already a buzz in the air leading up to formal which will take place on Friday 19 July. Formal is one of our favourite events of the year as we get to see Year 12 students in all their finery. Once the Formal is out of the way, our Year 12 students then turn their attention to mock exams and the Year 12 Conference, which are both crucial events in preparation for the final exams. The trip to Movieworld, following on from the conference, offers our students a break away from the school environment, and a chance to feel a different sort of nervousness - let’s hope all the rides are open! Term 3 is also the time of year when we farewell Year 12 students from InStep - we wish Year 12 a successful term.

Leadership 2024
Student Leadership applications have now closed, and this year we have an all-time record number of applicants across all the leadership positions and portfolios. We would like to wish all candidates the best with their applications.

PEP Overview Term 3
As always in Term 3, students are busy writing their new semester PLP goals. This is such an important aspect of preparing for academic success, and we strongly encourage all students to engage with this process. The “Personal” aspect in the Learning Plan title is key to linking identified goals with targeted improvement, tailored to every individual’s unique learning style.

Year 11 PEP focus for this term is Respectful Relationships. We will be covering the difference between respect and self-respect, gender equality, self-regulation and interpersonal skills in relationships.

Year 10 students are navigating Respectful Relationships with a focus on Consent. Students will be identifying behaviours and interactions that represent a continuum between respect and abuse and how to recognise where to draw the line. They will also explore Bystander vs Upstander behaviour and healthy relationships.

Year 9 PEP students are now actively engaged in the Journey Program. We will be heading out to Emu Gully in Week 4 for three days of physical and mental challenges. Additionally, Ms Katrina Judge, our GO (Career Planning), will provide essential guidance to students on making informed decisions about their future. This information is crucial as it will help them prepare for the upcoming SET plan interviews. Overall, Term 3 promises to be a highly enriching and exciting term for our Year 9 students.

A meaningful life with purpose is the topic Year 8 students will be exploring this term as they unpack the differences between Hedonic and Eudaimonic outlooks - these are quite challenging philosophical concepts for Year 8 students, but we are sure they will learn to understand the content as they work through the inquiry cycle.

As already mentioned, Year 7 students will finalise their PLP SMART goals. These are goals that they set for themselves according to what they would like to achieve in each of their subjects. We will discuss the value of goal setting and the importance of devising strategies to help overcome obstacles and motivation. After PLP Goals have been finalised, Year 7 students will change focus from Positive Accomplishment to the Domain of Positive Relationships. This will include investigating the importance of friendship, characteristics of good and bad friendships, and the key components of successful group work.

Travel Opportunities
We hope all the Year 10 students signed up for the Ski Tour are packing their winter woollies for the upcoming trip to Perisher, which will take place during Ekka week. So far, the snow reports are looking very promising - which means we can look forward to some action-packed days on the slopes.

We are not sure if there will be any Year 11 students left in school by the time the STEM trips have departed as over 80 students and staff are heading to Europe at the beginning of Week 9, followed hot on their heels by 42 students on the Japan trip leaving on the Friday. We look forward to hearing all about their adventures on their return. Bon Voyage!

And finally, students can look forward to shining on stage as they collect their Semester 1 academic awards at the Middle and Senior Years Awards Ceremonies on 23 July. All award recipients should be proud of the hard work and effort, and we look forward to seeing everybody on stage.

Please do not hesitate to contact any of the House Deans if there is anything we can do to further support your child.

Aileen Davis, House Dean Agnesi; Marc Wheeler, House Dean Curie; Zoe Kirby, House Dean Da Vinci; Ross Bray, House Dean Franklin; Jae Morris, House Dean Hawking; Kate Oxenford, House Deans Hollows; Dean Aspland, House Dean Jackson; and Deva Prasad, House Dean Newton.

From the Guidance Officers

Welcome back to Semester 2!

Term 3 is an exciting season for students to grow their knowledge of careers and build their career planning portfolio. 

• Year 12 students will be finalising and submitting their university applications. Every Year 12 student has been issued a personalised QTAC Guide including relevant application codes. Uncollected copies are available from House Deans.  Any Year 12 students who have not yet attended their pathways interview are still able to arrange a time to discuss their career plans for next year and beyond, using our online booking system (link in Mrs Judge’s email signature). 
• Many students and their families engaged with the visiting tertiary providers at our annual QASMT Tertiary Expo.
• All Year 9 students are engaging with discussions around career planning as they work towards creating their Senior Education and Training (SET) plans, culminating in individual career interviews to support their upcoming subject selection process.

This term includes significant dates in the career planning calendar:

• 15 July: QASMT Tertiary Expo
• July/August: University open days (see below)
• 29 July: VTAC applications open for 2025
• 1 August: QTAC applications open for 2025
• Late September: some QTAC, UAC and VTAC courses close

(Check websites for opening dates of other Tertiary Admission Centres around Australia.)

Information Sessions: throughout the year, Career Information Sessions are held, focusing on timely information for career planning. Sessions will have a target audience (e.g. parents or a specific year level), but others are welcome to attend.  Topics will include application processes, university specific information and study field focus sessions. During Term 3, a session is scheduled exploring Careers in Business. Why study business? What are the options? What is the difference between business courses and the available majors?

Early Offers Reminder
Year 12 students and their families are reminded that many university applications now include an early offer process in addition to the traditional January offer round. Processes and timelines vary considerably between universities with many open now or in the coming weeks. Check due dates for these processes at each university if you wish to access this additional opportunity. For a summary of possible schemes, explore the Study Work Grow Early Entry Guide on our Pathways Hub.

UQ | Open Day 
Sunday 4 August 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

UQ St Lucia Campus

We can't wait to welcome you to Open Day at UQ's St Lucia campus in Brisbane. Explore your interests and study options, immerse yourself in university life and get answers to all your questions.

Griffith | Open Day, Nathan
Sunday 11 August 2024, 9:00am – 2:00pm

Griffith University Nathan Campus, Kessels Road, Nathan QLD, Australia

Whether you've got it all figured out or have no idea where to start, Open Day is packed with useful information just for you. Visit the Gold Coast or Nathan campuses to chat with our expert staff and students and get a feel for what student life is like at Griffith.

QUT | Open Day 2024
Sunday 28 July 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm

Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove

You can discover the real QUT this Open Day – with the chance to explore facilities at Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove; speak with students and academics; get study area advice; and hear tips about applications, finances, and student life. And that’s just scratching the surface.  

Open Day Planner
Term 3 is the busiest time for university open days. Use the Study Work Grow open day planner to choose which universities to visit and plan your calendar. Always check dates and times with the tertiary institutions for any last minute changes to schedules. Remember to register your interest with each university to keep up to date with programs and plans.

Further information can be found on university websites. Access 5 Tips for Open Day Success and review a comprehensive list of all open days with the Study Work Grow open day planner, free on our Pathways Hub.

Resources: there are many resources available to support our students’ career planning journey.

Guidance Office/Career Library (A Block): a range of free resources available for students to access.

QASMT Digital Library: a growing collection of career resources including newsletters and factsheets from previous communication. 

Options Bulletin: The Options Career Information App gives you convenient access to career information and key calendar dates which can also be great conversation starters when talking with your child. Simply download the app and sign in using our unique access code “QASMT” (for our Academy community’s use only). Switch on the App’s notifications and you will know when the latest bulletin is published. You will continue to receive further career information throughout the year.  Alternatively, the latest bulletin is available at https://optionscareers.com.au/welcome/QASMT/bulletin.

Study Work Grow: features include guides (e.g. Entry to Medicine Guide, Pathways to Engineering, Co-op Scholarships Guide), weekly newsletters, a work experience database, a scholarships database, job spotlights and online tools.  Investigate at www.studyworkgrow.com .

QASMT Career Hub: for free access to Study Work Grow resources and local QASMT career documents and news - https://studyworkgrow.com/education/school/queensland-academy-for-science-mathematics-and-technology/

Looking forward to a productive and rewarding term!

Katrina Judge, Guidance Officer Career Planning

Semester 2 is here, and we are ready for another jam-packed semester of opportunities that promote wellbeing at the Academy. 

Wellbeing Seminar Series – Parents and Community
Wellbeing Seminar Series continues for parents and community this semester. The Headspace parent session focus for Term 3 is ‘Healthy Headspace – Introduction to Mental Health’. This session will be delivered virtually in response to parent requests.

Term 3: Headspace – Healthy Headspace – Introduction to Mental Health
Georgia McGirvan will present to family and community virtually. Access links will be provided to registered participants on the day of the event.

Please use the following link to register your interest in attending the virtual Headspace presentation: https://survey.qed.qld.gov.au/n/b8qhrv0

Headspace provides young people with access to health advice, education and employment. Their vision is to improve young people's mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Their student workshops aim to increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, build the capacity of young people to understand their own wellbeing needs, support their peers, and explore pathways for help-seeking. Workshops are interactive, strength-based and evidence-informed. For further information about Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/

Headspace recognises the importance of materials and resources that cater for young people, friends and families, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. With this in mind, they have translated their ‘About Headspace’ flyer, which contains basic information of Headspace services, into 20 additional languages. Link here.

Anger: Exercises and Coping Skills to Help Manage Your Anger.
Anger is often referred to as a secondary emotion. It is thought that we subconsciously shift into anger to protect ourselves from more vulnerable, uncomfortable emotions, such as fear and sadness.

Duration: Weeks 5 - 8 of Term 3
Weekly resources will be emailed directly to students enrolled.
To enrol, students can email Tara Le Pla: TLEPL4@eq.edu.au by Friday 2 August to be included in this online course.

Have a wonderful term – Be kind to yourself and each other.

Tara Le Pla, Guidance Officer Student Support