Term Ahead - 21 July 2023

Term 3 is a particularly important term for our Year 12 students as it marks the final stage of compulsory attendance at school. There is no doubt our senior students will have mixed emotions about entering into this final phase of learning. They will be looking forward to the celebratory events such as the Senior Formal, Final House Assembly, Year 12 Conference, Farewell Assembly and Valedictory dinner. However, they may also experience a sense of trepidation with the upcoming mock exams, which commence in Week 6. Mock exams are a vital part of the preparation program for the November exams as they provide important information to students and staff, including:

• Assessment of preparation: Students take mock tests before their final exam so that students, and teachers, can assess their level of preparation for the final exams.
• Getting a feel for how the exam will be: It gives the student a feel for the real exam. Being placed in the same situation and under the same pressure before the actual exam can help reduce anxiety.
• Help revising: Mock tests help in revising the whole syllabus with the feel and environment of the actual exam. Moreover, they help in remembering the topics and concepts while solving the paper.
• Practice: Mock tests are also important because of the practice they provide. They help students understand the kind of obstacles they can face while attempting the final exams.
• Help to understand the paper style: Mock tests help students by giving them an opportunity to know the style and scope of the question papers.
• Gauge weaker performance areas: Mock tests help the students identify the areas to work on.
• Help in time management: Managing time is a very important factor in all the exams. After completing a full set of mock tests, students understand the importance of time and managing it.

All students received their report or achievement summary in Week 2, 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 that; “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) and Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student strategy. Schools will be able to reflect on the engagement and wellbeing curriculum and programs being run at the school and identify where additional programs or resources may be required.

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.

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 his 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 put in a subject change form in Week 1 of Term 4.

In Term 3 our school calendar has many enjoyable events and experiences scheduled, including Positive Education Week, the Golden Paddle Competition, Instrumental Music Evening 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 the different ATL that I see, and the different learning experiences our senior students are having. 

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

In recent weeks, our Deputy Principal of Senior Years, Dr. Hatchel, and I, communicated to all students the importance of looking after their personal belongings whilst at school. This includes locking their lockers throughout the day. Unfortunately, we are noticing that some students are neglecting to lock their lockers and/or are sharing their lockers with their friends. In an effort to protect all students and their valuables, students are required to secure their belongings. If any lockers require attention, students have been asked to notify their House Dean immediately.

On a final note, a reminder 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 we are all striving to come to school regularly and on time.

Harding Miller Foundation Scholarship - What is the Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship?
The Harding Miller Education Foundation is proud to partner with the Quinn Femelle Foundation to provide Quinn scholarships for students in Queensland. As our most significant philanthropic partner, Quinn Femelle supports a minimum of 25 Quinn scholarships every year for scholars across Queensland.

Quinn scholarships are awarded to girls entering Year 9 in 2024 at public high schools across Queensland. The scholarship criteria are:

1. Proven high academic potential
2. Dedication to studies
3. Demonstrated financial or personal hardship

Quinn Femelle is focused on supporting women and the progress of equal opportunity for those who are disadvantaged across Australia. It supports long-term sustainable goals that target the future prosperity of Australians, and in particular Queenslanders. Its priority areas are health, education, especially in relation to children and youth.

Each scholarship is valued at $20,000 over four years from years 9-12 and provides critical resources and support to enable our scholars to not only finish high school, but to reach their academic potential and build direct pathways to tertiary education.

Please ensure you read the criteria before you start your application and then make an appointment to see Mrs Manwaring. The 2024 Harding Miller Scholarship Applications are open from 18th July until 13th September 2023. More information can be found here. 

The DRC was held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Week 1. This is a university level competition with QASMT being the only high school entering. Teams have to design and build an autonomous vehicle using camera vision to complete the set tracks in the fastest time, while also avoiding obstacles. Both teams utilised neural networks and machine learning to complete their droids.

We had 2 teams: a Year 11 team (Rubber Duck racing) and a Year 10 team (Odyssey) competing against 13 university teams from Queensland and New South Wales. I am very proud to announce that both teams did extremely well. The Year 11 team came third and also won the best Droid design award. The Year 10 team came first and also won the overall Champion Droid. This is extremely impressive with the first team winning by a considerably large margin.

A big congratulations to team Odyssey (Ermia, Enoch, Banjo and Ian) and to team Rubber Duck racing (Nikita and Jared).

Our Year 7 students are embarking on a creative writing unit in which they are going to create their own picture books after a study of myths and legends from around the world. The Statement of Inquiry that will inform their learning is Cultural identity is expressed through creative storytelling. Part of their work will be supported by our visiting guest author, Josie Montano who will bring “real world insight and experience” when advising students on their writing process.

Our Year 9 students will analyse a variety of multimodal texts as they collaboratively work with their peers to explore our Statement of Inquiry: Communication for change appeals to audience point of view. Students will deliver analytical presentations in which they explore how various authors and organisations communicate their message to a variety of audiences across various contexts.

Year 11 continue their march toward their Internal Assessment in Term 4 by exploring Ishiguro’s novel Never Let Me Go and the film Gattaca. These two texts both explore imagined futures that are characterised by advancements in technology that are unchecked by moral guidelines. The ideas that students express and concepts that they engage with will ultimately inform their Term 4 individual oral.

Finally, our Year 12 students will continue to explore a variety of literary and non-literary texts as they prepare for their mock examinations. It has been enlightening to see how students identify a variety of concepts and issues present with texts that are both “seen” and “unseen”. We look forward to the ways in which our Year 12 students will continue this work by deepening their thinking and expression of ideas over the remainder of the course.

Term 3 will again have enriching events on the calendar. Week 1 began with a Bastille Day celebration, we have the MLTAQ Speaking Contest coming up on August 6, just to name a couple of events. I look forward to providing details about our exciting calendar events in the Term in Review. 

MYP Classical Languages

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.

Year 10 and 11 Classical Languages

For Latin students in Year 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.

Coming up this term
This term will be a busy one, beginning with our Tanabata festival activities in Week 2. Students will participate in authentic experiences that are celebrated throughout Japan each year. I thank the Japanese teachers for their hard work in putting together these experiences so that students are able to put into practice their language learning and participate in events that are so important in Japanese culture.

International Mindedness
We have 10 QASMT students from Years 8-10 participating in the Inaugural Queensland Global Youth Summit throughout Term 3 and 4. Students will be participating in four online workshops in preparation for the culminating event of the summit to be held in Term 4. This summit is a joint initiative of the Asia Education Foundation at the University of Melbourne and Education Queensland International. The summit aims to provide students with opportunities to explore different elements of global competence and enhance students' essential, analytical, and creative thinking skills, leadership skills, intercultural understanding, self-awareness, and cultural understanding to facilitate meaningful global connections.

Year 7 and 8 Classroom Music
Year 7 music students are exploring music concepts, fundamentals and elements through discovering 'Bold and Beautiful' music through the ages. Students are collaborating 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 through the unit 'Beatbox'. In this unit, students develop skills in performance, composition and analysis through active listening and ensemble playing in addition to creating a 'hit song'.

Year 8 Design

Year 9 Future of Automation
This term students will be introduced to programming Arduino based micro-controllers and the Internet of Things (IOT). Students will investigate the capabilities of sensors and display components to design proof of concept mini-automation projects, developing fundamental skills they will later utilise in home automation projects. 

Year 9 Biomedical Engineering
For our first project, this term students will design and create a set of 3D printed models as they explore the innovative field of bone scaffold engineering.

Year 10 Computer Science

Year 11 Computer Science

Student will also examine how prototyping is utilised to develop their practice assessment projects, and apply their understanding of programming practices.

Year 12 Computer Science and ITGS
Year 12 students are consolidating their own learning and experience in preparation for their mock exams in Week 6 and 7. Best of luck to you, Year 12!

Year 7-8 Foundation
Year 7-8 students will spend the first part of Term 3 studying Economics and Business. Parents and carers, be prepared to be interviewed by your children as they investigate the changing nature of work. The Year 7s are particularly excited as we commence ‘The Game of Life’. Following this, a history unit will commence that will utilise the virtual reality classroom and will give students the chance to travel back in time to either Ancient Rome or Ancient China. On August 29 we have an excursion planned to the Abbey Museum – a real highlight of the year for past students. Year 8 students are investigating developments that will present economic benefits for our region but must also consider the social and environmental implications for other stakeholders in Queensland. This is highly relevant in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Year 9 STEM Futures
All five 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 of this is when evaluating a decision to consider the following: what are the strengths? What are the weaknesses? What are the alternatives? What are the limitations – is there information that is missing that you would like to know that 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)
• Cultural Revolution (links to History 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 Diploma Preparation Programme
With the Semester 1 curriculum driven by UQ, Semester 2 focuses more specially on content that is aligned to the DP Programme for Business Management, Economics and Psychology. With subject selections for DP 2024-25 fast approaching, it is imperative students make choices that will benefit them to achieve most success. Students have the option of selecting two Group 3 subjects or two Group 4 subjects. Students are encouraged to discuss with their teachers or Mr Fredericksen any DP subjects they wish to know more about.

Diploma Programme
Year 11 students will commence their Internal Assessment (IA) for all three subjects this term. For Business Management it is investigating a real-life business dilemma, making recommendations on how to proceed and then presenting that to the business owner. Both primary and secondary data can be used, and the draft is due in 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 units studied 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 David King

Year 11
This term the students are considering the role of technology in the acquisition and production of knowledge. They will also look at Natural Sciences, one of the areas of knowledge, and its importance for knowledge. In addition, we will be introducing the final exhibition task to the students, with a draft of their work to be submitted towards the end of the term. This is an important assessment as the final submission due early Term 4 provides a third of their overall final grade in this subject. Students will have a number of checkpoints to complete in the lead up to both the draft and final submission. Meeting these checkpoints will ensure academic integrity is maintained and ideas of students are original.

 Year 12
This term the students are working on improving their essays using the feedback they have received from their teachers, family and peers. This is an important milestone as the essay contributes two thirds of their overall final grade in this subject. The final submission is due in Week 3 of this term.

For our Year 9 students, the new semester means that they get to study different science electives to those that they studied in Semester 1. Our students get to explore the Physical Sciences from a different perspective and develop an even broader understanding of the subject matter of Chemistry and Physics. Throughout this semester I strongly encourage our Year 9 students to regularly reflect on what they are learning as they consider their choices for Year 10 Science next year. Part of guiding them with this choice was the parents’ evening which was held at the beginning of Week 2 of this term. 

Our Year 11 Physics students have already carried out their practice IA, while our Chemistry students are in the middle of data collection for theirs. All students carrying out a practice IA in the Physical Sciences will receive feedback on the IA report that they write. This is an important first step in preparing them for their final IB IA which happens in Term 4 for our Physics students and in Term 1 of Year 12 for our Chemistry students.

Our Year 11 students have recently been introduced to the Extended Essay assessment piece. 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 Science students will partake in the Group 4 project day. This is a fun day that develops our students’ ability to work collaboratively in a diversified group. 

For our Year 12 students, they have submitted all of their internal assessments as of the end of Week 2. 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. The inclusion of Paper 3 style questions in the Term 2 examinations was an important and necessary addition this year, as Paper 3 is examined in the final IB science exams. As per our term planners, our Year 12 students are now entering into a revision program for their mock examinations which happen in Week 6.

Extracurricular Science Updates
This term we continue a fantastic offering of extracurricular science activities including several science CCAs: Crystal Growing, Science Communication, Astronomy club, and Astrophysics club. If you have a student in your family who is interested in taking part in one of these extracurricular activities, then they should contact the Physical Sciences teachers who run them. This information is available on the Term 3 CCA list.

Excitedly, we have two teams of students who will be competing in the RACI National Titration Competition, as well as several teams of Year 11 students who have been selected to present at the upcoming UQ Ideas Forum (UQIF). There are also two Year 11 students who will attend the International Science Fair in Adelaide in September.

Finally, our STEM Seminar Speakers will continue to visit. All QASMT students and staff are welcome and are encouraged to attend these seminars. We are extremely lucky to have people who are leaders in their fields coming in to speak to us, and it is a unique opportunity to hear about real-world STEM research in our very own lecture theatre.

Year 7
This term, students will be investigation forces. They will be learning about balanced and unbalanced forces, friction and gravity. They will apply their knowledge in a scientific investigation on falling objects.

Their statement of inquiry for this unit is: “Interactions between forces result in changes that can be measured through scientific innovation”.

Year 9 Sustainable Futures
We have a new round of students starting Sustainable Futures this term. This term they will investigate the natural environment with a focus on sustainability and maintaining biodiversity. Students will be developing and honing their fieldwork skills before their excursion to Toohey Forest. Here students will compare two different 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 the environment.

Diploma Programme
Year 11 Biology students are starting their final IA journey this term. They started with an introduction to IA session in Week 1, 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.

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

All Biology students are welcome to attend tutorials to help support their learning: Biology Tutorials – L10/11 Tuesday and Thursday lunches.

Kids STEM Convention
This term is an exciting one for Year 7. The Kids STEM convention is a three-phase learning experience for students to engage with STEM inquiry. There are currently 27 schools across greater Brisbane that are participating with just over 300 students in total.

The Three Phases
Inspiration – a full day conference experience conducted at the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus. Student delegates will be inspired by keynote addresses delivered by prominent figures from the scientific community; led through the steps required to conduct a rigorous inquiry-based investigation and participate in two self-selected ‘hands-on’ workshops. Students participated in this on Thursday 13 July.

• Investigation – In the 10-week period following the conference, students are required to undertake either an individual or group investigation. Students will be assisted through this process via mentoring at school
• Celebration – Students display and share their investigations with the wider community via an afternoon forum conducted at the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology. Student investigations are judged, with awards being presented (Wednesday 12 October 2023).

QASMT are proud to have 20 super eager Year 7 students participating in the Kids STEM convention this year. It looks to be a great event and I know our students will produce some amazing projects.

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.

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.

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 students, so they now move into an intensive revision program until mock exams in Week 6 and 7.

Enrichment Competitions
Term 3 has many competition opportunities.

• 38 students have been working on the Mathematics Enrichment program offered by the Australian Maths Trust. These students have to solve 12-16 challenging problems.
• Year 7/8 students have the chance to participate in first round of the annual QAMT Year 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 on Tuesday 22 August from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Parents and students will receive information about registering for this soon.
• In Week 4, Friday 4 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 on August 31.
• Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO), an exam designed to stretch talented students in Year 10 and below, will be held on Thursday 9 September. Further information will be sent to invited students closer to the date.

Congratulations goes to Siddharth and Katherine  for being invited to sit the 2023 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.

Sport
As always, our expert coaches were at the ready to kick off our Term 3 Sport Program in Week 2.  This term, we invite our Badminton, Australian Rules Football and Ultimate Disc athletes to the stage to learn new skills and perhaps land a position in one of our West Brisbane Gala Day teams.  Gala Day will be held in Week 10, and we look forward to defending our prestigious badminton titles and perhaps bringing home some more pennants to add to our growing collection.  Please note that our Badminton Program is completely full, and a waiting list has been developed.  You will be notified if positions become available.

CCA Program
Our CCA Program continues to grow and we look forward to spot lighting a few new clubs this term!  We have a number of “drop in” sessions which run with the assistance of senior students, including a social Volleyball Club and Pickle Ball sessions on the courts with Mr Vasco.  Combining three very popular sports in tennis, badminton and ping pong, Pickle Ball will be a great way to let off some steam and have fun during your lunch break.  I look forward to having a hit with you all, too!

Ski Trip
With the world beginning to open up again, we are very pleased to bring back our annual Ski Tour.  In Week 6, a lucky group of Year 10 student will hit the slopes of Perisher and kick start their CAS journey by challenging themselves and learning new skills during the five-day ski trip.  In preparation for the trip, students have been participating in a weekly CCA experience to ensure they are ready for the physical demands of the slopes.  
Chaperones Mr Conway, Dr Davis, Ms Lunn and I have been eagerly monitoring the snow fall and it is shaping up to be a fun filled ski season with lots of snow to carve up. We are very excited to guide students through this amazing experience.  Year 10s, do you want to build a snow man?

Curriculum
In Year 7, cultural aspects of physical activity will be explored, with students having opportunities to explore indigenous games as well as some from their own cultures too.  Students will explore the inquiry that “culture plays a role in the development of relationships and can be expressed through movement and interactions”. Through this inquiry, students will delve into the historical significance of a chosen game or dance from a particular culture, and they will investigate relationship between culture, games and wellbeing. During practical lessons, students will learn about various culturally significant games, and through these develop their practical skills. Students are encouraged to continually reflect on their practical performance during lessons, to identify their strengths and pinpoint opportunities for improvement.

With the Internal Assessments in and all topics covered, our Year 12 students are in revision mode and will be busy preparing for their mock exams this term.  Mock exams will match the style and length of the final IB exams, providing useful feedback for their final preparations.  Students are encouraged to continue their good study habits in preparation for their mock exams and exam preparation period..

Interhouse Events
Term 3 brings a number of exciting opportunities for students to participate in 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.  I encourage all InSteps to get involved in the Interhouse Trivia Quiz taking place in Week 2. I know Agnesi House loves a good quiz, as do all the other houses – best of luck to every InStep. Thank you to Mr Bray and the CCA committee for bringing this to us.

Leadership 2023
Student Leadership applications have now closed, and we are hoping for a bumper number of applicants across all the leadership positions. There is something for everyone. I would like to wish all candidates all the best with their applications.

House Charity Update
After a number of years, Agnesi House charity is back on track and teaming up to support the Brisbane Children’s Hospital Foundation - Give Gifts to Sick Kids.  The house team will be unveiling details of this exciting project in the coming weeks, and I hope everyone will make a pledge to contribute to this very worthy cause. Watch this space.

Since Hollows House inception in 2021, we have supported and raised money annually for the Fred Hollows Foundation raising $1668 in total so far.  This has equated to being able to cure avoidable blindness in over 66 people, as every $25 does so.  To raise additional ongoing funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation, Anika (Year 11 student) has come up with an incentive that for every single donation of $25 or more, the donor will receive a beautifully crafted and created Hollows House set of coasters for their home.  Therefore, for the remainder of the year, all donors can send proof of donation receipt and or cash payment with student to the school (addressed to Michael Colquhoun mjcol3@eq.edu.au) to receive a four pack of Hollows House coasters.  Well-done Anika for this ongoing initiative to continue our house namesake legacy. 

Jackson House and Franklin House are both running house bake sales this term. Jackson House will be kicking things off in Week 4 with a bake sale to support the Mater Foundation and Franklin will keep the sweet treats coming in Week 5 in aid of the RSPCA. No need to worry if you do not have a few loose coins – cards are now accepted.

Travel Opportunities
Year 10 students will be packing all their winter woollies for the upcoming ski 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.

I am not sure if there will be any Year 11 students left in school by the time the STEM trips have departed with over 60 students and staff heading to Europe at the beginning of Week 9, followed hot on their heels by up to 50 students leaving for the Japan trip on the Friday. We look forward to hearing all about their adventures on their return. Bon Voyage!

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. Students should check due dates for these processes at each university if they wish to access this additional opportunity. For a summary of possible schemes, explore the Study Work Grow Early Entry Guide. 

Career Planning Resources and Events
UQ Open Day
Sunday 6 August, 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 13 August, 2023, 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 23 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 2023
Sunday 30 July, 2023 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.  

Options Career Bulletin
Students can view the Options Career Bulletin for other career planning opportunities and information. Use the Options Career Information app available through the Apple store and Google Play: access code “QASMT”.  Alternatively, view the newsletters at https://optionscareers.com.au/welcome/QASMT/bulletin

Study Work Grow
Students can access the Study Work Grow website or register to receive the newsletters directly. Study Work Grow offer features including guides (e.g., Entry to Medicine Guide), weekly newsletters, a work experience database, a scholarships database, job spotlights and online tools. All students can access resources and membership as part of our school subscription, using the following steps:

Step 1: Go to https://studyworkgrow.com.au/school/qasmt/

Step 2: Click on ‘Create your membership’ in the top right corner

Step 3: Follow the steps and use our School Code (QASMT) when prompted.

Wellbeing Seminar Series
Wellbeing seminars will continue throughout Semester 2 to support the wellbeing and brain health of our students and the Academy community.

Term 3 sessions include one student opportunity and one parent and community session.

Session 1- Student program
Week 4-9 (online)
Interpersonal Effectiveness skills

Session 2 - Parent and community session
14 August , Monday 6:00-7:00pm (virtual presentation)
You will have the option to view the virtual presentation on site at QASMT or off-site for your convenience. This session covers:

• Understanding mental health and wellbeing in young people.
• Noticing changes that a young person might be going through a tough time.
• Identifying strategies to connect and communicate with young people.
• Increasing knowledge about how to support a young person and where to access professional support.

Students
Students will have access to a new six-week course around Interpersonal Effectiveness skill building, with a focus on Dialectical Behaviour skills (DBT).
Course starts in Week 4, concluding in Week 9.
Students will be able to access the course online in their own time and can engage as little or as much as they choose.
To enrol, students to email me directly at tlepl4@eq.edu.au

Congratulations to Beate and Noah, both violinists, who participated in the State Honours Excellence Program Brisbane (July) at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. We also have a number of students who will participate in SHEP at the end of September.

This term we have an entrant into the regional Battle of the Bands event at The Gap State High School, a few nights after our evening concert. ‘Volcanic Rock’ will perform an energetic set including an original song.

Being carbon neutral showcases our dedication to reducing our environmental impact and fostering a culture of sustainability. We will implement innovative strategies such as energy efficiency measures, biodiversity activities, waste management and recycling programs, curriculum integration, and community engagement activities to minimise our carbon footprint.

While achieving carbon neutral accreditation is significant, it is just the beginning of our Net Zero journey. We have partnered with Zero Positive for Schools to set ambitious reduction targets, track progress, and implement further sustainability measures.

Our goal is to be a role model for educational institutions nationwide, demonstrating the impact of prioritising sustainability and climate action. We aim to create an environmentally conscious learning environment that inspires our students, staff, and the community.

Sustainability is a top priority at QASMT, with a focus on becoming single-use plastic-free and maintaining our carbon neutral status. We strive to protect our environment and teach our students the value of global and local environmental preservation.

The School Communications Team regularly posts to our social media networks. Keep up-to-date with all the happenings and achievements at QASMT by following:

• Instagram: @queenslandacademysmt
• Facebook: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
• LinkedIn: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (SMT).

The team can be contacted via email communications@qasmt.eq.edu.au