More than one way to Uni

There’s a range of pathways into your dream degree. Australian Science and Mathematics School learning design leader Cat Stone says Year 12 students should consider alternative pathways to university, in place of – or in addition to – the ATAR.

Caleb and Sam are both starting their Year 12 studies this year, but have already been accepted into university in 2022.

Caleb will undertake a double-degree Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Electronics) at Flinders University, based on testing he undertook last year through the university’s assessment centre.

“Having an offer for university in 2022 before even beginning Year 12 is a massive weight off my shoulders, knowing that I already have a place despite any disruptions that could occur,’’

“COVID-19 disruptions have certainly been on students’ minds … with a fear of the unknown, whether their exams will go ahead and, if they do, what their exams would be worth as part of their overall score,’’ Cat Stone says.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen students at the ASMS considering alternative entry as more of a mainstream option.’’

She says some of the alternative pathways undertaken by ASMS include submitting a portfolio of learning, using their Year 11 results and sitting the uniTEST and other assessment centre testing.

“It has been pleasing in these uncertain times to offer students other opportunities and, for a vast majority of students, help them to understand that exams are just one part of the Year 12 picture,’’ Stone says.

Read the full article in The Advertiser.