New program pilots early entry into Sciences

Friday, 5 December 2014

Some students completing Year 11 in 2014 will have an early place in a Science degree at the University of Adelaide under a new program being piloted next year.

The Faculty of Sciences' Early Entry Program is being launched today. It aims to promote sciences as an area of study and ensure students are making the best choice of subjects and are better prepared for university sciences study.

The program will guarantee students from partner schools entry to most of the undergraduate science degrees following recommendation from their principal based on their Year 11 performance.

"The University of Adelaide is strongly committed to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and, over the years, has introduced a range of initiatives to encourage uptake of these subjects in high schools in preparation for university study," says Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences Professor Bob Hill.

"However, we know that interest in maximising the ATAR score has led some potential science students to make poor choices in Year 12. We want to encourage students to take up STEM subjects in Year 12 so they will be well prepared for science at university."

Students participating will be required to take at least two science subjects in Year 12 and will still be expected to meet minimum academic requirements for University of Adelaide entrance.

During Year 12, an ongoing partnership with the students and teachers will ensure the transition to university runs as smoothly as possible. The students will be involved in a special mentoring program and have the opportunity for a range of campus experiences.

Partner schools in the pilot program for 2015 are the Australian Science and Mathematics School, Blackwood High School and Wilderness School. The program may expand into more schools in 2015 and in following years.

"We are confident that this program will provide more students with both the interest and the background preparation for university STEM studies, and the first step towards a highly satisfying career with a range of exciting opportunities," says Professor Hill.

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