Over the next few weeks, I would like to share all the learning pathway options available to students at Mary MacKillop Catholic College. This week, I would like to share with you how beneficial USQ’s Head Start program can be for some students.

Head Start allows Year 10, 11 and 12 students to undertake a university elective. Students can choose electives from Business and Commerce, Creative Arts and Media, Education, Engineering, Health, Humanities, Information Technology, Law, Computer Science and Lab Science. This link outlines the specific electives students can choose from. https://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/current/headstart/courses-in-semester-1.html

By undertaking the Head Start program, students get a feel for what university learning is all about. Furthermore, they get a taste for what study looks like in their field of interest. Students learn to be independent and use the online learning platforms to complete their study.

If a student is successful in passing the elective, they will be guaranteed a direct entry into the related degree at USQ. In this instance, a student’s ATAR score will not be required. Providing a student meets the prerequisites of the university course (passing English in Year 12), they will be offered a place at university in that related degree.

Other benefits of undertaking this program is that the student will achieve 2 QCE points which contributes to them attaining their Queensland Certificate of Education. Furthermore, the first elective a student undertakes is free.

Currently, we have Josephine McQueen, Breanna Langley, Ashlyn Martin and Cassie Lawson undertaking the Head Start program while in Year 10. Should these students be successful, they will have a direct entry into their respective related degree of Lab Science, Law, Creative Arts and Education. Not a bad option at all considering they are in Year 10.

Head Start is one of many learning pathways available for our students. At Mary MacKillop Catholic College, we are committed to finding a learning pathway that suits your child which showcases their interests and talents.

For more information on senior pathway opportunities, visit our website.