Fast track possible for high school students

High achieving Year 11 students will be able to complete their uni degree one year quicker, through an accelerated learning program being launched at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) on Wednesday 6 September at 2pm.

Under the Accelerated BioMedical Science Program (ABSP), students will be able to fast-track their University degree by commencing BioMedical studies while at school.

USQ Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Quality) and Dean of Sciences, Professor Bill MacGillivray, said the ABSP goes beyond other initiatives already offered at USQ and some other Universities where high school students can study one or two courses while at school.

'The ABSP provides a more integrated model where the barriers between secondary and tertiary education are completely broken down,' Professor MacGillivray said.

'It provides a streamlined program which will see students progress from the beginning of Year 11 to graduating with a University degree in four years rather than the normal five, allowing faster entry into postgraduate programs or the workplace.'

Through ABSP students attend normal classes at their school, then come together once a week to study advanced material in chemistry and biology with both school and University staff.

'The program will allow students to satisfy their OP requirements, while the acceleration will enable students to gain a year on their peers elsewhere,' he said.

'Students will also have access to extension learning environments where they will be able to learn from the best high school teachers and top scientists using equipment and other facilities not normally available to school students.'

Developed by USQ and the Toowoomba Technology, Maths and Science Centre of Excellence (TTMSCE), the ABSP is the first Innovative Curriculum project of the Toowoomba Education Coalition (TEC).

Professor MacGillivray said he also believes it is a first for Australia.

'Early indications are that there is a great deal of interest and enthusiasm in the schools community for the program,' he said.

'Toowoomba is an education city and rightly proud of its track record in education. The existence of the TEC and the success of the TTMSCE attest to this statement.

'I envisage a great deal of interest in the ABSP around the country and can think of no better place in which to initiate such a project.'

The Program will have its first intake of students in 2007, following the launch to teachers. There will be an information session for interested students and their parents and friends on Monday, 16 October at 5.30pm in T119. 

 WHAT: Accelerated BioMedical Science Program launch
 WHERE: USQ Council Chambers, Level 5, S Block, USQ Toowoomba, West St
 WHEN: Wednesday, 6 September at 2pm

Media Contact: Fiona Taylor, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 or +61 423 808 462.