Head start for high school students

Nursing student, Leacia Brown, earned a High Distinction through USQ's Head Start program, that enables secondary students to study a university subject during their second semester of year 12.

High school students can now commence their university studies in Year 12, through a new University of Southern Queensland (USQ) initiative.

The USQ Head Start Program is now available to students in the Springfield and Ipswich regions following a successful trial of the Program last year.

USQ Head Start Program Coordinator, Margo Baas, said 40 students participated in the pilot program in Semester 2 in Toowoomba last year.

"The program is available to high performing students of Partner Schools, who have been nominated as having the capability, maturity and motivation to undertake study at tertiary level, without jeopardising their senior years' studies".

"Ideally, students should have a strong interest in the subject matter of their proposed course and have support of their school and their parents or guardians," she said.

"The decision to join the Head Start Program is no different to considering the effect of other commitments in the final year of high school such as sporting and cultural pursuits, paid employment and involvement in other vocational studies."

The Program enables students to take one approved university subject alongside USQ students at no cost, with the added support of a faculty and School Head Start Coordinator.

Those who successfully complete the course will receive guaranteed entry and full academic credit for their course towards a Bachelor Program in a related discipline.

Current USQ Partner schools include: Beaudesert State High School, Bundamba State Secondary College, Glenala State High School, Forest Lake State High School, Ipswich Grammar School, Park Ridge State High School, Redbank Plains State High School, St Edmund's College, St Peter Claver College, and The Springfield College.

To find out more about the USQ Head Start Program come along to the information session on Wednesday, 31 May at USQ Springfield from 6pm or contact Margo Baas on 1800 640 678.

Students from non-partner schools are also invited to attend.

Fiona Taylor, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559