High school students excel in Summer Head Start Program

USQ's Summer Head Start students impressed Professor Peter Best (centre)

Some of the brightest young business minds from Toowoomba and Springfield region high schools have been given the jump on their classmates after successfully completing USQ's Summer Head Start Program.

The Program gave high-achieving year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to experience university study in accounting, electronic commerce and marketing and will count towards a Business degree at the University.

Students were nominated by their school as having the capability, maturity and motivation to undertake study at a tertiary level.

More than 35 students took part in the Program, with Head of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance Professor Peter Best impressed by the calibre of students who participated.

'I am very proud of the performance of our Head Start students,' Professor Best said.

'The students completed the same assessment as the other university students studying over Summer.

'However, 17 of the students ranked in the top 30 percent of their course while two students achieved second and fourth position in accounting out of the 200 students enrolled.'

Incorporating an orientation for students, two weeks of intensive lessons and excursions to local employers, Professor Best said that it was the flexibility of the Head Start Program that appealed to students.

'The Summer program is so successful because it gives students this study option during a period which doesn’t conflict with their normal school classes and assessment.

'Intensive classes allow the students to build effective study groups and interact with the lecturer and other students.

'The opportunity to stay in the residential college also allowed students from more remote locations to participate.'

Participation in the Program was free for those who hadn’t completed a Head Start course in the past and guarantees entry into a Business degree for students who successfully complete the course and have finished year 12 or an Adult Preparation Program (ATP) at TAFE.

'These students still need to apply via QTAC and put the USQ degree as their first preference,' Professor Best added.

Year 11 students who successfully pass a Head Start course also receive two points towards their Queensland Certificate in Education (QCE).

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559, 0400 025 429