Skip Navigation ANU Home | Search ANU | Directories

Frequently Asked Questions

 

ANU Secondary College Program for Year 11 students in 2008

What is it?

The ANU Secondary College Program is a collaboration between the Australian National University (ANU) and the ACT Department of Education and Training (DET) to provide an enhanced learning experience for Year 11 and 12 students in the ACT. 

What benefits will the students receive?

• Students will gain access to the ANU, ranked No 1 in both teaching and research in Australia. This will include access to the library and computer systems and cutting edge facilities at the ANU.
• The results from the program will be able to be counted for the calculation of University Admission (UAI) scores.
• Students who complete the program at an appropriate level will be given early entry to the ANU, even possibly to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), PhB.
• Students who successfully complete the program will gain credit towards their studies at the ANU in each of the subject areas completed.

What subjects are being taught?

In 2009 classes will be presented in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Conservation Biology and Japanese. The programs have been developed by ANU and ACT DET staff.  They will be presented by teachers employed by or seconded to ACT Department of Education in close collaboration with staff from the ANU.

Can students enrol in more than one subject?

Normally students will enrol in only one course per year, but in exceptional circumstances and depending on timetabling may enrol in two courses.

When and where will the classes be held?

Classes will be held on weekday afternoons at the ANU in two hour periods from 4:30pm to 6.30pm or 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

What will it involve?

When completed, the course presented at the ANU will be treated as a stand-alone minor. The ANU course is grouped in the same course area as the home college T course. The ANU course and the T major may both be used in the calculation of the aggregate score up to a maximum course weighting of 2 (8 standard units, equivalent to a double major). If only a T minor is completed at the home college, either the home college T minor or the ANU course can be used in the calculation of the aggregate score.

Who is eligible?

Students wishing to enter the ANU Secondary College program in 2009 must have a confirmed enrolment at an ACT College or school (whether Government or non-Government). Students wishing to study ANU Secondary College courses in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry must be studying specialist Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry at their home school. Students wishing to study Biology must be doing a major in Mathematics (methods or higher) and a major in either Biology, Environmental Science or Chemistry at their home school. Students applying to study Japanese must be enrolled in a Japanese major at either continuing, intermediate or advanced level. Applications close on 22 February 2008.

How many students will be selected?

The initial intake in each subject area will be up to 35 students.

Who selects the students?

Students will be selected by a panel chaired by an ANU representative and having a Government and non-Government teacher on it. Selection will be based on selection test results, applications and information from schools.

What is the cost?

Costs for the participation of Government School students are borne by the DET. In 2008 non-Government schools who purchased the program for their students incurred a cost payable to the ANU of  $850 per student per subject per year. Non-government schools cover these costs in a variety of ways. You should contact your school to determine the arrangements it has in place. 

What is the timetable?

13 February 2009 (Week 2, Term 1)	Students should have completed an on-line application.
26 February 2009	A common test for Physics, Chemistry and Conservation Biology will be held.  Separate tests for Mathematics and Japanese will also be held.
Mid/late March	Notification of outcome of selection process.
2 April 2009	Orientation afternoon at ANU for commencing Year 11 students.
Term 2 2009	Year 11 classes commence at the ANU and continue through Terms 3 and 4.
Terms 1-3 2010	Classes continue at the ANU.
Term 4 2010	Results from the ANU Secondary College will be scaled by the Board of Senior Secondary Studies to give a course score for the ANU Secondary College minor.

What will happen if students withdraw part way through?

Completed ANU units will be added to the course undertaken by the student at the home College. It will contribute to course type (e.g. Major), but not course score. Students who do not complete the full program will not be able to obtain credit for courses at the ANU.

Is this program available to international students?

Yes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria above.

Will the subjects offered be expanded in future years?

The Advisory Board for the ANU Secondary College Program will discuss options for the future following an evaluation of the current program.