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Frequently Asked Questions

 

ANU Secondary College Program for Year 11 students in 2010

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 offer of 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 2010 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 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at present) at the ANU in two hour periods from 4:30pm to 6.30pm or 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Students attend one two-hour session per week per course.

What will it involve?

It is expected that all courses will have BSSS H course classification. When completed, the course presented at the ANU will be equivalent to a minor and will be treated as a stand alone minor. Once the ANU course is registered with the BSSS as an H course, it will have the same course area identifier as the corresponding T course.

Scaled scores from H courses are available for inclusion in the calculation of the Aggregate Score within the limit that the maximum course weight is 2.0 within the same course area.

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). College co-requisites for ANU SC courses are:

Chemistry - Major in Chemistry

Conservation Biology - Major in Maths Methods and Biology or Chemistry or Environmental Science

Japanese - Major in continuing Japanese

Mathematics - Major Minor in Specialist Maths

Physics - Major in Physics

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 Government sector, Independent sector and Catholic sector representatives. 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 2009 non-Government schools who purchase the program for their students will incur a cost payable to the ANU of $875 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?

February 2010 (Week 2, Term 1)	Students should have completed an on-line application.
February 2010	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 2010	Notification of outcome of selection process.
Early April 2010	Orientation afternoon at ANU for commencing Year 11 students.
Term 2 2010	Year 11 classes commence at the ANU and continue through Terms 3 and 4.
Terms 1-3 2011	Classes continue at the ANU.
Term 4 2011	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?

If a student completes insufficient H units to form a course, then the units may be included in the home college course in the same course area but will not contribute to the course score.

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.