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New pathway to tertiary study builds confidence
Finding solutions to our current water crisis could be on the agenda for Jane Quinn of Mountain Creek as she begins her Environmental Science degree program at the University of the Sunshine Coast this month.
Jane, 28, is keen to learn how she can help the environment – through improving water quality and reducing pollution – after she herself received a helping hand from USC’s new Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) program.
After finishing school in Year 10 in 1993 and working in a variety of jobs, Jane wasn’t sure last year whether she had what it takes to succeed in tertiary study.
But after gaining three high distinctions and a credit in her four TPP subjects last semester, Jane qualified for her first study preference through QTAC and gained the confidence she was seeking to tackle tertiary study.
USC launched the TPP program last year to offer an alternative entry pathway to university. TPP helps students develop the skills required to study and get a taste of what university life is like without having to pay HECS fees.
“I think TPP gave me a lot more confidence to do a degree this year,’’ Jane said. “I wasn’t 100 percent sure of what I wanted to do. I wasn’t even sure I could do it. I’ve been out of school for approximately 13 years.
“I’d recommend TPP to anybody who is in the same situation as me. There’s no downside to it. It’s all positive, especially because it’s free.”
TPP organiser and senior lecturer in Science and Education Dr Richard White said three-quarters of the 66 students who finished TPP last semester gained places at USC this year, with a number of others going to other universities..
“I think it worked extremely well,’’ Dr White said. “The students were enthusiastic and very motivated and the instructors I co-ordinated were all very enthusiastic as well.”
“TPP gives people who didn’t have the direct Year 12 way of getting into university, but who still have the skills and abilities to do well, an opportunity to study at university.”
“This gives people who want to come to university an alternative way of doing that.”
Dr White said TPP students were required to do two core courses in Academic Skills and Computer Literacy, and two electives.
The Academic Skills course familiarises students with how to write essays, understand and answer exam questions and how to use references in assignments. The Computer Skills course explains how to use computer programs and access information on the Internet.
“We certainly go to a lot of effort to make sure students are being well looked after to maximise their opportunities to study at university,” Dr White said. “We have very high quality instructors who are providing the teaching.”
For details about the Tertiary Preparations Pathway go to the USC website at http://www.usc.edu.au/Students/Handbook/TPP/ or call Lisa Latty at the University on 5430 2876.
Applications for TPP for semester one 2007 will close on Friday 15 February.