2019 at Brisbane Boys' College

Ascension Education had the pleasure of returning to Brisbane Boys’ College on the 21st of October. The first ever Pathways Programs were launched at BBC, so it’s always great to go back to the place it all began. In what’s now our third program here, we ran our Pathways to Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Allied Health courses. It was fantastic to see so many students invest time into one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make. In fact, this program was the largest we’ve ever seen at BBC!

This also marked the first time our Allied Health program has run at BBC, and as always we tailored our content based upon the careers the boys were interested in. This lead us to incorporate a physiotherapy master class during the middle session of the day. Physio student Blake Pryse ran the boys through a series of practical exercises which simulated what they might come to expect in a university tutorial, and indeed in their future workplace.

Blake demonstrating a physiotherapy exercise as part of the Pathways to Allied Health course.

Students participating in a physiotherapy exercise using strapping tape.

In the other programs, William Finn (director of Ascension Education) walked his business students through practicals including negotiation, pitching, and consulting. Tim Davis (third-year post-graduate medical student) facilitated activities revolving around taking a patients history and blood pressure. Next door in engineering, the students engaged in python coding and worked with Arduino circuit boards under the tutelage of sixth year engineering/economics student Matthew Brock.

Students undertaking a practical blood pressure taking activity during their Pathways to Medicine course.

Students participating in a pitching exercise as part of the Pathways to Business course.

The students reported the Pathways Programs heavily exceeded their expectations, rating the programs 49% higher than they expected they would at the start of the day. More importantly, students felt 40% more prepared to make decisions about tertiary education and gave our presenters an average score of 9.2/10 for how well they gave an overview of studying and working in their respective area. Below you can find some of the great comments students had to say about the day!

”He [Tim] was very informative on the pathways. It was amazing to have a long time allocated for questions.”

“[The most beneficial aspect of the program was] talking to someone who was already taking the course at uni and them talking about what the subject is like.”

“I like how they incorporated both practical and listening exercises. The videos were pretty interesting as well.”

“[The most beneficial aspect of the program was] giving background information about the path that I didn't know before. Showing what the path involves and what it takes.”

“Expose the program more. Definitely worth coming to!”

“Keep going this is an epic program and thanks for helping me for my future pathway.”

Ascension Education would like to thank Dr. Leigh Hobart and the fantastic team at Brisbane Boys’ College for their assistance in running our workshops for Brisbane Boys’ College!

Another Day at UQ

Last Saturday marked Ascension’s second year running our Pathways Programs at the University of Queensland’s beautiful St Lucia Campus. Students had a chance to explore future careers in the fields of Business, Law, Medicine, and Engineering, all whilst getting a chance to experience UQ’s newly renovated Law Library. Participants from over seven different schools were represented amongst the students exploring the four disciplines, and a fantastic day was had by all.

Students engaging in a practical activity taking blood pressure as part of the Pathways to Medicine course.

One highlight from the day was students getting to hear from the experience of UQ’s student ambassadors. Tom (fourth-year Doctor of Medicine) and Josephine (first year Law/Arts) joined in on the Pathways to medicine and law classes for part of the day, during which they were able to answer any questions about UQ and share a bit about their journey to tertiary education. During lunch, Tom and Josephine also took the attendees on a tour of UQ’s campus.

Students participating in a pitching exercise as part of the Pathways to Business course.

The students found the day extremely beneficial, reporting that they felt 48% more prepared to make decisions, after being walked through our program by our experienced presenters and having all their questions answered. The students feedback also reflected our presenter’s friendly nature, with our team receiving an average mark of 9.4/10 for how well they gave an overview of studying and working in their respective fields. Below are some of the comments the students had to say about the day!

Tim talking students through the process of taking a patient’s history.

“Helpful to have someone present to you who is actually studying the area you're interested in and can answer any of my queries or questions about studying the course. Furthermore, they can give you an idea of what it is like studying the course.”

“Super open-ended question time, really practical things to do with Med Entry. Being on campus and getting the feel for it all.”

“[The best thing was] learning about uni life. Learning about the skills law gives you. The job market”

“It's awesome that the presenters are so young and relatable - such an insightful day.”

We’d like to thank the team at The University of Queensland for their assistance in hosting us on the day and also inviting the UQ student ambassadors to join in on our programs.

Ascension Returns to The University of Queensland in 2019

Students participating in a taking blood pressure exercise as apart of the Pathways to Medicine program at UQ in 2020.

Ascension Education is proud to announce that it will be returning to The University of Queensland for an open program in 2019. These programs are open to all high schoolers in the region as well as any young adults currently in a gap year, considering a career change, or looking to switch degrees. These pathways programs will be presented between 10am and 4pm on the 19th of October, 2019, and will be in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, business, and allied health.

As always, our programs will be facilitated by senior university students or recent graduates in their respective degrees. We use a small class-size setting to cover transitioning to university life, career options, course content, and admissions requirements. This gives students a real taste of a degree, before they have to commit to at least a semester of study and take on a HECS debt. Prospective students interested in attending the programs should register here. Last year at UQ, students gave their presenters an average score of 9.3/10 and indicated they felt 27% more prepared to make decisions about tertiary education, we look forward to continue and even improve upon these fantastic outcomes.

A student engaging in a negotiation as apart of the Pathways to Business program.

The University of Queensland is the largest tertiary institution in the state, so for many of our students who are considering UQ as an option, this will be an invaluable experience to come onto the grounds and learn a little more about what life there is like. We will also have a lunch time tour available to students, and UQ ambassadors joining us for lunch to answer any university specific questions students may have. However, as a completely independent organisation, we’ll also be exploring other tertiary pathways available, such as those at QUT and Griffith, as well as some of the options interstate.

You can find the link for registrations here. Otherwise if you have any questions or would like any additional information regarding the programs you can contact the Ascension Education here.

Ascension Returns to Brisbane Boys' College

Ascension Education is very proud to announce that we’ve partnered with Brisbane Boys’ College to bring our Pathways Programs to their year 10, 11, and 12 students on the 21st of October, 2019. After the success of two 2018 programs at BBC, we’re very excited to return and continue offering their students a chance to practically explore different university pathways.

BBC boys practicing taking blood pressure as apart of the 2018 Pathways to Medicine program.

The programs on offer will include those we featured last year at BBC, including Pathways to Medicine, Pathways to Business, Pathways to Engineering, and Pathways to Law. Additionally, for the first time at BBC, we’ll be offering our Pathways to Allied Health course. This will have a particular emphasis on courses such as Physiotherapy and Pharmacy, as well as other courses particularly popular with BBC Old Boys.

A BBC student participating in an activity as apart of the Pathways to Engineering course in 2018.

Our 2018 programs at BBC were incredibly well received, with attendees indicating they felt 40% more prepared to make decisions about tertiary education. Additionally, they gave their presenters an average score of 9.3/10 for their ability to present what studying/working in their area of expertise looks like.

Let’s hear what some of the BBC students from last year had to say.

"Hearing from the experiences of a current medical student, and being able to ask them questions, was invaluable!" - Abbas, Year 11

"The way in which the course in run made it really enjoyable. The connection between students and presenter was relaxed and real... [it was] really beneficial!" - Rhys, Year 12

"The hands-on activities during the program were unlike anything I'd done before" - Patrick, Year 11

"It was extremely beneficial to hear what actually happens [at uni] from someone who has already done it." - Connor, Year 11

You can read more about last years programs here and here.

Students participating in a coding exercise as apart of the Pathways to Engineering course at QACI.

This years program will take place at the college on the 21st of October, a student free day. With the program running from 9am through to 3pm. Parents wishing to register their students for the program should do so here. Get in quick, as spots are strictly limited.

For more information regarding what our programs entail click here. 

Ascension at Lourdes Hill College

Prior to students’ winter holidays, Ascension Education had the pleasure of partnering with Lourdes Hill College to offer our largest selection of tertiary pathway programs yet. Over 40 Lourdes Hill College students worked alongside the Ascension Education team to explore their future in medicine, law, business, engineering, and allied health. Students reported a 32% increase in how prepared and equipped they felt to make decisions about their tertiary education - a resounding success for us here at Ascension Education.

Brynlea Kelly and a student working on a practical research activity as apart of Pathways to Allied health.

Each student’s experience was unique, due to which pathway program they elected to attend. In Pathways to Medicine, third-year MD student Tim Davis guided the class through the complexities of becoming a doctor, and explored aspects such as pre-med degrees, UCAT vs. GAMSAT, the MD’s intern year, and the journey to becoming a consultant. Students came eagerly prepared with questions about their desired path, and a portion of the day was devoted to allowing Tim’s wealth of knowledge and experience to be tapped. Furthermore, Tim was able to lead the students through valuable practical activities such as taking a patient’s blood pressure, using stethoscope correctly, and eliciting a well-rounded patient history. Student feedback indicated a truly fantastic outcome, with Tim receiving a score of 9.25/10 for his open-ended teaching style and expertise.

“Anything was discussed, the topics weren't limited like lots of other programs I’ve done. Honest opinions as well, not just promoting a single university. Also, all our questions were answered really well.” - Alexandria, Pathways to Medicine attendee.

Student’s undertaking a pitching activity as apart of the Pathways to Business course.

In Pathways to Business, Ascension Education’s director William Finn lead a class of aspiring entrepreneurs and CEO’s through various activities designed to stretch budding skills, including negotiating, pitching, and consulting. Students also explored the myriad of tertiary futures available, depending on which institution, degree and major they pursue. This involved an overview of career types, university topics, and the types of assessments students could look forward to - and also what the essential differences are between commerce, finance, accounting, management, economics, and international business. Across the hall in Pathways to Law, QUT law student Catherine Hatridge walked her students through activities such as mooting, and how to approach the advising process for various clients who were in hypothetical legal quandaries.

Students working with Arduino circuit boards as apart of the Pathways to Engineering course.

In Pathways to Engineering, sixth year engineering/economics student Matthew Brock walked his class through the varied and exciting careers that an engineering degree can launch. Along with sharing what the day in the life of an engineering student looks like, Matt was able to recount experiences from his various workplaces and industry placements. This was accompanied with practical activities such as bridge building, and using some of Ascension’s fantastic resources to engage the students in coding with Arduino circuit boards. Next door, fresh from launching the Allied Health program at CHAC, Brynlea Kelly walked her class of aspiring health professionals through the wide range of careers which qualify as ‘Allied Health +’ . Practical activities specific to the professions covered included bathroom modification, tongue muscle exercises, physiotherapist consulting, sphygmomanometer/stethoscope fundamentals, ISBAR handover/note-taking, and first aid frameworks. The students also had a chance to practice teamwork within their chosen profession, and use their new skills & frameworks to advise hypothetical patients. This allowed students to better understand the valuable and integrated role each profession performs in the life of a patient.

Overall, the Ascension Education team and LHC careers counsellor Richelle Staley were both thrilled with the programs’ success. Students gave average scores of 9/10 for their program’s presenter, and the calibre of the day was made evident in the feedback received:

“The program was amazing and has been a great opportunity to learn more about university and engineering.” - Madeline, Engineering.

“The program opened my eyes to the wide range of options involved with nursing and allied health. I appreciated that it focused on the daily tasks involved with each profession.” - Ashleigh, Allied Health.

“[I was] able to ask whatever I like, [and was] given info on every aspect of business.” - Georgia, Business.

“I liked the practice activity as well as the ins & outs of uni life, and the topics covered.” - Niamph, Law

A massive thank you to Lourdes Hill College for hosting Ascension Education - we can’t wait to return!

Allied Health Pathways Program Launch

Friday the 21st of June saw the launch of Ascension Education’s Allied Health Pathways Program, hosted by Cannon Hill Anglican College. Twenty-four eager CHAC students seized the opportunity to experience what a career in an allied health field could look like, and where it could take them; exploring disciplines like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, and speech pathology. The program also covered a range of other health disciplines, including nursing, pharmacy, and paramedicine; and was expertly presented by Brynlea Kelly, who is a current nursing student with extensive workplace placement experience.

Practical activities such as blood pressure measurement and administering examinations like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were highlights of the day for students. After exploring more than 15 health disciplines, students took part in an extended patient-care simulation by role playing a variety of allied health clinicians in the context of a multidisciplinary team with their peers.

The day was of significant benefit to students in a time of life full of important decisions, with an average increase in how prepared they felt to make tertiary education decisions of 61%. Students rated both the program and their presenters 8.7 out of 10. Here is some of the feedback that students provided following the day:

Presenter Brynlea Kelly discusses nursing pathways

“I really enjoyed getting advice and talking about the career options I am interested in with people who are experienced in the [Allied Health] field. The activities were really engaging, and I really enjoyed the simulated multidisciplinary team activity”
- Helena.

“[A highlight was] the practical activities. I wish the program went for longer!” - Riana

Students present their management plans as a part of the multidisciplinary team activity

“It was helpful to hear detailed information on each of the career paths available [in Allied Health]” - Oliver

“I enjoyed learning what allied health is like in real life. [It was helpful to learn] that if I don’t make the cut straight after school there are other pathways in.” - Emma

“It was great to learn about university options, how to get into these courses, … [and] what study is like” - Jenna

Students explore cognitive assessment tools used by occupational therapists

The Allied Health program will run again this Friday the 28th of June as one of five programs being delivered for students at Lourdes Hill College. You can read more about the LHC programs here. Limited spaces are still available for LHC students, who are able to register for the upcoming programs here.

All Things Business at CHAC

Last Saturday marked Ascension’s first stand alone program, running our Pathways to Business course at Cannon Hill Anglican College. Director of Ascension Education, William Finn, walked some of CHAC’s best and brightest aspiring business students through the transition to tertiary study and to what life working in the industry may look like. Taking place in the aptly named Enterprise Centre, students had a chance to practice negotiating, pitching, consulting, and exploring financial records.

Students undertaking a simulation HR negotiation as apart of the Pathways to Business course.

The day was of a huge benefit to the students, as they start to seriously consider life after school, and this was seen by students feeling 51% more prepared to make decisions about tertiary study. Additionally, students gave William an average rating of 8.9 out of 10, for his ability to give an overview of studying and working within the business sector. Let’s hear what else some of the students had to say!

Students completing an activity in the Enterprise Centre’s Board Room.

[The most beneficial part was] the basic explanations of courses and marking schemes. What each major really involved - I had a lot of misconceptions before that - Sam.

It actually teaches you about university options and courses, etc, which is helpful! Gives insight into what those courses are actually about - Meredith.

Students competing in a challenge revolving around game theory.

[The most beneficial part was] briefing us on new ATAR systems as well as life at uni, courses and info into each topic - Oliver.

CHAC students will again have a chance to explore their tertiary options when Ascension’s Allied Health programs launches there on the 21st of June. Those interested in reading more about this can go here or directly to the registration portal here.