Launched earlier this year, the Gifted and Talented Entry Program offers high-school students the chance to study first year university units while still in school. If they obtain a grade point average of 4.0 after successfully completing two units, they become eligible for an early entry offer in selected degrees.

“The main point of difference this pathway offers is that successful students in the program will already be ahead of their fellow students when they commence full-time study,” said Adelaide Chan, Manager, Pathways and Special Programs, Centre for Open Education. “Completion of the Gifted and Talented Entry Program will allow students to transfer the credits they earn to put towards their Macquarie degree program.”

“The program integrates two already successful programs offered to high-school students: the Gifted and Talented Students Program and the HSC-University Pathway Program,” she said.

Adelaide explains the Critical Thinking unit offered in the program is recognised by the Board of Studies as a Year 11 preliminary unit and upon successful completion, it will appear on the student’s Year 11 record of achievement.

John Porter from Dubbo’s St Johns College is currently enrolled in the program and says it not only provides him with an opportunity to further his education, but has given him insight in the nature of study at university.

“Completing PHL 137: Critical Thinking over the course of Session 1 in 2015 created an opportunity like no other, and the ability to prepare for tertiary education whilst still in high school can never be overvalued. I can never thank everyone involved with the program enough,” said John.

John is already enrolled in another unit for Session 2 and has his eyes set on obtaining an early offer to Macquarie upon completion. “The opportunities it opens up are endless, and the knowledge I have gained from the program will influence any further study at university-level and into the future,” he said.

Know a student who has the potential to take on university study while still at school? Introduce them to the Gifted and Talented Entry Program.