UAC PINs ARE HERE: 

What Every Parent Needs to Know

Attention all parents! On April 2, the University Admissions Centre (UAC)  sent out UAC PINs to all students in NSW, which are essential for any student looking to apply for university in 2025. If your child is planning on pursuing higher education next year, this PIN will be their gateway to the UAC application system

What is a UAC PIN?

A UAC PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a unique code that allows your child to access the UAC website and submit their application for university admission. Your child will use it to apply for multiple universities and courses across Australia, making it a vital step for their future academic journey. Without it, they won’t be able to start their application process.

Why is the UAC PIN Important?

The UAC PIN is not just a code; it's a key that unlocks your child’s pathway to university. To apply for their desired degree programs, they must enter your UAC PIN when logging into their UAC account. Without it, they won’t be able to submit their preferences or access important details about their application. It’s also how universities will communicate important updates to your child, such as offers or requests for additional information.

Make sure your child doesn’t lose it and please encourage them to keep it secure—after all, this PIN is tied directly to their future! 

Early Entry Schemes in NSW

If your child is aiming to get a head start on university acceptance, NSW has several early entry schemes that could allow them to secure a spot before the official ATAR results are released. One of the most notable is the School Recommendation Scheme (SRS).

School Recommendation Scheme (SRS)

The School Recommendation Scheme allows high school students to receive early conditional offers to university based on their school’s assessment of their academic performance and potential. If your school participates (which Magdalene does) in the SRS, your teachers and school leaders will submit recommendations on your child’s behalf. These recommendations are considered alongside other factors, such as their Year 11 results and school performance, to determine whether your child might be eligible for early entry.

This scheme is incredibly beneficial for students who have demonstrated consistent academic achievement and are eager to secure a place at their preferred university before results come out. SRS offers students a sense of certainty and can reduce the pressure of waiting for final exam results.

Keep in mind that entry requirements and deadlines vary between universities, so make sure to check with your school and your desired universities for specific details about the SRS and how it applies to you.

What’s Next?

Once your child receives their UAC PIN on April 2, they’ll be able to start their application process, explore course options, and consider which early entry schemes they might be eligible for. Remember, securing a university place through early entry is a great opportunity, but it’s important to research all the available schemes and carefully follow the instructions provided by your school and universities.

Stay on top of deadlines, keep your child’s UAC PIN safe, and reach out to Mrs Dallene Jones (Transition and Pathways Specialist) if you have any questions or need guidance throughout the application process. Your child’s future university life is just a few steps away!

TEACHING SCHOLARSHIPS

Invitation to all Yr 11 and 12 students currently considering a career in teaching and interested in applying for a scholarship.

We invite you to attend an information session facilitated by representatives from Catholic Education to share  the various scholarship programs that are currently on offer for those students considering a career in teaching.
This session will be held in the College Library on Tuesday 13th May, 9:30am. 
This session will provide you with not only information about the scholarship offers which are valued at $20,000, but it will also provide information on the various universities that you may be deciding between to attend. We strongly encourage interested students to attend this session so that you don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity.

The Power of Portfolios (source: studyworkgrow)

When applying for jobs or university courses, you might find you’re asked to submit a portfolio alongside (or instead of) a resume or your academic results. But what exactly is a portfolio, and why does it matter? In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about portfolios, and provide some tips so you can start building your own right away.

What is a portfolio?

In simple terms, it’s a collection of your best work and achievement – a showcase of your skills, accomplishments, and experiences that allows others to gain insights into your abilities.

Why are portfolios useful?

Portfolios are great because they provide a broader understanding of your capabilities beyond traditional grades and test scores. They allow universities and potential employers to assess your potential based on real work you’ve undertaken.

Different types of portfolios

Portfolios come in two primary forms: physical and digital, and each has its advantages.

Physical portfolios

As you might have guessed, these are tangible collections of your work and achievements. They can take the form of a physical binder, folder, or even a custom-made presentation book. They’re well-suited for artistic and industrial disciplines, where the physical presence of your work matters, such as fine art, architecture, or fashion.

Digital portfolios

Digital portfolios, on the other hand, are virtual collections of your work and accomplishments, presented through online platforms or websites. They allow you to showcase multimedia content, including documents, images, videos, and interactive elements. They’re highly versatile and are particularly valuable for fields that emphasise technology and digital skills, such as web development, graphic design, or digital marketing.

Which one should I choose?

The decision to create a physical or digital portfolio depends on your goals and the industry you’re targeting. Physical portfolios can create a lasting impact in visual and hands-on fields, where the tactile experience matters. On the other hand, digital portfolios offer convenience and accessibility, making them ideal for showcasing tech-savvy skills and reaching a broader audience online.

And there’s nothing wrong with having one of each either!

Who might ask for a portfolio?

Portfolios are sometimes requested by universities during the admissions process, especially for creative or specialised programs, or for alternative entry pathways (including early entry).

In the professional world, industries such as design, marketing, media, technology, and engineering may require them when evaluating candidates for roles. And even if not explicitly asked for, having one can make you a more attractive candidate and set you apart from the competition.

What to include in a portfolio

To create an impactful portfolio, regardless of its form, you should try to include the following elements:

• Your best work: Choose samples that showcase your skills and achievements most effectively.
• Reflections: Add brief explanations or reflections on each piece, highlighting what you learned or gained from the experience.
• Recommendations: If possible, include letters of recommendation from teachers, supervisors, or mentors.
• Resume: Attach a resume that outlines your experiences and accomplishments.

When selecting work samples for your portfolio, consider the specific requirements and expectations of the job or course you’re pursuing. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design position, focus on showcasing your design projects, visual communication skills, and proficiency with design software.

Start building your portfolio

If you’re in high school and want to start building your portfolio, you can follow these steps:

• Identify your passions: Determine your interests and strengths to create a portfolio that aligns with your goals.
• Gather your work: Collect your best pieces, certificates, and awards that showcase your skills and achievements.
• Seek feedback: Share it with teachers, mentors, or friends to gain valuable insights and improve your presentation.
• Keep updating: As you progress, continue adding new accomplishments and works.

Building a portfolio is an ongoing process of growth and refinement. As you gain new skills, finish new projects, or receive feedback, continuously update and improve it. Regularly reassess the relevancy and impact of your work samples and make adjustments as needed.