Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology

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Queensland Academies – Science Mathematics & Technology Campus
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Where dreams take form
Location
Toowong, Queensland
Australia
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Information
Type Public (selective)
Established 2007
Principal Kath Kayrooz
Enrolment 450
Campus Toowong
Colour(s) Blues and Red             
Website http://qasmt.eq.edu.au

The Queensland Academies – Science Mathematics & Technology Campus (QASMT) is a selective entry high school in Queensland, Australia, developed in partnership with the University of Queensland. QASMT offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program to students in grades 11 and 12, and is also open to grade 10 students. The institution consistently performs above IB world-average, and is one of the highest performing schools in Queensland based on OP1-equivalents and tertiary acceptance rates. [1]

History

The creation of the Queensland Academies was announced by Premier Peter Beattie on 17 April 2005 as part of the Queensland Government's Smart State Strategy – a policy designed to foster knowledge, creativity and innovation within QLD. The Queensland Academies – Science Mathematics & Technology Campus (QASMT) subsequently opened in January 2007. The school was established in partnership with the University of Queensland with a focus on sciences and mathematics. The site occupied by QASMT was formerly Toowong College; this location was chosen "to capitalise on its close educational and geographic links with the University of Queensland."[2] The site was originally occupied by the house known as Ormlie and later as Easton Gray and owned by Sir Arthur Hunter Palmer, Premier of Queensland,[3] which was sold in 1944 for the construction of Toowong State High School, later Toowong College.[4]

The first cohort of students graduated from QASMT in 2008.

Two other academies were created (with close ties to QASMT). In 2007 the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI) was established in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology with a focus towards media, film, design and technology, music, theatre arts and visual arts. In 2008, the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS) was developed in partnership with Griffith University with a focus towards medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, optometry and medical research.

Principals:

  • Stephen Loggie (2007–2009)
  • Kath Kayrooz (2010–2013)(2015–present)
  • Judy Neilson (2014)
  • Kath Kayrooz (2015–present)

Aims

QASMT was advertised as a school for "Queensland's best and brightest" students.[5] It was designed as a school where the most academically minded Year 10, 11 and 12 students in the state could conglomerate in a university-like environment.

Student entry

Student entry to QASMT is via a multi-stage selection process.[6] Following application, students sit a general academic test designed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). This exam is presented to students in four parts: an English comprehension exam, an English writing exam, a maths and science exam and an abstract reasoning exam. Successful students who reach the specified benchmark in all exams then progress to an interview with Education Queensland staff. The interview panel assess each candidates's suitability to the Academy's learning environment and their ability to contribute to the Academy community. Three main criteria are assessed: motivation and like-mindedness; personal capabilities and knowledge of the Academy; and work ethic and past reports. Students who are successful in the interview receive a formal invitation to attend the Academy.

Several means of financial assistance are offered to students. The Queensland Academies Isolated Students (QAIS) Bursary is offered to rural and remote students who meet certain criteria. In addition, a maximum of three scholarships (for all three years of enrollment), which cover IB costs and resource fees, are offered to Year 10 students each year.

Uniform

The colours of white, charcoal, red and navy are incorporated into both the boys and girls' uniforms. The formal boy's uniform consists of charcoal long trousers, white shirt with the school crest and striped charcoal, red and navy tie. The formal girl's uniform includes a knee-length charcoal skirt with a white blouse with the school's crest, with a striped charcoal, red and navy scarf knotted around the collar. An "active wear" uniform which consists of navy shorts and a white sport's T-shirt is worn once a week.

Academic results

In 2010:

  • 2 students received perfect IB scores of 45
  • 46% of students received an OP 1 equivalent (selection rank 99)
  • 77% received an OP 1-5 equivalent (selection rank 99-92)
  • 100% received an OP 1-10 equivalent (selection rank 99-81)
  • 100% of graduates received tertiary offers

Curriculum

The students of QASMT study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program in Years 11-12. In Year 10 students study a Pre-IB course designed to prepare them for taking the diploma, where they 'sample' each of the subjects offered in order to make an informed decision when they come to choose their subjects after the first semester of Year 10. The subjects offered at the Academy follow the International Baccalaureate's guidelines, where students are required to select a subject from each of the IB's 6 specified groups, take three subjects and Higher Level and three at Standard Level and complete CAS, Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay. Students are also required to take one subject at 'anticipated' level, in which the entire subject course is covered in one year instead of two. Students are encouraged to select a second group 4 subject instead of choosing one from group 6.

Students choose from:

  • Group 1 – English A: literature, English A: language and literature
  • Group 2 – German, French, Mandarin, Spanish and Chinese B (all available at Ab initio only except for Chinese B)
  • Group 3 – History (last cohort in 2015), Psychology, Economics and Business and Management
  • Group 4 – Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science
  • Group 5 – Mathematics and Mathematical Studies
  • Group 6 – Extra group 3 or 4 subject

Facilities

  • University-standard science laboratories
  • Wireless campus
  • Modern gymnasium
  • Refectory
  • 300 seat lecture theatre
  • Music facilities
  • Observatory

Extra-curricular activities

QASMT offers a variety of activities that are run through the school or externally.

Sporting:

  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Table tennis
  • Basketball
  • Ultimate disk
  • Lawn bowls
  • Gym
  • Touch Football
  • Dodgeball
  • Hiphop dance
  • Chess
  • Rowing

Volunteer and Community Work:

  • LEOs Club
  • Social Media for the Elderly

Competitions:

  • United Nations Youth Summits and Competitions
  • RoboCup Junior
  • Fist Lego League
  • First Technical Challenge
  • Optiminds
  • Brain Bee Challenge
  • Future Problem Solvers
  • OzClo
  • Bring It On

Creative:

  • String orchestra
  • Contemporary orchestra
  • Jazz band
  • Talent quests
  • Creative generations
  • School Musical
  • Choir
  • Music Camp
  • Art Show Case

Other:

Most of these activities contribute towards IB CAS requirements.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Academies welcome first students, parents Accessed 2 May 2007
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ " Bringing together the best and brightest" Accessed April 7, 2007
  6. ↑ "Selective Entry Process". Accessed November 13, 2014

External links

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