School Access Monash: Success Stories

SAM School: Western Port Secondary College, Andrew Nicholls - Principal

Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Western Port Secondary College have been a part of Schools Access Monash since 2007. Principal Andrew Nicholls informs us that ‘the involvement in the SAM Program has been a great benefit to the school in raising the profile of a local university that sits on our doorstep. We have been able to expose students to university life through various programs and presentations to Year 9-12 students. The involvement of the university in student programs has also led to a higher level of aspiration for students to seek a university pathway.'

Throughout the past 5 years, Western Port students have participated in campus tours, presentations, tutoring, faculty tasters, high achievers breakfast seminar and revision classes. ‘Visits on campus have had the greatest effect in exposing students to university life and pathways. The Aspire group at the College also work with Monash tutors who encourage students to set personal achievement goals and assist them in specific subject areas.'

The school feels that the main activities that have benefited students are ‘the presentations to various year levels, campus visits and the tutoring programs that target our university aspirants. These along with the other varied programs certainly put university and tertiary pathways well into the minds of our students and the local community.’

Student Profile: Erin Doherty

Erin Doherty completed Year 12 at Cranbourne Secondary College in 2007 and is currently studying a double degree of Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering/ Bachelor of Science at the Monash Clayton Campus.

During Year 12, Erin knew he “had to do well, and that everything [he] did throughout the year would impact on how successful [he] would be at the end of it all.” Erin was able to be tutored in Specialist Maths as part of his school’s involvement in the SAM Program and this assisted him in gaining a “more in depth knowledge of the course material.” In preparation for his final exams, Erin looked at as many past exam papers as possible.

His hard work during school paid off in the form of a SAM scholarship which assisted with the costs of completing his degree. He is currently employed as a tutor in the SAM program and “enjoys helping students from [his] former high school optimize their chances of getting a place in University.”

Erin hopes to finish his undergraduate degrees in 2012 and is already considering the possibility of undertaking some postgraduate studies in his area of interest. His advice to secondary school students – “don’t give up” and remember there are many pathways “to the course of your dreams.”

SAM School: Cranbourne Secondary College, John Jovic - Assistant Principal

Cranbourne Secondary College in Melbourne’s outer South East have been a part of Schools Access Monash since it began as a pilot in 2005. Assistant Principal John Jovic explains that the ‘long standing and effective professional relationship is due to [Monash’s] willingness to understand our specific needs and daily operations. Our school community is very appreciative of Monash and the support of the SAM program.’

Over the past 7 years, many Cranbourne students have become 'more motivated to do well, whether they go to university or otherwise. This is especially the case when they listen to former students who are currently enrolled at Monash speak about their positive experiences on campus.’

The school has noticed many benefits for their students through the relationship with Monash.  'The tutoring program has improved the performance of our more capable students, many of whom has since gone on to Monash University. Students have had the opportunity to visit various campuses and become more familiar with the physical environment and programs that are offered. Course counseling has benefited with guest speakers who explain the processes for selection into university and with SEAS applications. Study skills sessions have been well targeted at a range of Year Levels and they have improved the performance of many of our students’.