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!