Early university offer has Madi over the moon

Entering her final year of schooling at West Moreton Anglican College, Madison Mark, or Madi as she’s known around campus, never dreamt that she’d have an early offer into university without studying an ATAR pathway.

But for for the 17-year-old student, that’s exactly what has happened thanks largely to the many qualities the College strives to develop within its students. Madi has demonstrated persistence, focus and sheer hard work towards her vision. This has been recognised through her offer of ongoing employment after completing a school based traineeship.

Madi has also received an early offer into the University of Southern Queensland’s Bachelor of Nursing Program starting in 2021.

“To be honest, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to come back and finish Year 12 so to have a place at university offered to me part-way through the year is very exciting and I’m so happy,” Madi said.

The WestMAC Year 12 student has worked closely with the College’s RTO Manager Mr Rob Noble in her senior years to ensure her future is secure before she’s even left the College gates.

“Madi started with a school-based traineeship with St Andrews Hospital in Year 10, she competed against many surrounding school students in the district, and her trial shift at the hospital demonstrated a strong work ethic and willingness to help others.

“Once Madi was successful in obtaining the school based traineeship, she attended St Andrews each Thursday while studying a reduced subject load at WestMAC.

“As a component of the school-based traineeship, Madi studied a Certificate III in Health Support Services which now allows her to be employed as a nurse’s assistant.

“From there, Madi completed an Accelerate to Diploma through TAFE Queensland which has furthered her knowledge and skills. This has cemented her passion for nursing and has enabled her to make an informed decision about her future. Now Madi can confidently explore the next step and undertake university study. This is classic of how, with small steps, big things grow with the correct approach and attitude,” Mr Noble said.

For Madi, nursing is something that runs deep in her family.

“I love working at St Andrews, my grandma was a nurse so it’s definitely something that I always wanted to do and I’m so thankful for the support of Mr Noble and all of the teachers at WestMAC for helping me along the way,” Madi said.

Being offered an early place into University is an even greater achievement considering Madi chose a non-ATAR pathway for her schooling and further adds to the College’s mission of individual excellence.

“I’m not even going for an ATAR this year which is kind of good because I don’t have the pressure of the external exams and WestMAC has also allowed me to keep working at St Andrews during the week most Thursdays which is also great,” Madi said.

College Principal Mr Geoff McLay said Madi was a fine example of the various pathways on offer for every student at WestMAC.

“From the very first day the College opened its doors, we’ve stuck true to our number one goal of seeing every student excel in their individual pathway and Madi is right up there as a shining example of that.

“I congratulate Madi on receiving this great offer from USQ which will no doubt further her career ambitions,” Mr McLay said.

To find out more about the College’s Vocational Education pathways and why WestMAC is ‘Your school for the (real) world’, visit the College web site at www.wmac.com.au