Newstep Program

1. Newstep Program English Language and Foundation Studies Centre

2. Newstep - A Tertiary Entrance Program • It is specifically designed to encourage young people aged 17 to 20 years to take a second chance at further study. • Newstep began in 1990 to assist the young people of the Hunter and Central Coast regions. The intake was 50 students. • In 2009, 400 students enrolled at the Callaghan Campus and 200 at the Ourimbah Campus. Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

3. Newstep - A Tertiary Entrance Program • Newstep is a one-year, full-time enabling program conducted by the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre. • It provides an alternative entry to university for students who either: • Did not complete the Higher School Certificate OR • Failed to reach the entry scores for undergraduate study Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

4. Newstep - A Tertiary Entrance Program • Once students complete Newstep they apply to the University Admission Centre UAC for a place in a Bachelor’s degree program. • A result from Newstep is accepted for entry into the University of Newcastle and many other Australian universities. Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

5. Newstep - A Tertiary Entrance Program • Completion of the Newstep program will allow entry to undergraduate programs with a cut-off of 93 or less, except for the Bachelor of Medicine. Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

6. What does Newstep offer? • A supportive learning environment is a core feature of the program. • The courses in the program aim to successfully prepare students for undergraduate degree programs, by developing skills in academic writing, library research, basic mathematics and computing. • An important function of the program is to prepare students for study in a university environment. Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

7. What does Newstep offer? • The University is a large institution and a year of study in Newstep provides an effective orientation to the administration procedures that can create uncertainties in many first year students. • Students are introduced to the facilities and services, including the library, computer laboratories, counselling, disability support (if needed), careers and employment. Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

8. Who may apply? • Students aged 17 – 20 years who: • Left school without completing the HSC who experienced adverse circumstances in their schooling, or who meet equity criteria. • Sat the HSC prior to the current year • Are sitting for the HSC this year Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

9. Course Offerings Wide range of courses: • Academic Writing and Research Skills • Mathematics (2 levels) • Humanities: • Australian Culture & Society, Film Studies, History, Legal Studies, Linguistics • Science: • Chemistry and Life Sciences, Earth Science, Australian Human and Environmental Systems, Physics • Design / Visual Art • Information Technology Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

10. Application based on Equity Criteria • Applicants who have NOT completed the HSC and NOT gained a UAI will be required to document the factors that led to their discontinuation of senior schooling. • Such applicants will be assessed on the basis of the following equity criteria: • Low income background or socio-economic disadvantage • Non-English speaking background • Arrival in Australia as a refugee • Schooling in a rural or isolated region • Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background • Attendance at a high school which is designated by the NSW Department of Education and Training as a priority funded school. Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

11. Application based on Special Circumstances • HSC students who wish to be assessed on the basis of special circumstances can also provide this documentation: • interstate school transfer • disability or chronic illness • adverse circumstances, e.g. a family or personal crisis; or other prolonged disruption to schooling Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

12. How to Apply? • Applications are available for download from the website http://www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep/ • Applications may be obtained from: • English Language and Foundation Studies Centre, Lower Ground floor, McMullin Building • Phone: 49 215558 • Applicants will need to indicate whether they are applying under the equity or adverse circumstance criteria or on the basis of their HSC qualification. Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

13. How to Apply? • Offers will be made to applicants who have completed the HSC but not met university entry requirements on the basis of UAI rank (from highest to lowest). • Application closing dates: • Early closing date is 4 January • Final closing date is 31 January Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

14. General Information • Students may be eligible to apply for youth allowance as Newstep is a full-time program. You will need to contact Centrelink. • Students do not pay HECS for their Newstep year of study. There are no tuition fees. • Students may be required to buy textbooks for some classes. Newstep Program | www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep

15. For more info:www.newcastle.edu.au/newstep CONTACTS Beverley Wilson Newstep Program Co-ordinator – Callaghan Campus Phone: (02) 4921 7292 Email: Beverley.Wilson@newcastle.edu.au Dr. David Powter Foundation Studies Programs Co-ordinator – Ourimbah Campus Phone: (02) 4348 4052 Email: David.Powter@newcastle.edu.au Angela Henderson Marketing Officer – English Language and Foundation Studies Centre Phone: (02) 4921 7276 Email: Angela.Henderson@newcastle.edu.au CRICOS Provider 00109J | www.newcastle.edu.au