Resources for parents

We understand that as a parent, the transition from high school through to university can be exciting, confusing and daunting. To make this time less stressful for you and your children, we’ve put together some useful information – all in the one place. This information will assist you in supporting your child through high school and the transition to university including the application process, career options, wellbeing and courses to prepare for university life.

Applying for university

The University of Newcastle offers many pathways and entry options to give students the best chance of getting into uni. Some relate to specific degrees, others include our free enabling pathway programs like Newstep, Open Foundation and Yapug.

Careers

Deciding on a career and then a degree can seem overwhelming when finishing high school. Below are some handy career finder tools to assist students when thinking about their future.

Student wellbeing

With the pressure of high school and thinking about the future it’s important to consider the wellbeing of your children – but how can you best support them? We’ve compiled some reliable information below to help you navigate those stressful times.

With the pressure of high school and thinking about the future it’s important to consider the wellbeing of students.

We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you reach out and provide assistance to students.

Resource

Description

Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health


The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) exists to provide leadership in rural and remote mental health research and program delivery. CRRMH works closely with rural communities and our valued partners to provide evidence-based service design, delivery and education around the country.

Online Quiz – How are you going?

Developed by the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and ReachOut Australia, this quiz has been designed to track how a student is feeling and provides some steps to take if they need some additional advice or support.

Poster – How are you going?

Developed by the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and ReachOut Australia, this posterhas been designed to track how a student is feeling and provides some steps to take if they need some additional advice or support.

Act Belong Commit – School Resources

Act-Belong-Commit is a unique, evidence-based mental health promotion program applicable to the whole community. It was created in Western Australia and has now expanded to other states and globally.

Conversations Matter – resources for discussing suicide

A comprehensive guide to discussing suicide developed by the NSW Government, Hunter Institute of Mental Health and the Mental Health Commission of NSW.

We-Yarn

We-Yarn is a culturally appropriate suicide prevention workshop for Aboriginal people. It was created in consultation with Aboriginal health and service providers, and the Aboriginal community in New England North West NSW.

We-Yarn is managed by the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health.

ReachOut Australia – School Resources

ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. Everything created is based on the latest evidence and designed with experts, and young people or their parents. Their digital self-help tools are trusted, relevant and easy to use.

Beyond Blue – Secondary Schools Program

Beyond Blue secondary school program for years 8–10 aims to equip students with the ability to deal with adverse events through the teaching of ‘life skills’ within a supportive and safe school environment.

Black Dog Institute – Community and Schools

The Black Dog Institute has a range of resources and presentations available to promote mental health awareness and education in schools and the community. This includes free school resources and presentations.

headspace Schools

headspace Schools is a national workforce that supports, engages and partners with education and health sectors across Australia, to build the mental health literacy and capacity of workforces. Resources available for educators include suicide prevention, suicide response and response to large scale incidences.

The Butterfly Foundation – Foundation for Eating Disorders – Learning, Development and Training

Butterfly have created workshops, presentations and resources for young people, professionals and parents address the factors influencing negative body image, disordered eating and the development of eating disorders.

Butterfly Education includes:

  • School workshops and presentations for Year 3 - 12
  • Training for professionals and teachers working with young people
  • Workshops for parents
  • Whole school and community programs

Mental Health First Aid

Having mental health first aid skills means that you can assist someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis and make a real difference to your community.

    NUPrep Bridging courses

    NUPrep offers FREE academic preparation and support for all University of Newcastle students in the weeks leading up to each Semester. Each course is not designed to replace completing assumed or recommended studies at high school, but to 'top up' subject knowledge and introduce skills needed to commence tertiary study.

    NUPrep Bridging and Refresher Courses help students brush up on their academic knowledge and skills. The courses cover a wide range of subject areas to suit the degree or program student's are preparing for.

    15 hours on average per course
    free For all students
    Improve your success rate
    Online courses

    Learn more about NUPrep

    The University of Newcastle Experience

    Book a campus tour

    A campus tour can give students a taste of what studying at the University of Newcastle is really like. Tours are led by our Student Ambassadors – current students at the University. Depending on interests and availability, tours can include lecture theatres, the library and Student Hubs.

    A tour takes approximately two hours and includes a short presentation about the University. Tours are conducted between March to early December for school groups and are subject to availability.

    For more information or to book a tour for your school, contact futurestudents@newcastle.edu.au

    2022 Parents Info Session Webinar

    Listen to our Parents Info Session webinar delivered by a panel of expert staff from the University of Newcastle.

    Topics covered include:

    • How to Apply
    • Admissions 101
    • Our Pathways Programs
    • Student Services and Support

    2022 Parents Info Session Webinar

    Career Advisers Webinar Update and New Degrees

    This webinar took place Wednesday 29 July 2020

    New 2021 Degree Updates from specialist academics on the following degrees:

    • NEW Bachelor of Business Analytics
    • NEW Bachelor of Climate Science and Adaptation
    • Update on Creative Industries programs & Bachelor of Public & Community Health Plus other University updates and a live Q&A session.

    Career Adviser Webinar and New Degree Updates 2022

    Year 10 Subject Selection Webinar

    Our student ambassadors will share key subject selection information and share their stories and experiences with subject selection and transition to University studies.

    Presentation topics:

    • Subject selection process (our 3 simple steps on how to select your subjects)
    • Subject selection resources, case studies and examples
    • What if I don't know what I want to do or change my mind?
    • What can you study at the University of Newcastle?
    • Differences between school life and university life
    • Pathways to University
    • Ask a Student platform

    The session will be approx. 1 hour including 15 mins for Q&A.

    2022 Parent Info session: Year 10 Subject Selection

    2023 JMP Info Session Webinar

    Join us as we look at the JMP program and admission criteria, pathways and study locations, whilst hearing first-hand experiences from current students and academics.

    2023 JMP Info Session Webinar

    Mid Year Info Session

    Watch our 2022 Mid Year Info Session Webinar to hear from Student Ambassadors about what uni is like, how to balance work and study, different support services available, how to get in and more.

    Mid Year Info Session

    Pathways to University Webinar

    Watch our Pathways to University Webinar to hear about Open Foundation, NUPrep Bridging and the support you will receive as a Pathways student.

    Pathways to University Webinar

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