School of Education Merit Scholar
The School of Education Merit Scholar scheme is a competitive entry scheme offering some of our highest performing students research internships, extra-curricular workshops with educational experts, seminars, and leadership opportunities.
"This activity has been approved to be recognised on AHEGS as of August 2021. No retrospective recognition will be made prior to this approval date."
Role description
- School of Education Merit Scholar, and
- School of Education Merit Scholar with Research Internship
(i) Recruitment is competitive and based on merit. Students who are enrolled in a qualified education program (early childhood, primary, or secondary) and who meet a WAM cut-off are invited to submit an application.
(ii) Scholars are expected to attend 2 to 4 School of Education research seminars each semester (seminars are held weekly and scholars are welcome to attend more if they would like).
Scholars are expected to attend official Merit Scholar workshops and events (4-6 per semester, 1 hour each), as they would a normal tutorial. Where other circumstances prevent attendance, scholars should communicate this to the Merit Scholar committee.
Those who complete the merit scholar program without internship will have “School of Education Merit Scholar” recorded on their statement.
(iii) Internships are optional but encouraged. Scholars who elect to take part in an internship commit to spend 2-3 hours per week on the internship.
Those who complete the merit scholar program with internship will have “School of Education Merit Scholar with Research Internship” recorded on their statement.
AHEGS qualification criteria
Start and finish dates:
- Students can commence in any semester in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year. To have the activity recorded on the AHEGS, they must join the scheme and participate actively for at least one semester.
Parameters:
- Students are invited to apply at the end of 1st year, 2nd year, or 3rd year, on the basis of their WAM the previous year.
- Applications are then assessed based on WAM and expressed interest.
- Students are encouraged to participate in an internship in one semester (typically 2nd or 3rd year).
Time commitments per semester:
- 1 hour per week in non-internship semesters, excluding prac blocks (10 hours total commitment)
- 2-3 hours per week if electing to complete an internship (39 hours total commitment).
Skills required or developed
Our scheme aligns with multiple parts of the Learning and Teaching Strategic Framework, most strongly 1.3, 2.2, and 2.3.
1.3. Encourages students to be critical thinkers and build research skills to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and professional practice.
- Offering students research internships and seminars, building inquiry skills and knowledge to support HDR and professional educational pathways.
2.2. Empower students to be successful in their professional pursuits through “career development learning” that is scaffolded, personalised and future focussed.
- Workshops and training designed to enhance students’ future career knowledge and skills (including insights into leadership, collaboration, and resilience in the face of professional challenges). Guests include current leaders in schools and early childhood centres.
2.3. Provide opportunities for students to navigate their journey to success through formal, informal and co-curricular learning.
- Complements the formal curriculum and offers additional opportunities to explore educational issues and develop new skills in a scaffolded and nurturing environment.