Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology

Prospectus

Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology78 Bywong Street Toowong QLD Australia 4066

PO Box 303 Toowong QLD Australia 4066Phone +61 7 3377 9333 Fax +61 7 3377 9300

CRICOS No 00608Awww.qasmt.eq.edu.au

Welcome Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology

It is a school whose exceptional academic standards rest easily beside great endeavour and success in a wide range of activities.

We emphasise critical thinking, collaboration and discovery. Our curriculum is the International Baccalaureate – its hallmarks are breadth, balance and rigour. We have delivered this innovative programme for many years – quite simply because it is the best way of enabling young people to learn. The relationship between staff and students is very supportive and is based on mutual respect. The QASMT style of education is powerful preparation for students for success at university and in the world of work. If you are looking for an education that stimulates and challenges your child but also requires hard work, then QASMT is the perfect place.

As parents, we know you are seeking a school that provides a balance between supporting, challenging, learning and happiness. Via our house structures and ‘GROWTH’ programme we maintain an excellent balance between academic rigour, personal growth, community awareness, intercultural understanding,

sporting and cultural distinction. We ask all students to give their personal best across all of these endeavours.

QASMT enjoys a truly multi-cultural community with over 70 nationalities. We believe that being multilingual is a key element of global citizenship, which fosters true cultural appreciation and enhances communication skills. Therefore all our students study a foreign language from year 7 to year 12.Positive Education via our bespoke ‘GROWTH’ programme provides the caring and personally

enriching framework within which each child can recognise their own personal strengths, take pleasure in them and ultimately learn to thrive with them. Our house

structure ensures that every child is known by a significant adult (their Head of House) who offers pastoral and academic support for all students within their house.

What makes a school outstanding? Men and women who love their subject and love teaching it; the best possible pastoral care that makes every student feel they are as important to the school as it is to them; a whole world of sports,

From the • Principal

“Deciding upon a school is one of the most important

decisions that you will make on behalf of your children.”

The Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) is one of the most successful and prestigious selective entry state high schools in Australia and ranked the highest performing school in the state.

WELCOME

arts and activities beyond the classroom and first-rate facilities. And, of course, a body of students who care as much about the successes and happiness of their friends as about themselves. Our goal is for every student to finally outgrow us. We want them to become ready and able to take the next step, secure in the knowledge of who they are, and what they do best.

It is my task as Principal to ensure that everything I have mentioned here is as good as it can possibly be.

The QASMT prospectus is intended to convey the sense of a day in the life of this school; our website provides additional detailed information. What neither can demonstrate is just how many parents and students tell me that they feel QASMT is an inspirational place, where a remarkably warm, inclusive and supportive atmosphere helps everyone achieve their best.

Whilst you will find extensive information about QASMT in our prospectus and on our website, I encourage you to visit our Academy on Open Days or evenings (or both), in order to fully appreciate the warmth and vibrancy of our learning community, and to discover for yourself how we can best serve the educational needs of your child.

Kath KayroozPrincipal

As an International Baccalaureate© World School we aim to develop internationally minded young people who are inquiring, knowledgeable and caring and are united in their mission to help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

The world class curriculum at QASMT includes the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme, ensuring we deliver challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop young people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. At QASMT we embed the IB Learner Profile across our curriculum to fulfil the IB mission statement and provide a set of learning behaviours which aims to inspire, motivate and focus students, teachers and the entire IB World School community, uniting them in a common purpose.

WORLD CLASS EDUCATION

International Baccalaureate

Nurture

Engage

ThinkersInquirers

Caring

Communicators

IB Learner Profile

Thinkers

Principled

Open-minded

Reflective

Balanced

Risk-takers

Knowledgeable

Selective EntryAs a selective entry school, QASMT provides a nurturing, educationally enriched and challenging environment for, highly capable students in Year’s 7 to 12. Students are selected to attend the Academy on the basis of academic merit and on their individual characteristics. As an IB World School, QASMT prides itself on having a student body comprised of well rounded, well balanced internationally minded young people who have the ability to make a difference to the world around them as future young leaders.

Our academy is focused on helping students to achieve strong results while developing the whole child. Being a student at the academy means that your child will be with like-minded students which in itself fosters a collaborative environment where students can thrive — working together to achieve the same goal.

Global

World-class

once they know the answer, follow up by asking “why?”

Communicators. They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.IB students regularly deliver stimulating presentations and

drive excellence in-group assignments.

Principled. They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.IB students are infused with the academic integrity that is

a fundamental value of universities and colleges.

Open-minded. They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating

Our VisionA world-class education that nurtures excellence and fosters global citizenship for an ever changing world.

Our PurposeWe will educate our young people to:• be life-long, curious, agile and resilient learners• think critically and use evidence-based decision making to imagine and realise change• be effective collaborators and communicators in disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts• use technology strategically and ethically • contribute to and impact on the world around them in ethical and sustainable ways• interact in local and global cultural contexts with knowledge of and respect for diverse cultural

perspectives.

Our FocusA STEM education enriched through a broad liberal arts curriculum.

All QASMT Learners strive to be:

Inquirers. They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.University faculties regularly note IB students’ passion for

discovery.

Knowledgeable. They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. IB students are extraordinarily well prepared for the

academic requirements of university coursework.

Thinkers. They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.IB students contribute to discussions in a meaningful way. They do not shy away from challenging questions and,

Our ValuesInformed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) mission to develop active, compassionate and lifelong learners, the IB programmes foster a distinctive set of attributes. These qualities—embodied in the IB learner profile—prepare IB students to make exceptional contributions on campus.

Our Strategic PrioritiesWe will:• Engage Learners

To nurture academic excellence, ensuring every student is able to pursue a university pathway of choice.

• Empower TeachersTo build capacity of all staff to provide quality instruction and ensure effective delivery of our Explicit Improvement Agenda.

• Ensure SuccessTo foster global citizenship through our positive culture, authentic partnerships and shared purpose and values.

a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience. IB students have a deep understanding of various cultures

and views, bringing an appreciation of new views to

both their academic study and their involvement in local

and wider communities. Their international mindedness

complements the missions of the best tertiary institutions.

Caring. They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. IB students tell us they bring this commitment to

community and others to their activities and leadership

roles at university and carry it throughout their lives.

Risk-takers. They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. IB students transition well to challenging university

settings and show resilience and determination in their

work. In academics, they have the confidence to approach

new or unfamiliar subjects or material.

Balanced. They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.IB students are active participants in a wide range of

aspects of campus life, as well as focusing on their

academic development.

Reflective. They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. IB students have developed an ability to reflect on their

learning and to articulate how they learnt. They have

learned that critical reflection is an important academic

and life skill.

Our Vision & Values

Innovative

Knowledgeable

Worldly

Not just another brick in the wall

QASMT students are:

Not just another brick in the wall

Knowing Each Individual Student

It is our goal that each student feels a sense of belonging to our Academy community, and has the opportunity and support for personal, social and academic growth.

QASMT provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to support students and their families. Academy students study an academically challenging curriculum which will require them to adopt new approaches to learning. With this in mind, the QASMT House structure assists all students to achieve to their potential through keeping them aligned with the range of strategies and behaviours critical to success.

All students are allocated to one of six houses of which a Head of House is the guardian. Students belong to smaller InStep groups within their houses, overseen by their InStep mentor and Head of House. Each InStep group will consist of students from Year 7 to 12. The vertical structure of the House system gives students continuity throughout their years at School, and encourages friendships between more established students and those new to the School.

This creates a sense of family which promotes a feeling of identity and belonging.

The Head of House works with staff to monitor all aspects of the general welfare of students, including their academic progress and therefore knows every student well. They build strong partnerships with students and their families which ensures there is someone identifiable to whom students, teachers or parents can turn to when there is a particular need.

Pastoral Care

ReflectiveCaring

KnowledgeableCommunicators

At the core of our school culture is the moral imperative to provide a world class education that nurtures excellence and fosters global citizenship

for an ever changing world. We understand the learning needs of every one of our students and we work collectively to closely monitor

each child’s progress and wellbeing, in order to maximise their potential. Each student has a

personal learning plan for all of their subjects and our staff tailor academic programmes to meet his or her unique needs. This personalised approach

to knowing, supporting and empowering the child has led to outstanding academic outcomes

for our students.

A QASMT teacher is a caring and committed educator who has a deep knowledge of and

passion for their subject area. We pride ourselves on being life-long learners, where our staff, including the senior leadership team, meet

weekly as a professional learning community to explore best practice evidence based teaching

strategies, cutting edge technological and educational innovation and research.

Our campus features state of the art, technology rich facilities, with classrooms designed to accommodate collaborative learning

experiences. Our students are encouraged to work in teams to think critically, engage in

independent inquiry and aspire to be reflective and ethical global citizens.

Choosing QASMT for your child’s secondary school education means that he or she will be

part of a like-minded learning community, with bright and engaged students, an expert teaching

team, innovative pedagogy and world class facilities. They will graduate as life-long, curious, agile and resilient learners who have developed

the skills to succeed in a world that is ever changing.

Collaborative LearningA Student Centred Learning Experience

KnowledgeableCommunicators

STEMScience, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) touch every aspect of today’s world, and the innovations that emerge from these fields underpin the global economy. Our focus at QASMT is to provide our students, in Years 7 through to 12, a STEM education enriched through a broad liberal arts curriculum. Students engage actively with a number of STEM subjects providing them the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in a range of curriculum areas and use an inquiry-based or active learning approach to solve challenges linked to real-world problems.

Our membership in the International Science Schools Network and extensive enrichment offerings, including robotics, coding, High Performance Computing, student research placements, STEM Ambassadors, Astronomy Club and state, national and international competitions, ensures STEM is an exciting and enthralling part of the academic life of QASMT students.

A statistic we are proud of is that we consistently have more than seventy percent of QASMT graduates annually who choose to study courses in the STEM related fields at university. Our professional and highly qualified staff provide outstanding role models and inspire a passion for these fields.

THINKERSINQUIRERS

Nice & Paris,France London, United Kingdom

Geneva, Switzerland

Berlin, Germany

Texas, USA

New York City, USABoston, USA

Washington D.C, USA

Orlando, USA

Madrid & Salamanca, Spain

STEM Study Tours take place every year at QASMT. STEM Study Tours give students opportunities to experience the life and culture of another country. It is an amazing experience for all students who attend, and one which they will never forget.

During a tour the students explore and develop their understanding of different areas of the sciences. They increase their knowledge of how different science fields intertwine and understand international cooperation in science.

Berlin, Germany

Tokyo, Japan

Shanghai, China

“...After our arrival in Orlando, we launched ourselves into the NASA Space Centre where we witnessed the many space-related explorations and brushed up on some unbelievable scientific progress, awing at the innovations and developments of STEM... On our journey back

home, we all reflected on the STEM Tour this year as a trip that cannot really be defined; it was an experience that really was unforgettable.”

• Vivian Su & Fahim Sultanbawa, Students

Bangkok, Thailand

Beijing, China

Wuhan, China

Kyoto, Japan

STEM Study Tours

The key elements to GROWTH are as follows:

GrowthTo nurture to know to foster school spirit to grow

The IB Learner Profile attributes are the core values of QASMT. The IB learner represents 10 attributes; inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers balanced and reflective. We believe these attributes can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

Our GROWTH Programme supports this philosophy and is underpinned by the science of Positive Psychology based on Professor Martin Seligman’s concept of PERMA. It has been developed in conjunction with the attributes of the IB Learner profile and together with character strengths are at the center of our wellbeing programme.

At QASMT we believe that the wellbeing of the whole community matters and that through GROWTH everyone can flourish, therefore it is embedded in everything we do. This whole school approach ensures that all of our community not only know what GROWTH is about, but that we live it in our day to day lives. Our GROWTH Programme aims to produce well rounded and resilient individuals who possess a unique capability to thrive personally and academically and are well equipped to be our global leaders of the future.

Our GROWTH framework also incorporates the 6 domains of wellbeing, positive emotion, positive engagement, positive accomplishment, positive purpose, positive relationships and positive health.

At QASMT we believe that the wellbeing of the whole community matters and that through positive education everyone can flourish, therefore GROWTH is embedded in everything we do.

Goal setting aims to maximise individual potential through reflecting, planning and implementing strategies for lifelong suc-cess. All members of the QASMT School community are encouraged to embrace challenges with grit, determination, hope and a willingness to develop a growth mind-set and achieve positive accomplishment.

Relationships are key to students and staff developing social and emotional skills that nourish connectedness with themselves and others. Positive Relationships are important for building a community culture based on respect, kindness and forgiveness.

Ownership is about accepting personal and collective responsibility for opinions, actions and behaviours. Ownership also explores understanding of, belief in and service to something greater than the individual that contributes to the wider community both locally and globally. It recognises that belonging to a supportive school community is a strong pathway to positive purpose and to enhanced wellbeing.

Wellbeing is achieved through harnessing positive emotions to enable students and staff to develop a stronger understanding of themselves and others. The focus is on creating opportunities to savour positive emotions such as joy, love, gratitude and contentment. All staff and students are encouraged to experience, practice and promote positive wellbeing in their lives.

Thriving encourages students and staff at QASMT to positively engage in all aspects of Academy life and activities with passion and zest with a view to reaching a state of flow and deeper engagement in the here and now. The aim is for all members of the school community to find sources of interest and passion in their lives and flourish.

Health focuses on supporting students and staff at QASMT to develop sustainable habits for optimal physical and mental health. Individuals will develop an understanding of how regular exercise, nutrition and sleep lead to sustained health and successful learning. In addition, skills in mindfulness and resilience are prioritised to develop holistic and positive health.

Balanced

Risk-takers

Balanced

Enrichment and Balance- Education Outside of the Classroom

Education Outside of the Classroom at QASMT offers students a chance to experience success

beyond the classroom, and is part of our commitment to a holistic education.

Through EOTC, students discover their interests and talents while developing values

and competencies that will prepare them for a rapidly changing world. The programme aims

to develop relationships through teamwork, and for students to gain a greater personal

understanding of how they learn as individuals. EOTC allows students to discover talents, learn

new skills, and develop leadership capacity and fostering team work, resilience and commitment.

It gives our students the opportunity to actively engage with teachers and students in physical,

cultural and intellectual pursuits together, building relationships, understanding and

respect beyond the classroom borders.

While the desire to achieve academically is strong in our students, sometimes fulfillment

may come from curriculum pursuits beyond the classroom. At QASMT we offer a range

of opportunities for students to explore their creativity, engage in activity and provide service

to others.

Our camp programme, enrichment activities, international tours and co-curricular programme ensures that students have every opportunity to

flourish and be balanced in their lives.

Enrichment

As Queensland’s top performing school (Better Education Ranking, 2016), QASMT is gaining in its reputation for outstanding academic success. On the world stage, our IB Diploma score (a maximum of 45) average is consistently 5 to 6 points above the world average and over 20% of our students achieve an IB Diploma score of 40 plus. Through an explicit improvement agenda and research based pedagogies our teachers provide a learning environment focussed on academic success for every student. The individualised tracking and monitoring of student progress is a focus and our innovative Learning Enhancement Programme involves QASMT Alumni in ensuring the academic success of our students.

The like-minded students at QASMT are united in their academic goals for university studies in Australia’s and the world’s top universities, and our school culture fosters collaboration among our students to enhance support for each other in achieving their goals.

Academic Success

Principled

Open-minded

IB45Scoring 45 points is a remarkable academic achievement. Each year, an

average of 100 students world-wide achieve a score of IB45, a significant

portion of these students come from QASMT.

IB45To achieve the maximum score of 45 points, students must:

Gain 7 points in Language & LiteratureGain 7 points in a Foreign LanguageGain 7 points in MathematicsGain 7 points in a Science subjectGain 7 points in a Social Science subjectGain 7 points in an Arts or other second Science subject of their choiceGain 3 points from the study of Theory of Knowledge and a 4,000 word Extended Essay based on in-depth research.

Students must also spend time participating in Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) of their choice.

Alumni

My experience at QASMT has taught me that with time and effort, comes deserving rewards.

The excellent learning opportunities provided to me by the school have equipped me with the knowledge and exposure to succeed in my university studies. In particular, I was able to foster my passion for science, which has placed me one step ahead in my current academic pursuits. Additionally, I was able to

immerse myself in intriguing subjects such as business and French. From developing my work

ethic to engaging in volunteering opportunities, the brilliant atmosphere at QASMT has benefited me

for life.

Vidvi Malik

We are proud of the success of our graduates and we stay closely connected with them throughout their journey from tertiary education into the workforce. We provide numerous opportunities for our Alumni to make an ongoing contribution to our school community because we value the wealth of knowledge and experience that they can pass down to our students. We employ our top performing graduates as tutors in a number of our study support programmes. In this way our Alumni, can provide ongoing support for our students to succeed in their learning journey.

Our Graduates Stay Connected

The rigour of the IB diploma has taught me the importance of not just studying hard but also studying smart by using targeted learning. Hence, QASMT helped me build a strong academic skill set (especially with higher level maths and physics) - critical for my Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Academics aside, my significant involvement in leadership roles such as the Director of Science Ambassadors and the Alumni Tutoring Coordinator has really refined my soft skills. These communication and leadership skills have led to engineering industry experience in Japan and an aerospace internship position.

Clint Therakam

IB Programmes have a reputation for rigorous learning and assessment, enabling IB Diploma recipients access to the world’s leading universities. Some of our alumni have studied at Cambridge University in the UK, Austin Health USA, National University of Singapore and Australia’s top universities.

Where are they now?

Excellence

Vision

What is important about the IB Programme is the way it is taught at QASMT. It supports and offers students a far broader experience and learning

programme beyond this initial impression. From a purely academic perspective the fact that > 40%

of the graduating students of 2015 were able to convert their IB score to a Queensland educational

equivalent of an OP 1 is testament to the level of education they receive. For a state school to

achieve such results is impressive in its own right.

As parents who have had four of our children educated at QASMT, we can honestly say that their experience has been enjoyable within the context

of a programme of learning suited to those who enjoy being challenged to achieve their best. The

style of learning puts the emphasis on research, planning and being prepared, individually and as a

group, in order to complete tasks whilst juggling the day to day of being teenagers and extracurricular

activities. In many ways it has prepared our children not only for the challenges of a University

education but also for a working environment where it is essential to be self-motivated as well

as appreciating the need to plan and prepare for tasks as a group. We saw our children graduate

not only with great results but more importantly, as independent thinkers who maintained their thirst for

knowledge and passion for learning. Through the CAS programme they have become young adults

with an awareness of the world around them and a desire to create a positive change.

We would highly recommend QASMT to any parents wanting their children to benefit from being

part of a cohort and school that is focused on learning as well the development of their child as a

whole.

• Riccardo and Mas Tenaglia, QASMT Parents

Parent Insight

Excellence

Vision

Students’ Creative Space

Mom

o Fr

ank

Sophie Gibson

Kai-Lin WangH

anna

h

Burrows

Steve Zhang

Natcha Pokasamrith

Sophie Gibson

Kai-Lin Wang

Contact Details www.facebook.com/queenslandacademies www.instagram.com/qldacademies www.twitter.com/qldacademies

78 Bywong St, Toowong

Phone: (07) 3377 9333 Fax: (07) 3377 9300Email: admin@qasmt.eq.edu.auWebsite: qasmt.eq.edu.au