CQU Connect Program

Be. YOU.

Year 7 students are encouraged to focus on being themselves whilst they develop their self-concept, identify their unique strengths and consider their dreams. 

Independent Learning Activity: Knowing Yourself*

In this micro-credential students will focus on developing their self-concept.  They will learn how to set achievable goals, challenge negative self-talk, and prioritise their wellbeing.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how to set small achievable goals
• Identify how to practice self-compassion
• Develop skills to promote self-care
• Engage in self-reflection 

Classroom module: My Strengths & My Dreams

Students will understand the importance of personal management, build a positive self-concept, and practice positive interactions by identifying their strengths, their dreams, and how they can use their strengths to achieve their dreams.

Learning Outcomes

• Identifying different strengths, what they mean and considering their individual strengths
• Exploring and understanding the concept of dreams and reflecting on their individual dreams
• Considering how their unique strengths can help them achieve their dreams

Be. CONNECTED.

Year 8 students are challenged to connect with themselves, explore personal growth and the role they will have in the world.

Independent Learning Activity: Personal Growth*

In this micro-credential students will focus on exploring their own personal growth while preparing for some of the challenges that adolescent development may bring. They will consider the value of learning as they transition to young adulthood.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how to build and maintain a positive self-concept
• Identify how to interact positively and effectively with others
• Recognise that change and growth occur throughout life
• Develop skills to manage wellbeing, mental and physical health

Campus Event: Community Festival Day

This event aims to encourage students to consider who they want to be. In showcasing the campus and the relationships CQUniversity has within its communities; we aim to encourage students to create the success that means more to them.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how to build and maintain a positive relationship within relevant communities
• Practice positive interactions with others outside their day-to-day environment
• Recognise that change and growth are necessary for communities, regions and nations to grow
• Develop skills to manage wellbeing, mental and physical health (of yourself and others)

Be. INFORMED.

Students in Year 9 are provided with key information around career pathways, focused on participation in lifelong learning (including post school study). 

Independent Learning Activity: Navigating Pathways*

In this micro-credential students will explore opportunities and challenges they may face on their career and life journey including the relationship between lifelong learning and work in the 21st century and its importance for future work opportunities. They will examine some of the effective navigational behaviours such as building success-oriented mindsets to make informed choices. Students will be exposed to positive strategies to overcome obstacles in their journeys.

Learning Outcomes

• Outline the relationship between lifelong learning and work in the 21st century
• Explore the opportunities and challenges in your career journey
• Identify a range of positive strategies and their importance for future work opportunities
• Explain how effective navigational behaviours can allow you to be flexible, proactive and responsive to workforce challenges

Classroom module: Level Up Your Future

Students will understand the difference between University and TAFE, post school award level qualifications and be able to understand the types of qualifications that key future careers will require. They will explore the outcomes of personal management on education and career pathways, helping them to understand the changing nature of life and work roles.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the difference between school, University and TAFE award level qualifications
• Develop confidence in applying existing personal management skills to lifelong learning and career exploration
• Explain how the changing nature of life and work may impact their future
• Explore ways to navigate challenges and successfully progress along different pathways towards their goals

Be. LIMITLESS.

For Year 10 students, the program provides tools to support decision making leading into SET (Senior Education and Training) planning.

Independent Learning Activity: Life Career Development*

In this micro-credential students will engage with a range of tools that will assist in their decision making around subjects for senior secondary school studies. This micro-credential can complement the Senior Education Transition Plans that are conducted by individual schools.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess the value of self-directed and lifelong learning in responding to changes and challenges in circumstances
• Identify learning strategies for personal and work-related aspirations
• Outline career decision-making processes to filter career scenarios

Campus Event: Year 10 Career Experience

This event experience aims to provide an opportunity for students to network with professionals in industry to be inspired by careers they had not considered and hear real life career pathway stories. Interactive, workshop style sessions will be supported by information sessions to support SET planning.

Learning Outcomes

• Build confidence in locating and utilising career information
• Develop the understanding that their future is limitless because options are available to overcome challenges in navigating successful career pathways
• Understand that the development of key employability skills will enable them to navigate the changing nature of life and work roles

Be. ENHANCED.

Learning for Year 11 students aims to provide opportunities to enhance their skills and confidence as they prepare for the future.

Independent Learning Activity: Future Ready*

In this micro-credential students will develop skills to investigate and research tertiary and vocational study options, entry programs and financial assistance. Students will look at the realities of post school study considering the effective navigators required to make informed choices about career and life design.

Learning Outcomes

• Examine your personal attributes, characteristics and behaviours, mapping them against those required by employers, and identifying strengths and weaknesses
• Investigate the education and training options offered by their school, local TAFE institute, university, and/or registered training organisation
• Outline the career implications for planned secondary studies, training, tertiary studies or employment
• Recognise their personal and interpersonal capacities and align with learning strategies and career information

Classroom module: Planning for Sweet Success

Students will reflect on the importance of planning for success in both their personal and professional lives. They will explore decision-making processes to enhance their careers and build confidence in navigating key challenges, including the importance of financial literacy and managing finances effectively.

Learning Outcomes

• Explore the importance of planning in achieving goals and dreams
• Build confidence in discussing financial commitments related to higher education
• Engage with their peers to build confidence with discussing finances and explore their financial literacy skills
• Understand how to make more informed choices based on their access to resources (financial and otherwise) to contribute to career enhancement

Be. READY.

Independent Learning Activity: The Next Step*

In this micro-credential students will focus on exploring their personal expectations of finishing school while preparing for some of the challenges moving into post-school education, training or employment may bring. They will consider the value of education as they prepare to enter the adult world.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify how societal needs and economic conditions influence the nature and structure of work
• Explain the link between lifelong learning and the career building process
• Identify the skills and capacities needed for 21st century work, including employability and lifelong learning skills
• Recognise the consequences of choosing a career path
• Review your personal action plan based on self-reflection, feedback from a parent/carer, mentor, teacher or peers

Campus Event: Year 12 Uni Experience 

We host a tailored Year 12 Uni Experience Event. You can learn more about this event via our Uni Experience Events page.

*Micro-credential enrolment for schools can be facilitated by bulk enrolment. Email futurestudents@cqu.edu.au

North Coast and Central Queensland

• Bundaberg North State High School
• Bundaberg State High School
• Isis District State High School
• Kepnock State High School
• Mount Morgan State High School
• North Rockhampton State High School
• Rockhampton State High School
• Yeppoon State High School
• Burnett State College
• Gin Gin State High School
• Moura State High School
• Biggenden State School
• Miriam Vale State School
• Mundubbera State College
• Eidsvold State School
• Rosedale State School

Far North Queensland

CQUniversity collaborates with James Cook University in Far North Queensland to engage with the following schools via the CQU Connect program.

• Babinda State School
• Bentley Park College
• Djarragun College
• Gordonvale State High School
• Innisfail State College
• Malanda State High School
• Pormpuraaw State School
• Woree State High School
• Yarrabah State School

School Engagement

If you are interested in engaging with the program, as a student or school please reach out to our Future Students team. 

The CQU Connect program operates with support, guidance, and collaboration from:

The Australian Government Department of Education

At CQUniversity, we are dedicated to creating a better future for all Australians through quality education. We actively use the recommendations and performance targets set by the Australian Universities Accord to enhance the quality, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of higher education. The Accords objective is to ensure long-term security and prosperity for both the sector and the nation.

Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES)

Curtin University established ACSES, which the Australian Government Department of Education funds, to provide national leadership in student equity in higher education. CQU collaborates with ACSES to address student equity needs and enhance university accessibility.

Queensland Widening Participation Consortium (QWPC)

At CQUniversity, we are proud to be part of Queensland’s Widening Tertiary Participation Consortium, the largest and longest-running consortium of universities in Australia. We strategically focus on improving tertiary education participation for people from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds as well as individuals from regional, rural, and remote (RRR) locations.

The Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP)

CQU leverages HEPPP funding for various programs aimed to widen participation in higher education.