Welcome to Downlands College

Meet Chelsea, a dedicated Year 12 student from Downlands College, who recently had the opportunity to participate in the Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science, and Technology (FEAST) program at the University of Queensland (UQ) Gatton Campus. This residential program, designed for senior high school students, offers a glimpse into the world of agriculture, veterinary science, and technology, aiming to inspire the next generation of professionals in these critical fields. Chelsea’s journey through FEAST was nothing short of transformative, providing her with invaluable insights and experiences. Discovering the Purpose of FEAST The FEAST program showcases the extensive agriculture, veterinary, and science facilities at UQ Gatton as well as highlights the diverse career and educational opportunities available through the university in this field of study. Participants have the chance to interact with university academics, researchers, and industry networks, gaining firsthand experience that could shape their future aspirations. Hands-On Learning Experiences During the FEAST program, Chelsea explored opportunities at UQ, delved into the intricacies of different cuts of beef and cooking methods, and learned about seed germination and root activity. The program also introduced her to agriculture and veterinary researchers, as well as topics on food sustainability and veterinary careers. Chelsea appreciated the dedication of the professors and scientists who not only answered questions but also inspired curiosity and passion over the course of the three-day event. The program wasn’t all work and no play; it included memorable bonding activities within each of the groups of students and even a fun-filled disco night. Highlights and Takeaways When asked about her favourite part of the program, Chelsea highlighted the inspiring talk by Professor Sagadevan Mundree on sustainable agriculture. This session ignited her interest in the field and opened her eyes to the global possibilities of sustainable practices. Additionally, Chelsea enjoyed networking with other students through various activities that allowed her to form lasting friendships, making the experience even more special. Future Aspirations in Agriculture Looking ahead, Chelsea is eager to pursue a career in agriculture with a focus on sustainability. While she hasn’t yet pinpointed a specific path, she believes that more experiences like FEAST will help her refine her goals. Her ambition is to ensure that agricultural production is both sustainable and optimised for quality and quantity. Influences and Support Chelsea credits her parents for influencing her interest in the FEAST program. They encouraged her to connect with like-minded individuals and explore her passions, a decision that proved to be incredibly beneficial. She also acknowledges the positive impact of the College's Learning Pathways team that introduced her to the program and her Agricultural Science classes that provided a solid foundation in agriculture and biology, steering her interest in sustainable agriculture. Reflecting on the Journey Chelsea’s experience at UQ Gatton’s FEAST program was a pivotal moment in her educational journey. It not only broadened her understanding of the agricultural sciences but also solidified her passion for making a meaningful impact in the field. With the support of her family and the Downlands College Learning Pathways team, Chelsea is well on her way to a promising future in sustainable agriculture, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  Chelsea’s story is a testament to the power of experiential learning and the importance of support systems in shaping a student’s future. Programs like FEAST play a crucial role in inspiring young minds, offering them the tools and knowledge they need to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.

Amy, a current Year 12 Downlands student, recently participated in the Bond University Business School Year 12 Extension Program. The program aims to enhance high school education and ready students for university life. Outstanding students from the workshop sessions on campus received a partial tuition scholarship for an undergraduate program at Bond University the next year. Amy, one of the high achievers, earned a scholarship for her 2025 tuition at Bond University. We had a conversation with Amy to delve deeper into her time in the Bond University Year 12 Extension Program. What were your experiences like as a student taking part in the program? The program is about offering potential future students the chance to develop skills in the business area and give them a taste of what life as a Bond University student could be like. We completed various practical tasks such as creating a prototype and business proposal in 10 minutes to meet a need given to us in a brief. We also participated in workshops on how to 'excel in Excel,' experienced Bond University student life on a campus tour and designed an event to boost tourism in Australia. What did you gain from this experience? I gained friendships with the different participants, a scholarship towards my tuition next year, and knowledge that I feel sets me ahead of the curve for when I start at Bond University next year. How do you feel to have completed the program? Completing the program gave me a sense of accomplishment, as well as the reassurance that this area of study is the field I would love to study post-high school. What do you hope to study at Bond University? I hope to study a double major in marketing and entrepreneurship at the Bond University Business School. I love the creative aspects of both fields as well as the amount of post-graduate opportunities this degree will offer. Becoming an entrepreneur who develops something beneficial and influential, and witnessing its widespread use, would be a surreal feeling I hope to achieve one day. Were there any experiences or people that influenced your decision in future study? The person who supported me the most with this opportunity was Mrs Katie Wright, the Curriculum Leader of Learning Pathways and Downlands College VET Coordinator. Mrs Wright was the first teacher I wanted to talk about my achievement with, and I wouldn’t have participated in the program had she not encouraged me to. My sister also played a role in my decision-making process. She is an alumnus of Bond University and her positive experiences during her law degree studies there were a great source of inspiration for me. Bond has always been my number one pick for university, and this programme has made the possibility for me to attend a reality. Amy's progress showcases the support and growth opportunities offered by the Downlands Learning Pathways and VET team at the College. Looking ahead to her time at Bond University, Amy brings along valuable skills, friendships, and experiences that will greatly influence her university experience and future endeavours. As Amy looks forward to her future at Bond, she carries with her the skills, friendships, and experiences that will undoubtedly shape her university life and beyond. For students like Amy, the Bond University Business School Year 12 Extension Program is more than just a stepping stone: it's the start of an exciting and promising journey.