Studying a human anatomy subject at university while in Year 11 is part of Chancellor State College student Petra Nunn’s plan to eventually become a doctor. Petra attends lectures and tutorials at USC through the University’s Headstart program which allows Year 11 and 12 students to complete USC subjects to gain credit towards their Queensland Certificate of Education and work towards a degree at the same time.
“The fact I can be surrounded by older students and still feel really relaxed and know I am more than capable of studying at university-level is really empowering.
“Before doing the program, I had never referenced an academic journal or research paper but now I cannot complete a school assignment without using these for my sources.
“It also teaches you how to balance school, study, part-time work and other interests and manage your time. Being 16, I didn’t really have those skills until going to USC.”