Regional Science Exchange

Held annually, the John Monash Science School (JMSS) Regional Science Exchange invites Year 10 students from regional Victorian schools with a passion for science to join us for an immersive two-week block.

Experience teaching and learning at JMSS.

Through the Regional Science Exchange (REx), small cohorts of Year 10 students from rural and regional Victoria are invited to visit Melbourne and experience teaching and learning at JMSS – Victoria’s first specialist secondary school with an explicit focus on science, mathematics and associated technologies.

Students participating in the exchange will travel to Melbourne and will be housed at the Quest Serviced Apartments Notting Hill for two weeks. During this time, they will enrol and participate in the regular Year 10 curriculum at JMSS.

Our program is designed to minimise disruption to students’ regular studies. All students will be able to continue their studies in core subjects like English and Mathematics while on exchange.

In addition to regular studies, visiting students will experience the unique learning environment offered through our co-location and partnership with Monash University and benefit from working with a large group of keen, scientifically-minded students. They will also have the opportunity to participate in specialised emerging science electives, field trips, and extracurricular activities.

REx Students attend JMSS for a two-week block. Each block can accommodate a maximum of 10 to 12 students.

Program details and Information Handbook.

Click the links below to learn more about the 2025 program dates and available electives in the 2025 Regional Science Exchange Information Sheet, or get the full Regional Science Exchange program details in the Information Handbook.

Join our REx Program Mailing List.

Are you a Regional Science Teacher or Year 10 student who loves and excels at STEM?
Join our REx Program Mailing List to be informed of the upcoming application period!

Experience.

The curriculum at JMSS challenges students to explore cutting-edge scientific knowledge in an immersive teaching and learning environment, including opportunities to participate in emerging science electives developed in partnership with Monash University.

In addition to study-related opportunities, students will also have the opportunity to explore Melbourne’s diverse cultural and sporting landscape through curated excursions and guided weekend activities – forming a holistic school/life experience.

The REx is also designed to expose students to the Monash University campus and facilities, helping them prepare for the transition to university and further study at the end of their secondary years of schooling.

Science Electives.

During their exchange, students will choose an elective Emerging Science subject from a range of offerings.  These electives are hands-on, and often utilise the various scientific facilities on campus at Monash University, allowing students to explore and investigate areas of science, technology and mathematics that are shaping the future.

 

Emerging Science Subject Offerings:

Stream 1 Stream 2
Analytical Spectroscopy Aquatic Fieldwork Science
Astrophysics Nature and Beauty of Mathematics
Introduction to Games Programming and Data Science Terraforming Mars
Medical Physics
Disease Disorders and Scientific Discoveries
Pharmaceutics Science
Programming for Simulations and Machine Learning

Key Information.

Applications for 2025 are now OPEN.

Applications open on the 3/2/2025 and close on the 3/3/2025.

If you would like to apply, please click the application form here.

 

For full Regional Science Exchange program details, please click the link below.

Regional Science Exchange Program Handbook

Cost

The REx Program is now FREE! Due to the funding we have received from the Department of Education & Training, there is now no fee, making it more available to all students willing to apply.  Students will only need to organise transport to and from Melbourne.

Students will be housed at the Quest Serviced Apartments Notting Hill. Students will also be provided with a JMSS school uniform jumper and may borrow a Myki to catch public transport during their stay.

Locations.

Students will commute to and from the Quest Serviced Apartments Notting Hill with the REx Staff Members.

Final details will be provided to accepted students.

JMSS Regional Science Exchange

Selection Criteria.

Applications for Year 10 students.

The program is for Year 10 students who have talent, interest, curiosity and enthusiasm in the areas of Science, Mathematics and/or Technology.

Interested students are encouraged to speak with the science teacher at their school, and work with them to develop an application for the 2025 program.

 

Applications will need to address the following selection criteria:

 

Students:

  • Describe your interests in and passion for STEM in a maximum of one A4 typed page.
  • Be able to critically discuss your strengths and weaknesses in 200 words or less, and explain how you will use this opportunity and learned skills back in your school and/or hometown after the experience is over.
  • Discuss how participating in the REx impacts your future subject or career choices.
  • Demonstrate why you would be an asset to the REx program.
  • Why do you feel you are an ideal REx candidate?

Please consider and list any possible issues regarding being away from home for 2 weeks, e.g., part-time work, sporting commitments, or experience staying away from home.

 

Teachers:

  • A summary of the student’s academic performance over the period Years 7- 9, with particular reference to science, mathematics and technology capabilities. Please comment on the student’s potential and the value of the program to the student and school.
  • Maximum of one A4 typed page.

If you would like to apply, please fill out the application form:

The geographical location of students’ homes and schools attended will also be considered.
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply.
Make sure you have read through the Information Booklet.
Ensure you have read and addressed the Selection Criteria.

For more information or questions regarding your application, please email the Regional Exchange team at media@jmss.vic.edu.au.

REx Eligibility.

The Regional Science Exchange Program only accepts applications from Year 10 students located in the following Regions:

  • South Eastern/Gippsland (Inner and Outer Gippsland areas),
  • North Eastern/Hume (Goulburn and Ovens Murray areas),
  • North Western/Loddon Mallee (Loddom Campaspe and Mallee areas),
  • South Western/Grampians and Barwon South West (Central Highlands, Barwon and Wimmera South West areas)

For full details please see the Eligibility document below.

REx Eligibility

Apply Today.

Applications for 2025 are now OPEN.

2025 Applications are open now and will close on 3/3/2025.

Click here to apply today!

 

For more information please email the Exchange team at – media@jmss.vic.edu.au