Held annually, the John Monash Science School Regional Science Exchange invites Year 10 students from regional Victorian schools with a passion for science to join us for an immersive three-week block. *Please note changes to dates*
Through the Regional Science Exchange, small cohorts of Year 10 students from rural and regional Victoria are invited to visit Melbourne and experience teaching and learning at John Monash Science School (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 be provided with home stay accommodation for three weeks, during which time they will enrol and participate in regular Year 10 curriculum at John Monash Science School.
Designed to minimise disruption to 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, benefit from working with a large group of keen scientifically – minded students, and have the opportunity to participate in specialised emerging science electives, fields trips and extra-curricular activities.
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 Regional Science Exchange is also designed to give students exposure to the Monash University campus and facilities, helping to prepare for the transition to university and further study at the end of secondary years of schooling.
During their exchange, students will choose an elective Emerging Science subject from a range of offerings. These electives are hands-on in nature, 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
Our Science Exchange for 2020 have been cancelled given the current state of affairs surrounding COVID-19. We want the regional students to have that full immersive Melbourne experience and we feel at this time it is not possible.
We hope to reignite the program for 2021. Stay tuned!
Term 2 (CANCELLED) Weeks 3, 4 and 5 (3 week program) Sunday 3 May – Friday 22 May, 2020
Term 3 (CANCELLED) Weeks 2, 3 and 4 (3 week program) Sunday 19 July – Friday 7 August, 2020 *
Term 4 (CANCELLED) Weeks 8 and 9 (2 week program) Sunday 22 November – Friday 4 December, 2020 *
Each block will accommodate a cohort of 20 students, depending on availability of home stay accommodation. Students attend JMSS for a 3-week block, then will continue their research projects at home, returning to present their posters at our annual Science Fair in November 2020.
Students attending the Term 4 program will be attending JMSS during the Australian Science Fair. *Dates correct at time of update. Subject to change
The Program fee is now FREE! Due to the funding we have received from the Department of Education & Training, there is now no fee, thus, making it more available to all students willing to apply. Students will only need to organise transport to and from Melbourne.
Students will stay with JMSS families, and will have a JMSS buddy. Students will be provided with a JMSS school uniform jumper, and may borrow a myki to catch public transport during their stay.
Accommodation will be hosted by JMSS families. Students live with JMSS families during the duration of their stay and are allocated a buddy, house and mentor group thus increasing the bond with the school and JMSS students.
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 2021 program.
Applications will need to address the following selection criteria
Applications for Year 10 students NOW OPEN!
To ensure that you are notified when applications for the 2020 Regional Science Exchange Program are officially open, please register your interest in participating in the form below.
It is never too early to register your interest in the program. Interested parties will be added to our mailing list and receive email notifications and updates about the Regional Science Exchange Program.
For more information please email Erin Hayley on – erin.hayley@jmss.vic.edu.au
Applications for the Homestay Program will open in early 2021
Register your interest in providing homestay accommodation for students participating in the 2021 Regional Science Exchange click here. For more information or clarification please email Erin Hayley on – erin.hayley@jmss.vic.edu.au
