Bonus points for Italian

Philippa Merrick is excited to have been accepted to study at the Australian National University (ANU) next year, having received five extra bonus points due to her studies in Italian.

Pip, who is in Year 12, wants other students to know about the bonus point schemes that exist at many universities across Australia.

“Earlier this year, I received a conditional offer to study a flexible double degree at ANU, giving me the opportunity to combine two different degrees across the disciplines of arts, social science, science, and business,” said Pip.

“By studying Italian for two years in college, I received five extra bonus points. It is part of the ANU Subject and Performer Adjustment Schedule, that were added onto my ANU ‘selection rank’- an indication of my expected ATAR.”

“While varying between universities, the bonus point scheme offered by ANU gave me an advantage on my application, just through studying Italian.”

“These points are just one of the many benefits that studying a language have, and they have helped me greatly in gaining acceptance to the course I want to study and have given me a bit more peace of mind as I continue my Year 12 studies,” said Pip.

Pip’s Italian teacher, Mrs Tina Rodriguez, is thrilled for her student and encourages all students to consider learning a language.

“As Pip’s teacher of Italian for the last five years, it has been a pleasure to see her love of learning Italian grow and develop over time. I am so happy to see this hard work pay off! I am very proud of Pip’s achievements,” said Mrs Rodriguez.

“Learning a language not only increases your brain capacity, it can give you a new way at looking at things but more importantly it can open up your world! I encourage anyone wanting to have better opportunities out there – to consider learning a language!”

Students at St Francis Xavier College have the option to study Italian or Japanese. Senior language students will travel overseas to either Italy or Japan with the College later this month, to be fully immersed in the languages they study.