C176/08
19 June 2008
Kensington resident, Thomas Watt was awarded his first technology prize at just age12 and now at only 16 has received a Curtin University of Technology Information Systems (IS) award.
The All Saints College student was recently awarded the Jim Ellis Medal which is presented to the best graduating student from Curtin’s Information Systems Student Experience Program.
The Program was developed to meet high industry demand and offers exceptional Year 12 students the opportunity to participate in a customised, industry-based program and gain a deeper conceptual understanding of IS principles and their applicability in the business environment.
Thomas said participating in the Program was a fantastic learning experience and is thrilled to gain recognition for all the hard work he invested in it.
“I took the Program very seriously and put in a lot of hard work to do well. I treated it as if it was another school subject, and I am very honoured to be rewarded for my effort,” Thomas said.
“There were so many enjoyable aspects of the program, and it was very interesting to look at some things I’d already learnt through other studies in more detail.
“The Program also exposed me to new things about the roles of technology and information in business.”
The amateur movie maker, technology and video games buff is currently studying five TEE subjects and decided to tackle the challenge of the Curtin IS Program at the commencement of the first school term.
“Year 12 has quite a heavy study load but I’m glad that I decided to participate in the IS Program as it has been a wonderful opportunity for me to interact and learn from a diverse and dynamic group of people,” Thomas said.
“The Program also gave me a glimpse into university life, and having gone through the program will certainly make going to university next year a much less daunting task.”
Thomas plans on attending Curtin next year and urges more students to consider studying Information Systems and technology.
“I have always been interested in both business and technology, and I think it is so much more than just managing and processing information,” Thomas said.
“Today’s business environment depends on technology and there is great demand for workers with an understanding of both business and technology.”
The program requires students to attend a three-hour seminar one night a week and students who successfully complete the unit will receive 25 credit points when they enrol at Curtin in the first year of study towards a Bachelor of Commerce Degree.
To be eligible for the Program students must have at least a ‘B’ average in Year 11 information systems, information technology or computing-based subjects.
For more information on the Information Systems Student Experience Program please call Karen Clarke on 08 9266 4489 or email her at K.Clarke@curtin.edu.au
Contacts: Monique Billstein; Public Relations; Curtin; 08 9266 3353; 0401 103 018; M.Billstein@curtin.edu.au
Modified: 20 June 2008
