Ambitious high school students take on university

Nirimba Awards

At this time of year most year 12 students are immersed in their preparations for the HSC and aren't thinking too much of what might await them if they go on to university. However, a group of 16 ambitious students at Wyndham and Terra Sancta Colleges will graduate from university units on Thursday 21 June, 2012.

The graduation ceremony will be held at the Nirimba Education Precinct, Blacktown campus, and will recognise students who have successfully completed a UWS course unit, administered by UWSCollege, while still at high school.

Manager of Schools Engagement at UWS, Anne McLean, says that this is the highest number of students recognised since the program started several years ago.

"The increased number of participants reflects the growing success of the program, which allows talented students from our Nirimba partner schools to undertake university-level study," says Ms McLean.

"The students who will be recognised at this ceremony have done exceptionally well with four high distinctions, six distinctions and six credits across a range of subjects."

  • Students who achieve distinctions or high distinctions will benefit greatly from the many incentives the program offers, including:
    A $500 study grant to help with their HSC year;
  • The offer of a conditional Academic Excellence Scholarship of $5,000 per year for up to four years of study at UWS;
  • An automatic interview for entry to the University's highly-regarded and competitive Aspire Future Leaders program; and
  • Results in university units to be taken into account should students apply for alternative entry into UWS in future years.

All students who pass units receive pre-HSC offers to UWS courses for which they are eligible.

UWS Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement & International), Professor Gary Smith, congratulates the students on their success, and hopes their experience will further their aspirations for university study.

"UWS is proud to offer these high school students the chance to experience what university is all about and allow them to make informed decisions for future tertiary success," says Professor Smith.

"The program is another example of how the University is working closely with local high schools to provide students with access to quality academic enrichment opportunities, and, by doing so, giving them a head start in life."

Year 12 Terra Sancta College student, Daniel Abela, found the university experience helped him to gain a good understanding of what was ahead in the years to come.

"I completed a study unit in engineering design and construction and it allowed me to gain extra knowledge and insight into what I wanted to study in the future," says Daniel.

"It took me a few weeks to settle into the university study pattern but I adjusted well and found the staff and students very helpful and friendly. And, I look forward to studying at UWS in the future."

Wyndham College student, Vicky Bryan, also concedes the offers have helped her decide to continue on to university study.

"I chose to complete a unit in marketing principles as it is studied in the degree that I want to do," says Vicky.

"Studying at university was very different and it did take a little while for me to settle into the way the course was run but doing this really has taken the mystique out of going to university."

The ceremony will also be attended by parents, family members, school staff, UWSCollege staff and the academics who taught the relevant units.

The full list of students who have successfully completed a UWS course unit are:

  • Vicky Bryan, Wyndham College, Marketing Principles
  • Shakiera Bowman, Wyndham College, Marketing Principles
  • Ola Moucharrafie, Wyndham College, Accounting Information for Managers
  • Jarrod Husking, Wyndham College, Engineering and Design Concepts
  • Kenza Kabi, Wyndham College, Introduction to Human Biology
  • Nathaniel Daines, Wyndham College, Engineering Computing
  • Clara Bedzo, Wyndham College, Individual in Society
  • Baris Cagan, Wyndham College, Principles of Economics
  • Taylah Boyd, Wyndham College, Understanding Society
  • Victoria Russell, Wyndham College, Business Academic Skills
  • Tanyia Juarez, Terra Sancta College, Individual in Society
  • Sonyia Juarez, Terra Sancta College, Biodiversity
  • Esmerlyn Venturozo, Terra Sancta College, Principles of Economics
  • Jasmin Baena, Terra Sancta College, Biodiversity
  • Jodie Borg, Terra Sancta College, Introduction to Human Biology
  • Daniel Abela, Terra Sancta College, Engineering Design and Construction Practice 

Ends 

20 June 2012

Contact: Kristy Gleeson, Media Officer