Year 12 students fast forward to a higher education

Western Sydney University's Fast Forward Program brought together more than 40 schools from across the Western Sydney region for their annual year 12 conference, which was designed to encourage young students to participate in higher education. 

The conference, hosted by the University's Office of Widening Participation, was held on 3 March at the Rooty Hill RSL. Attending the conference was special guest, the Premier of New South Wales, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian (opens in a new window), along with Member for Lakemba, Mr Jihad Dib (opens in a new window), and a number of academic and professional staff from across the University.

Mr Jim Micsko, Manager for the University's Office of Widening Participation, said the day provided opportunities for students to explore the options available to them after they have completed their high school learning.

 "We have a strong commitment to helping all students consider further study after their HSC and in particular, to those who are typically underrepresented in the current higher education participation rates," Mr Micsko said.

Since 2013, more than 60 percent of all western Sydney students involved in the Fast Forward program have gone on to higher education and are the first in their family to do so.

"Participation in the Fast Forward program is a great opportunity for these students to immerse themselves in experiential learning and foster a familiarity with the university environment," Mr Micsko said.

The conference also offered information on scholarships, the University Admissions Centre (opens in a new window), and workshops on linking degrees to careers.

Mr Micsko believes running the conference early in the year will allow students to focus on their upcoming HSC examinations.

"We want all the students we work with to see tertiary study as a realistic and viable post-school option," he said.

Schools that attended the conference:

• Australian International Academy
• Airds High School 
• Arthur Phillip High School
• Blaxland High School
• Bankstown Girls High School
• Ambarvale High School
• Auburn Girls High School
• Chifley College Bidwill
• Belmore Boys High School
• Campbelltown Performing Arts High School
• Chester Hill High School 
• Chifley College Senior
• East Hills Boys High School
• Eagle Vale High School
• Fairfield High School
• Cranebrook High School
• Hoxton Park High School
• Elizabeth Macarthur High School
• Granville Boys High School
• Emmaus Catholic College
• Punchbowl Boys High School
• James Busby High School
• Holroyd High School
• Erskine Park High School
• Sir Joseph Banks
• Leumeah High School
• Nagle College
• Jamison High School
• Strathfield South High School
• Lurnea High School
• Parramatta high school
• McCarthy Catholic College
• Wiley Park High School
• Macquarie Fields High School
• St Andrews College
• Nepean CAPA
• Mount Carmel High School
• Plumpton High School
• Picton High School
• Windsor High School
• Sarah Redfern High School
• Thomas Reddall High School

ENDS.

6 March 2017

Jessica Cortis, Media Assistant

Photographs: Karen Jack- InTouch Photography