It's not often you'd find a university setting up shop in Gloucester High School, but recently Macquarie University did just that.
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GHS year 10 and 11 students were treated to a brief session on range of course options the school provides like: economics, ancient history, chiropractic and cognitive science. Students were divided into groups and rotated to the different information sessions, which also included a chance to learn about what it's like to be student.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Sean Brawley said the program has been a work in progress over the past couple of years since it piloted in 2017.
"It's been adapted based on what information the students are interested in learning about," Prof Brawley said. "For some, it's about understanding how they can afford to attend university."
He went on to explained that part of the discussions are around the different types of financial support different community groups offer as well as the school's own scholarships.
It's all part of the Australian Government's Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) which aims to ensure that students in low socio-economic communities with the ability to study at university have the opportunity to do so. The government provides funding to universities like Macquarie, to undertake activities and implement strategies that improve access to undergraduate courses.
GHS careers adviser, Mike De Angelis said the conversation about post high school options usually begins when the year 10 students are selecting their courses for year 11.
While university is one of the options, Mr De Angelis explained that it's more about explaining the different pathways to ensure the students are on the right path, which may include traineeships or apprenticeships.
Prof Brawley said that understanding the different career needs, education-wise, for students and current professionals is also something Macquarie University is addressing by offering a range of short-course certificates and diplomas to help people work toward qualifications, one step at a time.
"Macquarie University certainly provided experiences that gave the students a better understanding of university life and highlighted the different pathways to enroll in university," Mr De Anglelis said.
Later in the evening, the school transformed into a planetarium, with 45 minutes shows in offer to anyone in the community.
