Year 11 students to get taste of university life

A taste of university life will be on offer when more than 1200 Year 11 students from across Northern NSW participate in Senior Schools Days at Southern Cross University.

About 400 students will attend the Lismore campus tomorrow (Friday, October 21), while about 800 will attend the Coffs Harbour campus on Tuesday, October 25.

Lismore High School is one of many Northern Rivers schools that has a close relationship with the University. The school, which is situated adjacent to the Lismore campus, had 30 students enrolled in Southern Cross University last year including 19 who gained entry through STAR (the early entry scheme based on school recommendation).

Lismore High School’s careers advisor Bill Goldie acknowledged the importance of Seniors Days for Year 11 students.

“Firstly, it will help the students aiming for a good ATAR to go to university to strengthen their desire and introduce them to what they have to do and maybe give them extra motivation to try harder, or work harder for their goal,” Mr Goldie said.

“For the second group, they will be the ones that go to SCU and decide that is the place for them. They will find out what is available, introduce them to the Uni and show them what they have to do to get there.

“I reckon all kids from every school should attend. We have about 50 out of our 90 students going.”

Southern Cross University student recruitment officer for the Lismore campus, Glenn Jeffery said Seniors Schools Day represented a timely opportunity for students who were starting to narrow their focus towards their final year of high school.

“Around this stage of their high school education they are usually very keen to find out as much as they can about what might lie ahead. That’s why Senior Schools Day starts with a general session where we look at all the basics like, ‘how do I apply to university’, ‘what is an early entry scheme’, ‘what scholarships are available’, ‘am I eligible’ and ‘what about the fun bits’?” Mr Jeffery said.

“Over the course of the day the students also have the opportunity to participate in two course sessions. This gives them the chance to focus on two study areas with the relevant academic staff - so they might do the first session in education and the second session in music. During these sessions they find out what studying a particular course might involve; what the facilities at the University are like; and what career paths might be open to them if they choose that degree.

“Finally, the students will attend a panel session hosted by current students so they can hear what they have to look forward to and what things they might want to think about as they make their final decision about their future education. They can also ask any questions they might have.”

Senior Schools Day is being held on the Lismore campus on Friday, October 21, from 10am to 2pm. Students from the following schools will be attending: Alstonville High School; Ballina High School; Byron Bay High School; Casino High School; Kadina High School; Kyogle High School; Lismore High School; Maclean High School; Mullumbimby High School; Nimbin Central High School; Richmond River High School; Trinity Catholic College; Tweed River High School; Southern Cross K-12; Wollumbin High School; Woodenbong Central School; and Kingscliff High School.

Senior Schools Day at the Coffs Harbour campus will be held on Tuesday, October 25, from 9.45am to 2pm. Students from a the following schools will be attending: Clarence Valley Anglican School; McAuley Catholic College; St Andrews Christian School; Grafton High School; South Grafton High School; Woolgoolga High School; Bellingen High School; Dorrigo High School; Bishop Druitt College; Coffs Harbour Senior College; John Paul College; Orara High School; Nambucca Heads High School; Toormina High School; Coffs Harbour Christian Community; Coffs Harbour High School; Kempsey High School; Melville High School; St Pauls College; MacKillop Senior Campus; St Josephs Regional College; Westport Technology High; Wauchope High School; Chatham High School; Taree High School; Wingham High School; Great Lakes College; and Gloucester High School.

For information on the Lismore campus contact Glenn Jeffery, student recruitment officer, Southern Cross University on 6620 3102 or via email glenn.jeffery@scu.edu.au

For information on the Coffs Harbour campus contact Meegan McHugh, student recruitment officer, Southern Cross University Office on 6659 3920 or via email meegan.mchugh@scu.edu.au

Photo: SCU student recruitment officer Glenn Jeffery talks to students at last year’s Senior Schools Day at SCU’s Lismore campus.