News Archive

In the recent July school holidays, 50 enthusiastic Indigenous high school students from across the state converged on the University and participated in the School of Indigenous Studies' Science, Engineering and Health Camp.

Partnerships between the School of Indigenous Studies and several university faculties and centres, such as Engineering, Physics, Sport Science, Podiatry, Dentistry, CAMDH (Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health), ICRAR (International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research) and CTEC (Clinical Training and evaluation Centre), enabled students to experience hands-on activities across multiple disciplines that introduced them to study and career options. The use of current Indigenous students studying at UWA as mentors and supervisors is a key ingredient supporting the success of the weeklong camp.

The students most interested in studying an engineering-related career were involved in the Prospective Students Office's activity, A Day in the Life of an Engineering Student , and visited Woodside - a major sponsor of the camp for the past two years. At Woodside, the students engaged with Indigenous staff and participated in geological and earth science activities. Woodside has a history of working with the School of Indigenous Studies through their cadetship and recruitment programs. Students said it was great to learn about the oil and gas industry and were already thinking about where they might work.

When asked what they thought the most interesting visit/experience of the camp was, some of the students replied,

"The physics activities and meeting people." (Nick, Yr 11, Katanning)

"The room with all the real human organs and body parts preserved in jars." (Lily, Yr 11, Broome)

"CTEC and the surgery visit. I thought it was an awesome experience and was actually quite fun." (Tazma, Yr 10, South Hedland)

"To Woodside - they can help me get a job." (Sandro, Yr 10, Manning)

"The dental simulator -  I found it interesting and fun." (Hayli, Yr 11, Carnarvon)

Camps are run annually by the School of Indigenous Studies, whose Outreach Program supports Indigenous high school students aspiring to tertiary education in conjunction with Follow the Dream, Aspire UWA and Future Footprints.

Media references

Jeromy Harvey (School of Indigenous Studies)    (+61 8) 6488 2467  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783

Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783