News Archive

Fifty-five Year Nine students from the Pilbara are exploring university life at The University of Western Australia this week.

During the Year 9 Immersion Experience - a three-day camp organised by Aspire UWA - students will participate in hands-on activities across a variety of subject areas.

Students from Hedland Senior High School, Karratha SHS, Newman SHS, St Luke's College and Tom Price SHS were selected by their schools to be involved in the camp based on their desire and potential to go to university.

The Pilbara currently has one of WA's lowest transfer rates (14.2 per cent) from school to university.  All five secondary schools have partnered with Aspire UWA to raise aspirations for higher education.  The program encourages students to consider university as an option and allows them to discover the benefits and opportunities life can offer when you go to university.

Aspire UWA is funded through a Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations grant and in-kind support from the University.

The students will participate in a study skills session, examine rumen fluid under a microscope, learn how rocks and minerals are used in everyday life and act on a Shakespearean stage.

They will also experience some of Perth's attractions with a trip to Perth Zoo, ten-pin bowling, a shopping excursion and participate in theatre sports activities.

The students are staying at UWA's residential college, Currie Hall.

Media references

Louise Pollard (Aspire UWA Senior Project Officer)  (+61 4) 12 267 148
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783