LIVING in a regional area can have its ups and downs, but access to top educational facilities can be one of those in the latter category.
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With this in mind, a team from Macquarie University in Sydney will visit Leeton and Griffith this month to give students and their parents a taste of what they have to offer.
The idea is an initiative if Macquarie’s Learning, Education, Aspiration and Participation (LEAP) program, which aims to raise aspirations, create possibilities and actively support students from disadvantaged backgrounds to successfully participate in higher education.
The team, including Macquarie’s pro vice chancellor Professor Sean Brawley, will visit the MIA from July 25 to 27.
Sessions will be held for high school students, with a breakfast forum planned for parents.
The idea will be to explore study options, find out what the university has to offer and more. Professor Brawley said the roadshow has been designed to address a range of challenges facing regionally-based students, who have limited access to university campuses.
“We know having contact with and visiting a university can influence a young person’s decision to pursue further education,” he said.
“That’s not as simple for students in regional and rural areas, so we are bringing Macquarie University to the bush.
“It is particularly important both parents and students understand that the ATAR is not the only pathway into university.”
The event is promising to be educational, fun and engaging with “taster” sessions focusing on a range of disciplines, including economics, biology and ancient history.
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Students will get to handle artefacts from Macquarie’s Museum of Ancient Cultures, learn about antibiotic resistance in the environment using possum poop, and speak to academics and current Macquarie students. The university has 11 different admission pathways.
“So I especially encourage students who had previously not considered university as an option to visit us while we’re in the Riverina and let us answer any questions they have,” Professor Brawley said.
Students or families interested in attending a session can contact Bonnie Faulkner on 0417 277 947 or 9850 1933, or via email at bonnie.faulkner@mq.edu.au or wpu@mq.edu.au. The Leeton events will be held on July 26 and 27 at Leeton High School and Crate Cafe.