Richmond was host to more than 40 high school students last week as part of an intensive academic camp held at the University of Western Sydney campus.
Held from Tuesday to Thursday, Year 9 and 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Sydney were given a taste of the university life during their three-day stay on campus.
The program, Walking Tall Together, encouraged students to start thinking about their future career prospects through university.
UWS schools engagement manager Anne McLean said the program allowed the students to completely immerse themselves in the culture of higher education.
‘‘It’s great for them to actually be a part of the lifestyle and see the options available. It will help prepare them for post-school study and increase their confidence,’’ Ms McLean said.
Students took part in various academic workshops, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness activities, university information sessions, career exploration exercises, self-development workshops and social activities.
Blaxland High School student Nicholas Howie said the camp had encouraged him to go to university.
‘‘I was up in the air with whether I should study at uni but now I am certain. It was a huge learning curve for me and for every other student.’’
Campus academics helped students set educational goals that suited their interests and talents by exploring subjects such as forensics, nursing, creative writing, music, business, law and natural sciences.
