The University of Western Australia is set to light up November and December with a series of events promoting equity and diversity across its campuses.
"Through events like these, we aim to showcase the diverse talents and potential within each student and I look forward to an engaging and enriching experience for everyone involved."
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma
From empowering Year 9 high school students from regional WA to pursue their higher education dreams, to showcasing engineering and STEM activities to hundreds of Year 7 and 8 girls, the university is demonstrating its belief in embracing inclusivity in education.
The Girls+ In Engineering Discovery Days: Inspiring Future Innovators highlighted the possibilities of engineering to Year 7 and 8 girls, with a circuit of STEM activities and insights from industry partners, including foundational partner Rio Tinto.
Image: Students test their skills at the Discovery Days event.
Keynote speakers and alumni shared their stories and demonstrated the social impact of engineering in improving our world, and UWA Engineering graduate and Rio Tinto employee Angela Gu provided insights on the impact of inclusivity and mentorship in shaping successful careers.
Fairway UWA celebrated success with the graduation of 41 high-achieving Year 12 students from WA high schools, with a graduation ceremony held at the University of WA Club.
The event recognised the dedication of the students, with a particular focus on regional participants who have overcome unique challenges to achieve their goals.
Bunbury Catholic College student Lily Ratcliffe, who next year plans to study Medicine at UWA through the Assured Pathway, cited the inclusive nature of the program and the chance to experience uni life and live away from home as her favourite aspects.
Image: Bunbury Catholic College student Lily Ratcliffe (right) with UWA Director Student Life Lisa Goldacre.
The annual Children’s University Graduation ceremony was held last week at UWA’s Albany campus, with further ceremonies scheduled for the Crawley campus on November 28 and December 4 and 5, marking a significant achievement for participating primary school students.
This year has seen a 60 per cent increase in students meeting graduation requirements, including the first graduands from four new schools from the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, funded by the Peel Development Commission and Rio Tinto.
Aspire UWA has showcased UWA to almost 1000 Year 9 students from across WA throughout November.
‘Race Around the Campus’, a transformative experience organised by Aspire UWA for over 800 Year 9 students from the Perth and Peel regions, was held across seven days in November.
And finally, from November 28 to December 1, 119 students from 26 regional schools in the Pilbara, Kimberley, and Mid-West/Gascoyne regions will participate in the annual Year 9 camp.
The immersive experiences will include hands-on activities spanning various disciplines, providing a glimpse into university life. The students are mentored during the events by current UWA students from Aspire partner schools, some of whom were themselves participants during their high school years.
The regional camp includes accommodation at a UWA residential college, providing students with the opportunity to experience life as a uni student.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma, who will give a welcome address to the Aspire UWA Year 9 Regional Camp, said the university’s equity and diversity events encapsulated UWA's commitment to providing inclusive educational experiences and opportunities for all.
“Through events like these, we aim to showcase the diverse talents and potential within each student and I look forward to an engaging and enriching experience for everyone involved,” Professor Chakma said.
Image: The smiles say it all... Children's University graduates celebrate in Albany.