Swinburne University 'Making a Difference' Project
In 2006, representatives from several of the Hills and Eastern Region Secondary College came together with colleagues from Swinburne University at its Lilydale Campus to discuss ways in which we could further encourage young people to consider tertiary study, enhance the University experience for first year students, and give Secondary students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the University campus and course offerings.
As a result, Upwey High School, Monbulk Secondary College and Emerald Secondary College have this year piloted the 'Making a Difference' Project - designed to enhance the transition and aspirations of young people to University.
Twelve Year 9 students participated in the Project in 2007:
- Baine Parker
- Caleb Scott
- Lizzie Fox
- Nathan Battaglioni
- Alex Davidson
- Jessie Gilbert-Hunt
- Helen Mortimer
- Michael Bell
- Megan Reid
- Kash Clements
- Karoline Borrett
- Luke Mackie.
They first attended the Project Launch where they met participating students from neighbouring schools and were organised in small groups and linked together with a University student mentor. Students toured the campus and spent time with their mentor brainstorming possibilities for their Social Action project - which they have worked on over the year as a vehicle via which they have built positive relationships with their mentors and learned more about life at Uni.
Mentors have visited our students at school over the course of the program and worked with them on their projects. The students then presented their work at a forum involving all schools at Lilydale in October. Their projects were truly fantastic and a credit to all students involved.
Baine, Caleb, Lizzie and Nathan developed a program they called 'ABC - Active Benefits for Children' which addressed the importance of healthy living for primary aged children. They delivered their program to Year 5 and 6 students at Emerald Primary School and they presented a video of their work at the forum.
Alex and Jessie investigated the issue of Body Image and created a terrific multimedia presentation incorporating interviews with their peers, and leaving viewers at the forum feeling uplifted and positive about themselves as individuals.
Helen, Michael and Megan created a website to alert people to the issue of cruelty to animals and to educate and assist understanding - ctagroup.spaces.live.com/
Kash, Karoline and Luke investigated vandalism, graffiti and wilful criminal damage in the Cockatoo area - creating an informative brochure and making links with Cardinia Shire.
All students astounded the audience at the forum with what they had achieved and were a credit to Emerald Secondary College.