• The Charles Sturt University Future Moves program hosted a Check It Out! Day in Orange on Tuesday 27 June for Year 6 students from three Central West schools

Charles Sturt University in Orange hosted approximately 100 Year 6 school students on Tuesday 27 June to give them a taste of university life and inspire their future high school studies.

The students were from Glenroi Heights Public School, Parkes East Public School, and Peak Hill Central School.

During the day the students participated in sessions led by academic staff in pharmacy, physiotherapy and science, and had the chance to have a practical workshop using university facilities.

Program Coordinator (Central West) for the Future Moves program in the Charles Sturt Division of Student Success, Mr Ben Rodwell, said the students were given an on-campus experience to help understand what tertiary education is.

“Check It Out! is designed for Year 6 students to create awareness around higher education and to challenge misconceptions the students might have about university,” he said.

“Students in regional and remote areas are underrepresented in higher education.

“Some may be the first in the family to attend university, so for the first time they get to explore a university campus and to participate in workshops that are facilitated by academics.

“These students will move into high school next year, and an event like this provides an orientation and familiarity with university that can help to shape and support their aspirations throughout high school.

“The students came away with a greater understanding of university as well as more confidence in their own potential.”

The students were also given a tour of the campus to showcase other facilities, and the day ended with participation in a mock graduation ceremony.

A second Check It Out! Day will be held later this year at Charles Sturt University in Orange on Wednesday 22 November.