Charles Sturt University (CSU) will welcome 23 new Indigenous students into its Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) as part of a program which assists students to earn the degree without leaving their community.

 

Lecturer Ms Maria Bennet from the School of Teacher Education said the new students would join a smaller group of students who began their degree under the same program last year.

 

"The community response to the program had been very positive," she said.

 

“We're delighted with the feedback so far and with the quality of the students who have joined Charles Sturt University under the Teacher Education in the Community program,” she said.

 

The program is funded from the Federal Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnership Program (HEPPP) and has so far attracted students from across the state in communities such as Dubbo, Peak Hill, Gilgandra, Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarina, Moree, Tamworth, Tiboobura and Wilcannia.

 

“The idea is to offer students a blended model of study that includes four residential schools in Dubbo each year with supported online distance education options for the rest of the year,” Ms Bennet said.

 

“In addition, our staff travel to the communities to support students, and we’re also available for consultation by phone, email or videoconference. Students can also use the support of Charles Sturt University’s Rural and Remote Learning Support Team.

 

“The University’s Indigenous Student Services team assists the students with the cost of travel and accommodation for the residential components of the course in Dubbo. We also try to recruit students in groups from each community so they have some local support.

 

“Charles Sturt University’s STUDY LINK program provides support for those students who have been away from study for a while, who need to brush up on skills such as Mathematics, or those making the transition from TAFE to university studies.”

 

Ms Bennet said the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) course is a particularly useful degree as it qualifies graduates for employment across both the early childhood and primary sectors.