Indigenous students in the Goldfields-Esperance region will benefit from a new enabling program that will give them a culturally appropriate introduction to university and will be among the courses featured at Curtin University’s Kalgoorlie Open Day this Saturday.
The second annual Open Day, held at the WA School of Mines on August 18, will offer prospective students and members of the community a chance to tour the campus, find out more about the engineering, commerce, education and health sciences courses on offer and learn about flexible study options for students in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
Curtin University Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Ms Catherine Clark said that in addition to WA School of Mines’ renowned engineering degrees, the Kalgoorlie Campus recently started offering the Indigenous Tertiary Enabling Program and undergraduate degrees in early childhood education, primary education, health and commerce.
“The Indigenous Tertiary Enabling Program allows students to learn in a culturally appropriate environment that introduces them to the foundation skills needed for tertiary studies,” Ms Clark said.
“The program is ideal for anyone who is considering studying at university but might be undecided about which course they are interested in, or for those who may not have met the prerequisites required for university admission.
“This one-semester program provides a solid base for further study or work opportunities and involves cultural field trips and camps, life coaching, specialist tutoring sessions and the benefit of scholarships or emergency financial assistance to continue their tertiary studies if needed.”
Ms Clark said individuals who completed the program became eligible for entry into a range of Curtin’s degree and associate degree programs.
“For example, if you have completed the mathematics unit, you may qualify for some of the undergraduate science courses that lead to engineering studies at Curtin University,” Ms Clark said.
WA School of Mines Kalgoorlie Director Professor Sam Spearing said schools, TAFE students and the general public in Kalgoorlie-Boulder were invited to the Open Day, allowing students and community members to connect with Curtin and make study plans to suit their particular needs and situation.
“Prospective students can get a close-up look at the many career options available, speak with our expert staff and also see for themselves how Curtin’s innovative approach to learning can work for them,” Professor Spearing said.
“Applications to study at Curtin for 2019 are about to open so the Kalgoorlie Campus Open Day is a timely opportunity to talk to students and staff about our courses, mature age entry, alternative pathways, and much more.
“Visitors can explore the campus, which has many recreational and student support facilities, quality student accommodation and free Wi-Fi.”
The Kalgoorlie Campus Open Day is a free family-oriented event with fun activities, music, food and entertainment and will be held on Saturday, August 18, from 10am to 3pm at Curtin University Kalgoorlie Campus on Egan Street.
For more information on the Curtin Kalgoorlie Campus Open Day, visit: https://news.curtin.edu.au/events/kalgoorlie-campus-open-day/
