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Terra Sancta students get a head start on university

27/06/2012

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All students who pass units receive pre-HSC offers to UWS and students who achieve distinctions or high distinctions receive a study grant and scholarship offers. Photo credit: Olga Nebot, Designed Photography.

Terra Sancta co-operating principal, Jim Fanning (left) with Daniel Abela and Wyndham College student Vicky Bryan and principal, Karen Smith (far right). Photo credit: Olga Nebot, Designed Photography.

On Thursday 21 June, 16 Year 12 students from Terra Sancta College and Wyndham College in the Nirimba Education Precinct, Quakers Hill graduated from university units from the University of Western Sydney (UWS).

Held at the Precinct’s Blacktown Campus, the graduation ceremony recognised students who have successfully completed a tertiary unit of study while still at high school. This group is the largest cohort to be recognised to date.

UWS offers the courses as part of their Schools Engagement Program, which provides students with tertiary educational opportunities in western Sydney. Students undertake their courses over a school term in addition to their usual subjects and are required to attend classes after school. All students who pass units receive pre-HSC offers to UWS courses for which they are eligible and students who achieve distinctions or high distinctions receive a $500 study grant and the offer of a conditional Academic Excellence Scholarship of $5,000 per year for up to four years of study at UWS.

Year 12 Terra Sancta College student, Daniel Abela, achieved a distinction in Engineering Design and Construction Practice. He said that the university experience has helped him to gain a greater understanding of what is ahead in the years to come.

'It took me a few weeks to settle into the university study pattern but I adjusted well and found the staff and students very helpful and friendly,’ said Daniel. ‘This unit of study has given me extra knowledge and insight into what I would like to study at UWS in the future.’

Terra Sancta’s success builds on the results from Term 1 in which Year 11 student, Hans Almeda achieved a high distinction in the Engineering Design and Construction Practice course.

In speaking at the graduation ceremony, which was attended by parents, family members, school and UWS College staff, Terra Sancta’s co-operating principal, Jim Fanning, congratulated the students on achieving their outstanding results while still completing their Higher School Certificate.

‘All of the students have displayed qualities of being an excellent learner,’ said Jim. ‘They have demonstrated time management, focus, perseverance and a passion for knowledge.’

UWS Vice-Chancellor (Engagement & International), Professor Gary Smith, said he hopes the students’ experience will further their aspirations for university study.

‘The program is another example of how the university is working closely with local high schools to provide students with access to quality academic enrichment opportunities, and, by doing so, giving them a head start in life,’ said Professor Smith.

Students who successfully completed a UWS course unit:

Tanyia Juarez, Terra Sancta College, Individual in Society - Distinction
Sonyia Juarez, Terra Sancta College, Biodiversity -Distinction
Esmerlyn Venturozo, Terra Sancta College, Principles of Economics
Jasmin Baena, Terra Sancta College, Biodiversity - Credit
Jodie Borg, Terra Sancta College, Introduction to Human Biology - Credit
Daniel Abela, Terra Sancta College, Engineering Design and Construction Practice - Distinction