School of Indigenous Studies

The University of Western Australia offers a wide range of programs and activities aimed at encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students to complete Year 12 and pursue further education at university.

Our high school programs introduce students to university life and include hands-on activities, meeting tertiary student role models, learning about university courses and making decisions about their future education with the guidance of staff at the School.

Indigenous Science Club

The Indigenous Science Club is a new initiative of the School of Indigenous Studies which promotes science and engineering to Indigenous school students and encourages them to aspire to professions in these fields.

Residential programs

These intensive programs allow secondary school students to forge friendships with other indigenous students who are also considering tertiary study, while getting a taste of what is on offer to them at university. The School of Indigenous Studies (SIS) and the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH) offer several residential programs each year:

• Science and Engineering Camp for Year 9
  
• Health and Science Careers Workshop for Year 10
  
• Year 12 Seminar

The School of Indigenous Studies also sponsors Indigenous students to attend other University-based programs, including the UWA Campus Challenge for Years 10 - 12

Career expos

Staff and students from SIS and the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health regularly attend Indigenous Career Expos held throughout Western Australia to provide advice and assistance to anyone considering tertiary study. These expos provide a great opportunity for all people to see first-hand what is available in education, employment and training.

School excursions to UWA

Tours of the University provide high school students with a great opportunity to meet Indigenous university students who as role models can meet discuss the various aspects of university life.

Schools are welcome to view the facilities and resources available to students at SIS and CAMDH anytime of the year. Excursions normally take two to three hours and are best suited to mornings. Places of interest to visit on campus include Winthrop Hall, the Sport and Recreation Centre, Residential Colleges, Lecture Theatres, Guild Village and Prospective Students Office. Visits to individual departments to do activities can also be arranged.

Year 8 students can attend the Discovery Day held every November, which introduces them to the university environment through a diverse range of hands-on activities at different departments on campus.