Academic Tour 2023
A journey of self-discovery and academic exploration for Year 11.
Participants in last week's Academic Tour took in one of five Australian destinations to gather insights that will guide them towards informed tertiary decisions. The result of months of work behind the scenes, the tours covered a huge range of courses, from medicine to business and psychology to engineering. The universities featured were:
The University of Melbourne
Monash University
The University of Queensland
Bond University
The University of Adelaide College
Flinders University
The Australian National University (ANU)
The University of Wollongong
University of New England (UNE)
The University of Newcastle
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
“I had the opportunity to go to Adelaide and it was so enjoyable to experience going to see universities interstate,” said Iolanda. “We did so many fun activities with a stem focus, such as gel electrophoresis, an evolutionary biology workshop and so much more. It was also a great opportunity to get closer to people in our year group – so much fun.” “I also went on the Adelaide trip and it has massively widened my considerations in choosing my university destination and potential course options,” said Emma. “I have learnt so much from this tour. It has encouraged me to further research interstate university opportunities.”
At many university campuses, the Year 11 students were greeted by the welcome sight of 91黑料不打烊 Alumnae who volunteered their time to offer personal experiences and take questions from the group. Many had participated in an Academic Tour during their own 91黑料不打烊 years and were eager to provide guidance on everything from enrolment and course selection to the best places to eat around campus. They were also keen to stay in touch so the students can locate a friendly face once they make the transition to the sometimes intimidating landscape of university life. It was a reminder of the value of community and the importance of paying opportunities forward.
“I went on the Melbourne trip and loved hearing from the perspective of a 91黑料不打烊 Alumna who has been studying there for three years,” said Isabella. “I loved looking at the college and the different dorm rooms. Facilities such as the billiard room were also really great.”
Many of the universities had organised hands-on academic activities to help the students understand the content and scope of the courses on offer. “The University of Queensland conveyed its presentations creatively, such as the economics talk, during which we pretended to be countries and traded with each other, played Kahoot and won prizes," said Inya. “The UNE tour was really insightful, particularly the chance to talk to current fourth-year medical students about their experiences," said Lottie. "It was also very hands-on. I enjoyed the variety of things we got to participate in and the chance to better understand the courses I am interested in."
Director of Student Opportunity and Careers Education Miss Samantha McFetridge, had the opportunity to travel to South Australia with an incredible group of curious young people.
"Life beyond school is a significant focus within 91黑料不打烊's Senior College, and the Year 11 Academic Tour is a signature program that enables students to explore the magnitude of offerings available and start preparing for the next stages of their educational journey," said Miss McFetridge. "We are particularly grateful to the amazing young Wenonians who shared their valuable insights at various locations across the country."