Getting ready for uni at the JCU Indigenous Winter School

Approximately 100 students from all over Queensland and around Australia are in Townsville this week to take part in the JCU Winter School for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students.

Over five days, students are experiencing university life, living on campus and participating in lectures and activities.

The program provides a supportive environment where students get a taste of different courses, so they can make informed decisions about their pathway into tertiary education.

The program has been designed by Professor Martin Nakata, Pro Vice Chancellor, Indigenous Education and Strategy, and aims to provide students with realistic university experiences.

“The Winter School program provides students with real classes and assignments, and puts them into situations they are likely to face during their first years of university, including academically and socially,” he said.

“The evidence shows that when students are exposed to these situations in a supportive environment, they are more likely to not only commence university but to thrive in their studies. Students who participate in these types of programs are more likely to graduate than those who haven’t.”

This is the second year of the program and JCU has seen its success through an increase in student enrolment and a decrease in transition challenges students face when they begin their university studies.