Quirindi High School, Year 11 student, Corey Faulkner was one of only 113 students from across Australia selected to attend this year’s Nura Gili Indigenous Winter School at the University of NSW.
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The Winter School – held during the last school holidays - is a program specifically for Indigenous students in years 10, 11 and 12 who are considering further studies beyond high school.
The week-long residential program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to experience what university life is all about, through participation in academic lectures and tutorials, presentations, study sessions, team building activities, interacting with university staff, current students and fellow applicants, cultural activities and more.
To add to the experience, accommodation was provided in colleges on campus and the whole program funded by Nura Gili.
The school covered a multitude of topics including Engineering, law, art and media and indigenous studies, medicine, science and more.
“I attended at the invitation of the University to undertake a 5 day course in the field of Science,” said Corey, who has previously attended an invitational Summer School at the University of Sydney at the start of this year.
“The University of Sydney exposure was a real learning experience and encouraged me to attend the recent Winter School as a taster of life at the University of NSW.”
Corey flew from Tamworth to attend the most recent event and was greeted by day- supervisors from the University of NSW.
“Students from across Australia were invited to attend the Winter School, we were split into a range of faculties, so I attended Science along with 8 other students.
Overall, Corey found it inspirational to attend.
“The Chemistry learning was exciting as I have always had an interest in Chemistry and we did some terrific experiments that I wouldn’t get to do at school.”
Corey stayed on campus at New College and the school included accommodation breakfast and dinner at the campus, with lunches at the Nura Gili centre.
“It was very enlightening and a great experience. I have always had an interest to go to the University of NSW and I believe this recent experience has solidified that choice.”
Corey was the only year 11 student in his faculty, which included three year 12 student and the remainder from year 10.
Not for the faint hearted, Corey continued his most memorable part of the Winter School was held the anatomy lab where he got to hold human parts including a human brain.
“My aim is dual degree in Advance Science and Engineering both Honours because I love both and can’t choose at the moment.
“My Dad, Warren, is an Engineer with the Roads and Maritime Authority, and I feel Engineering will provide a broad range of opportunities Post University.”
Corey said he is glad for the opportunity and as a result feels l focussed his goals heading into year 12.
“I’d like to thank Nura Gili, the Quirindi High School and my parents for the opportunity.”
“It’s given me the focus and determination to work hard at school so I can get into the university course I would like.
“It’s also given me realistic taste of campus life and I feel it will suit me as an option into the future.”
Corey concluded, he can recommend this or any similar experience to any other student considering going to university.
“I would also like thank Megan Outerbridge, our Indigenous Coordinator at the Quirindi High School who mentioned both courses to me and supported me in the application process.”
