Aspire UC schools

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Striving for study success

Striving for study success

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Aspire UC is about supporting students from all backgrounds to view higher education as an achievable option. As UC’s primary outreach initiative, our programs aim to inform and excite participants about pursuing university.

We work closely with a range of community partners and select schools throughout the Australian Capital Territory and regional and rural New South Wales. We also offer opportunities for careers advisers, school leaders, families and communities.

Through accessible information on career learning and development, overcoming barriers, and advice on post-school pathway options, Aspire UC programs offer everyone a better understanding of university and its outcomes.

Our programs aim to support students from backgrounds that are traditionally less likely to be involved in university, including those:

  • from regional, rural or remote areas
  • of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
  • with a history of financial disadvantage
  • with little or no family experience in higher education.

Aspire UC activities

Aspire UC activities

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Aspire UC programs provide tailored activities for participants of all ages and backgrounds to help them make informed choices about their future education.  

We also provide opportunities for engagement with current UC student role models, who share their stories and highlight the benefits students can encounter at university.

Our programs can be delivered in a variety of ways, including online, in school and on campus. 

In-school activities

In-school activities

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Our in-school programs introduce students to the benefits of higher education without disrupting their regular routine.

Delivered by UC Outreach Officers and Aspirations Agents, these programs comprise activities that introduce participants to a range of concepts associated with higher education.

Activities may focus on any of the following topics:

  • exploring the differences between high school and university
  • identifying barriers and strategies to overcome them
  • identifying personal strengths and attributes
  • future career pathways
  • setting goals
  • study skills.

We're passionate about delivering programs designed specifically for the participants. If you’re a school or community organisation representative, let us know how we can tailor programs to suit the specific needs of your participants.

On-campus activities

On-campus activities

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Aspire UC partner schools can take advantage of on-campus activities where participants can explore our Bruce campus and interact with staff and students.

All partner schools and community organisations are invited to participate in a UC campus experience, which complements our in-school programs and activities.

UC 4 Yourself

UC 4 Yourself

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UC 4 Yourself University Experience Days are one-day events held at our Bruce campus where participants can take part in a range of events and activities. These include:

  • travel to and from our Bruce campus via bus
  • orientation followed by a campus tour
  • university experience workshops
  • faculty workshops
  • a campus accommodation tour.

Students participate in several interactive sessions and engage with current UC students as well as academic and support staff. 

UC camps

UC Camps

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Schools and education groups located more than 90 minutes away from the university can opt to attend a camp at our Bruce campus. Running for two or three days, our camps offer an immersive university experience. 

All camps are preceded by interactive in-class sessions to uncover student expectations and help prepare them for what they will experience. 

Our camps focus on: 

  • introducing students to university, including key disciplines and faculties 
  • simplifying the application process 
  • familiarising students with campus life.  

Project-based learning programs

Project-based learning programs

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Our project-based learning programs provide participants with the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of and aspiration for higher education. These programs take an embedded approach to learning and can be localised to suit the unique context of a school or organisation.

Due to their collaborative design, the programs assist in the development of general capabilities identified in the Australian school curriculum including creative and critical thinking, and personal and social capability. 

These programs are delivered in three stages.

Stage one – Engagement:

  • decide on the issue or challenge that will be the focus of the project
  • define career, university of vocational education (TAFE) options
  • explore what university is like and why a degree is valuable.

Stage two – Accelerating:

  • decide on activities relevant to the issue or challenge
  • analyse activities to identify strengths and weaknesses
  • explore potential careers in the context of the project
  • reflect on skills, values and interests to identify desired careers
  • explore education pathways towards desired careers.

Stage three – Leading:

  • identify issues worth considering when designing a project for their school or organisation
  • design, implement and share the project
  • delegate tasks to individuals who will each contribute to the project
  • create and document a personal learning journey.

The number and frequency of engagements is flexible. Aspire UC works with schools and organisations to find the best fit.

Online programs and activities

Online programs and activities

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We offer Aspire UC programs and activities in an online format, ideal for students in remote learning environments.

Remote and online learning

Remote and online learning

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Our online programs and activities can be delivered in either a remote or classroom environment.  

These include: 

  • self-paced modules focused on raising aspirations, developing study skills and exploring university life
  • a range of unique live workshops to help participants navigate post-school university and vocational education (TAFE) options 
  • mentoring programs connecting senior secondary school students with current UC students from similar backgrounds 
  • Q&A sessions for students and parents wanting to learn more about leaving home and studying at UC. 

These programs and activities are suitable for students, teachers and parents alike and can assist in breaking down potential barriers to higher education. 

Live online workshops

Virtual workshops

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Our live online workshops introduce students to the opportunities and benefits university presents, all from the comfort of their school or remote learning environment.

The workshops are delivered live in a virtual classroom environment. They’re facilitated by a UC Outreach Adviser and an Aspirations Agent – a current UC student who shares similar experiences to the student group.

We run workshops across three categories:

  • awareness and aspiration
  • affordability and access
  • achievement.

Tailored workshops can also be requested to suit the specific interests and needs of your students.

Future Focus modules

Future focus modules

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The Future Focus program is a set of self-paced online modules, which include interactive videos, activities and quizzes.

These modules can be studied independently or in a classroom setting and shared with parents who seek a better understanding of university to support their children.

The modules cover three key areas:

Who am I? This module asks students to reflect on personal achievements to help them affirm their unique qualities and interests.

What do I want? This module encourages students to think about possible career pathways, identify life goals and recognise barriers to success, as well as strategies to overcome them.

How do I get there? This module helps students build awareness and aspirations around university through fun activities about study options and support services.

These online modules are free to everyone and are funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).

Contact Aspire UC

Contact Aspire UC

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Contact Aspire UC to learn more about our programs and activities or enquire about becoming a partner school or organisation.

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