Universities aren’t just about teaching and research. One Melbourne girls’ school is benefiting from a partnership with the University of Melbourne to develop an innovative science program for Year 10s.
Universities aren’t just about teaching and research. They also have a responsibility to be a public good, with community expectations of a broader contribution to intellectual and economic life. An important way the University of Melbourne achieves this is through community partnerships.
One such partnership is between Santa Maria College, a Catholic secondary school for girls in northern Melbourne, and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence Coherent X-ray Science (CXS) – a collaboration between the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Monash University and two CSIRO divisions. The purpose of the partnership is to develop the school’s Growing Tall Poppies program, which provides a science experience for Year 10 students and requires them to work with scientists on projects away from the school campus in teams of six. The program is designed to enrich and complement dynamic science immersion experiences currently being offered at local universities and research centres and aims to encourage girls to continue studying the physical sciences and consider science-based career options.
The outstanding community partnership developed between Santa Maria College and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence Coherent X-ray Science (CXS) has recently been recognised, with the school receiving a $50,000 Schools First Local Impact award, funded by the National Australia Bank in partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Schools First is based on evidence that indicates strong school-community partnerships can make a significant difference to outcomes for young people, including increased skills and greater engagement with learning. It is also anticipated that these partnerships will leave a meaningful legacy in the local community.
More information:
www.schoolsfirst.edu.au
www.coecxs.org