Bulletin

Issue: September 2004

News

University mentors are helping school students Get 'In2Science'

A program to encourage more Victorian secondary school students to 'get into science' was recently launched by La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

A new joint venture in Victoria, the program - called 'In2Science' - is run by the Science Faculties at the two universities. It has been funded by the William Buckland Foundation.

'In2Science' places selected science students from La Trobe and Melbourne in secondary schools for up to three hours a week in fourteen-week blocks.

The university students then act as mentors and role models for school students - especially those in the middle years of their secondary education, years 7-10. They also serve as an additional resource for teachers to enhance existing science programs.

La Trobe University Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, Professor David Finlay - who is also President of the Australian Council of Science Deans - said initially nine La Trobe students will take part in the program.

'The aim is to promote enthusiasm for science among secondary students, especially in key subjects like Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, and to help students make choices about future higher education options which can lead to rewarding and interesting career choices.' Professor Finlay said the scheme also benefits university students by enhancing their skills in science communication.

Professor John McKenzie, Dean of Science at the University of Melbourne, said: 'In2Science will help broaden the experiences and opportunities for students in schools and universities to share their passion and cultivate their curiosity in science.'

'We are most grateful for the support from the William Buckland Foundation, which has enabled university students to assist the development of science education in schools.'

La Trobe University Peer Mentoring Co-ordinator, John McDonald, said the new Victorian program was based on a successful scheme called STAR which has been run through Western Australia's Murdoch University for the past 11 years. Currently there are more than 300 Australian university students involved in such programs.

'Schools have been very positive,' Mr McDonald said. 'They see its potential value to both staff and students and, as the program grows, we hope to involve more schools and mentors each year.'

Nine metropolitan secondary schools, Eltham High School, St Helena Secondary College, Mill Park Secondary College, East Doncaster Secondary College, Macleod College, Pascoe Vale Girls' Secondary College, Northcote High School, Princes Hill Secondary College and Melbourne Girls' College, and one regional school, Mitchell High School in Wodonga, are participating in the inaugural year of the program.

Further information from John McDonald, telephone: 9479 2523 or email: j.mcdonald@latrobe.edu.au

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