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School programs and camps for Indigenous students

Macquarie University is helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gain the resilience they need to overcome life’s challenges and emerge as tomorrow’s leaders.

Walanga Muru partners with high schools and community to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive the preparation they need to succeed and develop their cultural identity into the future.

Opportunities for partnerships with high schools include:

Walanga Muru at Macquarie facilitates this innovative in-school engagement program. The program aims to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 7 through 10 to:

  • aspire to tertiary education
  • be proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young leaders
  • develop their cultural understanding and knowledge.

Our program lessons and activities are designed to build and foster student relations. We assist student to recognise their potential — from when they start high school through to when they graduate.

When will the program be implemented?
We will hold six face-to-face sessions throughout each year. Dates will be discussed and decided upon around your school’s calendar, to avoid exam dates etc.

Unpacking the program
Your school elects which six sessions will be implemented throughout the year by choosing two sessions from each of our three pillars:

  1. cultural learning
  2. leadership skills
  3. pursuing tertiary education.

In July, Walanga Muru hosts a three-day leadership camp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 10. Rising Stars Leadership Camp is an all-inclusive 3-day camp designed to further develop students' leadership skills and experience Macquarie University.

The Rising Stars camp is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young leaders to:

  • consider career options
  • develop their leadership skills
  • immerse themselves in University life.

Camp activities are designed to develop students' leadership skills, grow their cultural knowledge and encourage their future aspirations. Participants will take part in a range of activities, make deadly connections, and understand what university is all about.

2024 camp dates: Tuesday 2 July – Thursday 4 July

Applications close 6 May 2024. Click here to apply.

For more information please refer to our information booklet.

Held in January each year, Camp Aspire is an all inclusive three-day residential camp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander senior students.

Students explore tertiary education options at Macquarie University and engage in activities such as:

  • experiencing what their dream degree would involve
  • getting involved in cultural activities
  • meeting external organisation representatives.

We enable students to experience an area of the University that they choose based on their interests. By attending this camp students will gain the knowledge and experiences that will allow them to make a decision on what their tertiary study options are once they finish high school.

2025 camp dates: Tuesday 14 January – Thursday 16 January

Applications open 1 September and close on November 17 2024

For more information please refer to our information booklet.

Our Critical Thinking unit provides Year 11 students the opportunity to start their degree at Macquarie University while still at high school.

The unit PHIL1037 covers the fundamentals of critical thinking and reasoning. The unit runs in Session 1 – from February to June – and all learning is completed online.

If a student successfully completes this unit, receiving an overall mark of a credit (65) or above they will receive an early offer to study at Macquarie once they finish their HSC.

Walanga Muru will provide each student tutoring, mentoring and individualised support.

Campus tours

Our campus tours provide a tailored opportunity for students in Year 10 to 12 to visit the Macquarie University campus at North Ryde.

The students enjoy a day of engaging activities aimed at raising aspirations and demystifying the university experience. Students will gain knowledge about our engagement services, scholarships, entry pathways, accommodation options and more.

One-off presentations

Our Pathways team are available to come out to your school and present to your senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. These presentations can cover information regarding degree options, scholarships, entry pathways, accommodation options and more.

Contact the Pathways team on wmpathways@mq.edu.au for more information about any of the above programs.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway

Run by Walanga Muru, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway (ATSIEP) provides opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to study undergraduate level courses at Macquarie. ATSIEP can be used to determine readiness for study and, if necessary, to provide advice on alternative methods of entry.

The selection process consists of two stages: a written application and an interview.

Step 1: Written application

Applicants are required to complete a written application that includes one of the following:

  • confirmation of Aboriginality (eg a letter of confirmation from an Aboriginal organisation, stamped with their common seal).
  • a letter of confirmation belonging to a direct family member (eg the applicant’s mother or grandfather) with the corresponding birth certificate.
  • a letter of support from an appropriate community representative, such as an Aboriginal education officer (AEO) or School Principal from the applicant’s high school, an Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) member, an Aboriginal organisation representative etc.

A letter of support should state:

  • how long the representative has known the applicant
  • how long the applicant has been enrolled at the school or part of the organisation
  • how long they have identified for
  • what Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander activities they have been involved in.

Step 2: Interview

  • All applicants are to attend an interview to determine readiness to undertake university studies
  • The interview will further explore educational background, work experience, communication skills, aspirations and self-motivation.

To apply for this admissions pathway, complete the online application form.

For more information, contact:

Hayden Brown
Indigenous Outreach Support Assistant
T: +61 (2) 9850 6794
E: h.brown@mq.edu.au

Indigenous student engagement

We recognise that education is a powerful vehicle for change — for students, their families and communities.

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