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Headstart celebrates success
7 June, 2006
The University of the Sunshine Coast's successful Headstart
Program is holding a special celebration evening for this year's
students, their parents and staff and principals from local schools
tomorrow night.
Around 100 people will gather at the University for the
presentation of Headstart Scholarships by David Kirk from the Kirk
Foundation and the awarding of certificates to participating
schools.
The University's Headstart Program has grown from strength to
strength since it was first trialled in 2002 to provide a
university experience for Sunshine Coast high school students.
Since then, 286 Headstart students have enrolled in 390
semesters of university study with many achieving outstanding
results.
Headstart Program Coordinator, Kylie McKenzie said that almost
40 per cent of students received grades of High Distinction or
Distinction for their university subjects - and this is while many
are still studying a full load at high school.
"These students are often juggling high school study, university
study, paid work, plus sporting and extra curricular commitments,"
Ms McKenzie said.
"A good support network through their families, schools and the
University helps them succeed in their study.
Students attend classes alongside undergraduate university
students, who often do not know they are sitting next to a high
school student.
"They attend all the lectures, tutorials and workshops as part
of their degree subjects and are expected to complete all the
assessment items on time to university standards.
"They also receive free access to all the university student
services.
Headstart students can complete up to two semesters of study,
which, if successfully completed will guarantee them a place in the
USC degree of their choice.
"Students choose from more than 50 courses with the most popular
including creative writing, Italian and Japanese languages,
psychology, business law and ethics, marketing and accounting.
Thursday night's function will congratulate Headstart students
from this year and provide an opportunity for them to share their
stories.