UOW takes history to HSC students

Nov 16, 2006

Twelve months out from the 2007 Higher School Certificate, the University of Wollongong yesterday (Wednesday, 15 November) hosted a seminar for 160 students starting Year 12 History Extension.

The half-day free seminar – open to Year 12 students from Sutherland to Eden along the coast, and inland from Campbelltown to Cooma – was designed to boost students’ research skills and confidence as they enter Year 12.

Seminar organiser Dr Glenn Mitchell, from UOW’s School of History and Politics, said the seminar presenters included respected academics from UOW’s Faculty of Arts, former History Extension students who are now part of the University’s History Honours program, and UOW Librarians whe explained research techniques and provided information on how to access available resources.

Associate Professor Greg Melleuish, who presented a paper to the national History Summit this year and has recently been invited to join the judging panel for the Prime Minister’s History prize, was one of the presenters.

“This was the third year that we have run the seminar, and it is building in strength and popularity,” Dr Mitchell said.

“We had 40 students in 2004 and 130 last year, so clearly the word is getting out in the schools that this is a valuable opportunity for their History Extension students to get expert advice on the kinds of questions they will face in the HSC, and how to find the answers.”