UOW takes history to high school students

Nov 14, 2006

Twelve months out from the 2007 Higher School Certificate, the University of Wollongong is tomorrow (Wednesday, 15 November) hosting 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 – is designed to boost students’ research skills and confidence as they enter Year 12.

It is being held at the University tomorrow (15 November) from 9am-12.30pm, and schools throughout south-eastern NSW are attending.

Seminar organiser Dr Glenn Mitchell, from UOW’s School of History and Politics, said the seminar presenters would include 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 who would explain research techniques and provide 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, will be one of the presenters.

“This is the third year that we have been running 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.”

The media is invited to cover this event. There will be a break from 10.15-10.30am that would provide the opportunity to talk to organizers.

WHERE: Lecture Theatre 104, MacKinnon Building (Building 67), University of Wollongong.

WHEN: Wednesday, 15 November. 9am-12.30pm.

CONTACT: Dr Glenn Mitchell on (02) 4221 3723.