The University of Western Australia’s School of Indigenous Studies hosts an annual program called the Year 8 Discovery Day, designed to introduce Indigenous high school students to university life. This year, nine Indigenous Kolbe students attended the event, joining peers from other schools for a day filled with hands-on learning and cultural connection.
Throughout the day, students explored diverse subjects such as Sports Science, Chemistry, and Fine Arts alongside Wesley College students. One highlight was the Fine Arts workshop led by Andy Quilty, a former Kolbe Catholic College student, giving our students a unique opportunity to engage with creative expression under his guidance.
In addition to these enriching activities, the students had the chance to meet current Indigenous students and staff from UWA’s School of Indigenous Studies, who generously shared their experiences, insights, and journeys within the university environment.
Our students were engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day, making it a rewarding experience for everyone involved. The event was a valuable opportunity for them to glimpse university life, explore potential study paths, and feel a sense of community and belonging.
Tareyka, Year 8, reflected on her experience:
“Today was pretty fun and social, meeting all the students gave me a welcoming approach. Having sport science first was great as we did it in the cooler temperature compared to the rest of the day. The science block was really interesting to find out about the different topics there are in nano elements. My overall favourite was fine art, inking. It gave me the freedom and creativity to express ourselves in a fun, relaxing way.”
The Year 8 Discovery Day was an inspiring experience, fostering excitement for learning and future opportunities among our students. We are proud of their participation and look forward to seeing them thrive as they continue their educational journeys.
