School student ambassadors gather at UWS

Hundreds of students representing local schools from South-Western Sydney will gather at the University of Western Sydney's Campbelltown campus on Thursday August 2 for a series of workshops and mentoring programs as part of Education Week.

The Ambassadors for Public Education Day is a joint initiative of UWS and the South-Western Sydney Department of Education and Communities (DEC), with more than 250 schools in the region taking part.

Each public primary, special needs and high school in South-Western Sydney had the opportunity to choose one student as its Ambassador for Public Education. These ambassadors have already participated in a special leadership day, and will be formally recognised in their ambassadorial roles on August 2.

Students will get the chance to take part in a range of exciting activities organised by the University, including:

* What leaders do (UWS School of Business)
* Critical thinking: or how to be a philosopher (UWS School of Humanities and Communication Arts)
* Law mini-moot (UWS School of Law)
* Reptile show-and-tell (UWS School of Science and Health)
* The amazing campus race (UWS Schools Engagement)
* Plaster casts (UWS School of Medicine)

Manager of UWS Schools Engagement, Anne McLean, says the ambassadors were chosen based on their leadership and communication skills, and community service, as well as their commitment to the values of public education.

"We are thrilled to be hosting such talented and motivated students," says Ms McLean.

"The event gives them a taste of university life, insights into courses of study and the opportunity to meet UWS staff and students, whilst enjoying some fun and interesting learning activities."

Now in its sixth year, the 'Ambassadors for Public Education Day' helps promote and celebrate the benefits of Public Education. 

Following the event is an evening ceremony to announce the junior and senior ambassadors for the 10 sub-regions of the South West.

These students, chosen from among 20-30 of their peers, will be given further opportunities to advance their leadership, communication and service skills.

The South Western Sydney DEC includes the sub-regions of Bankstown, Campbelltown, East Hills, Fairfield, Granville, Hoxton, Ingleburn, Liverpool, Macarthur and Strathfield.

WHAT: Ambassadors for Public Education Day

WHEN: 9.30am to 3.30pm, Thursday 2nd August, 2012

WHERE: UWS Campbelltown campus, Narellan Road, Campbelltown

Ends

30 July 2012

Contact: Mark Smith, Media Officer