UWS showcases Aboriginal gifted and talented students’ projects

The University of Western Sydney will host the 2012 Twugia Showcase, celebrating the year’s work of an initiative to address the needs of Aboriginal gifted and talented students within South-Western Sydney, at the School of Medicine, Campbelltown campus on Wednesday 24 October.

Started in 2006, Twugia involves Year 6 to 10 students who are initially selected based on their year 5 NAPLAN results, and then encouraged to participate from Year 6 onwards.

Manager of Schools Engagement at UWS, Ms Anne McLean says the University is pleased to host the 2012 event.

“This year, 42 Aboriginal students from 34 schools participated in Twugia and we are delighted to have them visit the campus to showcase their work so the community can see the results of their talent and dedication,” says Ms McLean.

“Twugia is a great program and we are looking forward to congratulating the students,” says Ms McLean.

Mr Murat Dizdar who is the Regional Director, South-Western Sydney, NSW Department of Education and Communities(opens in a new window) will attend the event along with state and regional members of NSW DEC, parents and carers for each student and school principals.  Professor Vaughan Macefield from the School of Medicine, who is the campus Provost, will welcome our guests.

Ms Sherrie Meyers, Aboriginal Education, Student Engagement and Connections Officer at NSW DEC coordinates Twugia and has planned, organised and engaged Aboriginal community members and teachers to create teaching and learning experiences for students from Years 6 to 10.

“The initiative’s priority is to deliver curriculum enrichment based on numeracy and/or literacy that integrates information communications technology to meet the needs of these high achieving students,” says Ms Meyers.

“Students are given innovative and engaging activities such as forming community partnerships and developing a deeper cultural understanding.”

At the showcase, the items the students have created will be launched and individuals will share insights about their Twugia experience.

This year, each year group did the following:

  • Year 6: produced a book entitled ‘Our Land – Our Culture’;
  • Year 7: made a short film entitled ‘Jump the Hurdles’;
  • Year 8: assisted in the production of a promotional DVD with the NSW DEC Selective Schools Unit called ‘Selective high schools and opportunity classes – An Aboriginal Perspective’. After completing the promotional DVD, the Year 8 students produced a DVD of how the promotional DVD was made, entitled ‘Behind the Opportunities’; and
  • Year 9 and 10: visited UWS to start preparing for their future with information on pathways to worthwhile post-school options.

WHAT: 2012 Twugia Showcase

WHEN: 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Wednesday 24 October, 2012

WHERE: School of Medicine, Building 30, UWS Campbelltown campus, Corner of Narellan Road and Gilchrist Drive (entrance is via Narellan Road), Campbelltown.

Ends

23 October 2012

Contact: Kristy Gleeson, Media Officer