Student Highlights
Cultural connections in Education

Harrison is a proud Wiradjuri man, studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary). With a love for art, storytelling and music, he is taking his future career by storm.

“I was provided the opportunity to work as a gap year student in my former school. Discovering a new insight into teaching and seeing the perseverance, resilience and adaptability of teachers made me realise the profound impacts they have on young Australians, including me,” he said.

Impressed with the practical opportunities, facilities and knowledge of academics at the University of Newcastle, Harrison’s decision on where to study was easy to make.

“When friends and family ask about my program, they are surprised with the amount of effort the School of Education takes in professional experiences, from SimTeach, SimSchool, Practicums, Internships and subject-specific field studies,” he said.

“My placement provided me with a breath of fresh air and illustrated to me the reason I first chose an education degree. It was a perfect conclusion when the school asked me to be a guest speaker at their 2022 NAIDOC assembly, where I got to share my family’s story and my insight of being a proud Wiradjuri man in the classroom,” he said.

At the end of 2022, Harrison was awarded the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship – the most lucrative and prestigious undergraduate scholarship in Australia.

Through supporting Australia’s best undergraduate students, the NCP helps fund a semester long international study experience, with internships and language training for up to 19-months in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It is an absolute honour to represent my culture, passion and dedication to education through this opportunity. So far, it has been a wonderful experience of building connections, learning about another education system and exploring what Fiji has to offer.

“If you are passionate for what you study, the NCP will unlock opportunities to take your study further and be an accomplished student upon graduation,” he said.

With a combination of theoretical and practical work throughout his degree, Harrison feels prepared to work in the education industry.

“The education programs at Newcastle prepare students to be high-quality teachers. The School of Education provides excellent support for pre-service teachers to be exposed to authentic teaching experiences through placements and internships,” he said.

Upon completing his degree, Harrison strives to start teaching straight away.

“I want to get straight into the classroom and be the best teacher that I possibly can be. I have a passion for cultural education and can’t wait to share my culture with students as well,” he said.

Find out more about the New Colombo Plan

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Harrison Sheperd

Harrison, a proud Wiradjuri man, found his passion for Education on his gap year. Now, he is a New Colombo Plan Scholarship recipient and expanding his skills and knowledge in Fiji.

If you are passionate for what you study, the NCP will unlock opportunities to take your study further and be an accomplished student upon graduation