Aiming to turn fiction into reality

Monday, 23 June 2014

The aspirational Careers Through Reading program delivered by Aim High continues to inspire through storytelling.

Students participate in Careers Through Reading

As a child there was something magical about the places a good book could take you. Through the rhyming landscape of Dr Suess to the marvellous creations of Roald Dahl, books are a tool of transportation into a world of possibilities. 

The Aim High team at the University of Newcastle harnessed this potential by implementing the Careers Through Reading program four years ago that now engages almost 20 partner primary schools. 

The highly successful program introduces children in Year 5 to a variety of career and study options through storytelling and other activities. 

Delivered by current University of Newcastle students, the program has been extremely well received in primary schools by students, their parents and teachers. 

Recent feedback from teachers' show that students are very engaged with the program and they find it fun and interesting. Parents are also enquiring about the program for their children approaching Year 5 as they have heard about it and are keen to be involved. 

"I think you and your wonderful band of students have managed to not only engage the children fully, but have won a few hearts along the way," said Medowie Primary School Assistant Principle, Christine King. 

"I personally love the fact that they are seeing such a group of talented Uni students and a wonderful facilitator to inspire them to reach for goals that they may not have considered in the past," she added. 

The Aim High team is dedicated to increasing awareness of higher education and career paths, whilst creating an expectation of participation in further study amongst students from diverse backgrounds. 

Equity and Diversity Manager, Belinda Munn, said Aim High delivers a range of programs that provide primary and high school students with opportunities and information they might not otherwise receive. 

"In 2013 we connected with over 5,000 primary and high schools students across the Hunter, Central and Mid-North Coast regions. So far this year we have already exceeded that figure. We hope that by inspiring these students at a young age, they will have their own stories to tell the world one day," said Belinda.


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